Podb. Well,—not exactly, old chap—not to me, at least. But I say, Miss Trotter didn't tell you that? Not really? Hooray! Then it's all right—she may have me after all!
Culch. (chillingly). I should advise you not to be over-confident. (A silence follows, which endures until they reach the landing-steps at Torcello.) They are here, you see—those are evidently their gondolas, I recognise those two cloaks. Now the best thing we can do is to separate.
Podb. (springing out). Right you are! (To himself.) I'll draw the church first and see if she's there. (Approaches the door of Santa Maria: a Voice within, apparently reading aloud: "Six balls, or rather almonds, of purple marble veined with white are set around the edge of the pulpit, and form its only decoration.") Hypatia, by Jove! Narrow shave that!
[He goes round to back.
Culch. (comes up to the door). I know I shall find her here. Lucky I know that Torcello chapter in "The Stones" very nearly by heart! (Reaches threshold. A Voice within. "Well, I guess I'm going to climb up and sit in that old amphitheatre there, and see how it feels!") Good heavens,—Maud! and I was as nearly as possible—I think I'll go up to the top of the Campanile and see if I can't discover where Hypatia is.
[He ascends the tower.
IN THE BELFRY.
Podb. (arriving breathless, and finding Culchard craning eagerly forward). Oh, so you came up too? Well, can you see her?
Culch. Ssh! She's just turned the corner! (Vexed.) She's with Miss Trotter!... They're sitting down on the grass below!
Podb. Together? That's a nuisance! Now we shall have to wait till they separate—sure to squabble, sooner or later.