Podb. (dreamily).  Glass up, Gondolier ... stifling in this cab ... drive me ... nearest Doge. [He snores.

Culch. Brutal selfishness! (Turns out the light himself.) Now if I can only get off to sleep while that little beast is quiet—­

Mosquito (ironically, in his ear).  Ping-a-wing-wing!

    Same Scene; the next morning.

Culch. (drawing PODBURY’s curtains).  Here, wake up, PODBURY—­it’s just eight. (PODBURY sits up, and rubs his eyes.) I’ve had a horrible night, my dear fellow!  I’m stung to such an extent!  But (hopefully) I suppose there’s nothing to show particularly, eh? [Presenting his countenance for inspection.

Podb. Not much of your original features, old fellow! (He roars with laughter.) You’ve got a pair of cheeks like a raised map!

Culch. It—­it’s going down.  Nothing to what it was, half an hour ago!

Podb. Then I’m jolly glad you didn’t call me earlier, that’s all!

Culch. It does feel a little inflamed.  I wonder if I could get a little—­er—­violet powder, or something—?

Podb. (with a painful want of sympathy).  Violet powder!  Buy a blue veil—­a good thick one!

Culch. What sort of impression do you suppose I should get of Venice with a blue veil on?

Podb. Can’t say—­but a pleasanter one than Venice will get of you without it.  You don’t mean to face the fair Miss TROTTER while you’re like that, do you?

Culch. (with dignity).  Most certainly I do.  I am much mistaken in Miss TROTTER if she will attach the slightest importance to a mere temporary—­er—­disfigurement.  These swellings never do last long. Do they now?

Podb. Oh, not more than a month or so, I daresay, if you can keep from touching them. (He laughs again.) Excuse me, old chap, but I just got you in a new light.  Those mosquitoes have paid you out for that pastille—­by Jove, they have!

    Landing-steps entrance of the Hotel.  Nine A.M.

Culch. (coming out a little self-consciously, and finding Mr. TROTTER).  Ah, good morning!  What are your—­er—­impressions of Venice, Mr. TROTTER?

Mr. Trotter (thoughtfully).  Well, I’m considerable struck with it, Sir.  There’s a purrfect freshness and novelty about Vernis that’s amusing to a stranger like myself.  We’ve nothing just like this city out West.  No, Sir.  And how are—­(Becomes aware of CULCHARD’s appearance.) Say, you don’t look like your slumbers had been one unbroken ca’m, either!  The mosquitoes hev been powerful active makin’ alterations in you.  Perseverin’ and industrious insects, Sir!  Me and my darter have been for a loaf round before breakfast.  I dunno if you’ve seen her yet, she’s—.