Podb. (desperately).  Take care!  I swear I’ll pitch you out of this gondola, unless you stop that jabber!

Culch. (with wounded dignity).  I am willing to make great allowances for your state of mind, PODBURY, but such an expression as—­as jabber, applied to my—­er—­well-meant attempts at consolation, and just as I was about to propose an arrangement—­really, it’s too much!  The moment we reach the hotel, I will relieve you from any further infliction from (bitterly) what you are pleased to call my “jabber!”

Podb. (sulkily).  Very well—­’m sure I don’t care! (To himself.) Even old CULCHARD won’t have anything to do with me now!  I must have somebody to talk to—­or I shall go off my head! (Aloud).  I say, old chap! (No answer.) Look here—­it’s bad enough as it is without our having a row!  Never mind anything I said.

Culch. I do mind—­I must.  I am not accustomed to hear myself called a—­a jabberer!

Podb. I didn’t call you a jabberer—­I only said you talked jabber.  I—­I hardly know what I do say, when I’m like this.  And I’m deuced sorry I spoke—­there!

Culch. (relaxing).  Well, do you withdraw jabber?

Podb. Certainly, old chap.  I like you to talk, only not—­not against Her, you know!  What were you going to propose?

Culch. Well, my idea was this.  My leave is practically unlimited—­at least, without vanity, I think I may say that my Chief sufficiently appreciates my services not to make a fuss about a few extra days.  So I thought I’d just run down to Florence and Naples, and perhaps catch a P. & O. at Brindisi.  I suppose you’re not tied to time in any way?

Podb. (dolefully).  Free as a bird!  If the Governor had wanted me back in the City, he’d have let me know it.  Well?

Culch. Well, if you like to come with me, I—­I shall be very pleased to have your company.

Podb. (considering).  I don’t care if I do—­it may cheer me up a bit.  Florence, eh?—­and Naples?  I shouldn’t mind a look at Florence.  Or Rome.  How about Rome, now?

Culch. (to himself).  Was I wise to expose myself to this sort of thing again?  I’m almost sorry I—­ (Aloud.) My dear fellow, if we are to travel together in any sort of comfort, you must leave all details to me.  And there’s one thing I do insist on.  In future we must keep to our original resolution—­not to be drawn into any chance acquaintanceship.  I don’t want to reproach you, but if, when we were first at Brussels, you had not allowed yourself to get so intimate with the TROTTERS, all this would never—­

Podb. (exasperated).  There you go again!  I can’t stand being jawed at, CULCHARD, and I won’t!