Outside; by the landing-steps.

Miss P. BOB, go on and get the gondola ready.  I wish to speak to Mr. PODBURY. (To PODBURY, after BOB has withdrawn.) Mr. PODBURY, I cannot tell you how disgusted and disappointed I feel at your senseless irreverence.

Podb. (penitently).  I—­I’m really most awfully sorry—­but it came over me suddenly, and I simply couldn’t help myself!

Miss P. That is what makes it so very hopeless—­after all the pains I have taken with you!  I have been beginning to fear for some time that you are incorrigible—­and to-day is really the last straw!  So it is kinder to let you know at once that you have been tried and found wanting.  I have no alternative but to release you finally from your vows—­I cannot allow you to remain my suitor any longer.

Podb. (humbly).  I was always afraid I shouldn’t last the course, don’t you know.  I did my best—­but it wasn’t in me, I suppose.  It was awfully good of you to put up with me so long.  And, I say, you won’t mind our being friends still, will you now?

Miss P. Of course not.  I shall always wish you well, Mr. PODBURY—­only I won’t trouble you to accompany me to any more galleries!

Podb. A—­thanks.  I—­I mean, I know I should only be in your way and all that.  And—­I’d better say good-bye, Miss PRENDERGAST. You won’t want me in the gondola just now, I’m sure.  I can easily get another.

Miss P. Well—­good-bye then, Mr. PODBURY.  I will explain to BOB.

    [She steps into the gondola; BOB raises his eyebrows in
    mute interrogation at PODBURY, who shakes his head, and
    allows the gondola to go without him.

Podb. (to himself, as the gondola disappears).  So that’s over!  Hanged if I don’t think I’m sorry, after all.  It will be beastly lonely without anybody to bully me, and she could be awfully nice when she chose....  Still it is a relief to have got rid of old TINTORET, and not to have to bother about BELLINI and CIMA and that lot....  How that beggar CULCHARD will crow when he hears of it!  Shan’t tell him anything—­if I can help it....  But the worst of getting the sack is—­people are almost bound to spot you ...  I think I’ll be off to-morrow.  I’ve had enough of Venice!

* * * * *

[Illustration:  Hard-riding Individual (to Friend, whose Horse has refused with dire results).  “HELLO!  CHARLEY, OLD MAN, HOW ARE TURNIPS LOOKING DOWN IN THAT NEIGHBOURHOOD?”]

* * * * *

ONLY FANCY!

In the admirably-compiled columns of “This Morning’s News,” given in the Daily News, we read with interest a paragraph occasionally appearing, furnishing information as to prices current in the Provision Market.  We have made arrangements to supply our readers with something of the same character, which cannot fail to be valued in the household.