Miss Prend. The pleasure is more than mutual; but do I understand that Mr. ——?  So tiresome, I left my glasses up in my room! [She peers up and down the line of faces on her own side of the table.

Miss T. (to Culch.) I want you should notice that girl.  I think she looks just as nice as she can be, don’t you?

Culch. (carefully looking in every other direction).  I—­er—­mumble—­mumble—­don’t exactly—­ [Here a Waiter offers him a dish containing layers of soles disguised under thick brown sauce; CULCHARD mangles it with an ineffectual spoon.  The Waiter, with pitying contempt, “Tut-tut-tut!  Pesce Signore—­feesh!" CULCH. eventually lands a sole in a very damaged condition.

Podb. (to Miss P.) No—­not this side—­just opposite. (Here CULCH., in fingering a siphon which is remarkably stiff on the trigger, contrives to send a spray across the table and sprinkle Miss PRENDERGAST, her brother, and PODBURY, with impartial liberality). Now don’t you see him?  As playful as ever, isn’t he!  Don’t try to make out it was an accident, old fellow.  Miss PRENDERGAST knows you! [Misery of CULCHARD.

Miss P. (graciously).  Pray don’t apologise, Mr. CULCHARD; not the least harm done!  You must forgive me for not recognising you before, but you know of old how provokingly shortsighted I am, and I’ve forgotten my glasses.

Culch. (indistinctly).  I—­er—­not at all ... most distressed, I assure you ... really no notion—­

Miss T. (in an undertone).  Say, you know her, then?  And you never let on!

Culch. Didn’t I?  Oh, surely! yes, I’ve—­er—­met that lady. (With grateful deference to Mr. BELLERBY, who has just addressed him.) You are an Art-Collector?  Indeed?  And—­er—­have you—­er—?

Mr. B. I’ve the three finest Bodgers in the kingdom, Sir, and there’s a Gubbins—­a Joe Gubbins, mind you, not John—­that’s hanging now in the morning-room of my place in the country that I wouldn’t take a thousand pounds for!  I go about using my eyes and pick ’em up cheap.  Cheapest picture I ever bought was a Prout—­thirty-two by twenty; got it for two pound ten!  Unfinished, of course, but it only wanted the colour being brought up to the edge. I did that.  Took me half a day, and now—­well, any dealer would give me hundreds for it!  But I shall leave it to the nation, out of respect for PROUT’S memory.

Bob Pr. (to PODBURY).  Yes, came over by; the St. Gothard.  Who is that girl who was talking to CULCHARD just now?  Do you know her?  I say, I wish you’d introduce me some time.

Miss T. (to CULCHARD).  You don’t seem vurry bright this evening.  I’d like you to converse with your friend opposite, so I could get a chance to chip in.  I’m ever so interested in that girl!