Culch. I am glad you see it in that light. Aren't you a little irritable to-night?
Podb. No, I'm not. It's those filthy canals. And the way you talk—as if a girl like Miss Trotter wasn't——!
Culch. I really can't allow you to lecture me. I am not insensible to my good-fortune—if others are. Now we'll drop the subject.
Podb. I'm willing enough to drop it. And I shall turn in now—it's late. You coming?
Culch. Not yet. Good-night. (To himself, as Podbury departs.) You tasteless dolt!
Podb. Good-night! (To himself, as he swings off.) Confounded patronizing prig!
CHAPTER XXIII.
PEARLS AND PIGS.
Scene—The Lower Hall of the Scuola di San Rocco, Venice. British Tourists discovered studying the Tintorets on the walls and ceiling by the aid of Ruskin, Hare, and Bædeker, from which they read aloud, instructively, to one another. Miss Prendergast has brought "The Stones of Venice" for the benefit of her brother and Podbury. Long self-repression has reduced Podbury to that unpleasantly hysterical condition known as "a fit of the giggles," which, however, has hitherto escaped detection.