Culch. (firmly).  If you expect me to travel for seven years with him, permit me to mention that I simply cannot do it.  My leave expires in three weeks.

Miss P. I mentioned no term, I believe.  Long before three weeks are over we shall meet again, and I shall be able to see how you have borne the test.  I wish you to correct, if possible, a certain intolerance in your attitude towards Mr. PODBURY.  Do you accept this probation, or not?

Culch. I—­ah—­suppose I have no choice.  But you really must allow me to say that it is not precisely the reception I anticipated.  Still, in your service, I am willing to endure even PODBURY—­for a strictly limited period; that I do stipulate for.

Miss P. That, as I have already said, is quite understood.  Now go and arrange with Mr. PODBURY.

Culch. (to himself, as he retires).  It is most unsatisfactory; but at least PODBURY is disposed of!

    The same Scene, a quarter of an hour later.  PODBURY and
    Miss PRENDERGAST.

Podbury (with a very long face).  No, I say, though!  RUSKIN doesn’t say all that?

Miss P. I am not in the habit of misquoting.  If you wish to verify the quotation, however, I daresay I could find you the reference in Fors Clavigera.

Podb. (ruefully).  Thanks—­I won’t trouble you.  Only it does seem rather rough on fellows, don’t you know.  If everyone went on his plan—­well, there wouldn’t be many marriages!  Still, I never thought you’d say “Yes” right off.  It’s like my cheek, I know, to ask you at all; you’re so awfully clever and that.  And if there’s a chance for me, I’m game for anything in the way of a trial.  Don’t make it stiffer than you can help, that’s all!

Miss P. All I ask of you is to leave me for a short time, and go and travel with Mr. CULCHARD again.

Podb. Oh, I say, Miss PRENDERGAST, you know.  Make it something else. Do!

Miss P. That is the task I require, and I can accept no other.  It is nothing, after all, but what you came out here to do.

Podb. I didn’t know him then, you see.  And what made me agree to come away with him at all is beyond me.  It was all HUGHIE ROSE’s doing—­he said we should get on together like blazes.  So we have—­very like blazes!

Miss P. Never mind that.  Are you willing to accept the trial or not?

Podb. If you only knew what he’s like when he’s nasty, you’d let me off—­you would, really.  But there, to please you, I’ll do it.  I’ll stand him as long as ever I can—­’pon my honour I will.  Only you’ll make it up to me afterwards, won’t you now?

Miss P. I will make no promises—­a true knight should expect no reward for his service, Mr. PODBURY.

Podb. (blankly).  Shouldn’t he?  I’m a little new to the business, you see, and it does strike me—­but never mind.  When am I to trot him off?