Culch. Well, if you like to come with me, I—I shall be very pleased to have your company.
Podb. (considering). I don't care if I do—it may cheer me up a bit. Florence, eh?—and Naples? I shouldn't mind a look at Florence. Or Rome. How about Rome, now?
Culch. (to himself). Was I wise to expose myself to this sort of thing again? I'm almost sorry I——(Aloud.) My dear fellow, if we are to travel together in any sort of comfort, you must leave all details to me. And there's one thing I do insist on. In future we must keep to our original resolution—not to be drawn into any chance acquaintanceship. I don't want to reproach you, but if, when we were first at Brussels, you had not allowed yourself to get so intimate with the Trotters all this would never——
Podb. (exasperated). There you go again! I can't stand being jawed at, Culchard, and I won't!
Culch. I am no more conscious of "jawing" than "jabbering," and if that is how I am to be spoken to——!
Podb. I know. Look here, it's no use. You must go to Florence by yourself. I simply don't feel up to it, and that's the truth. I shall just potter about here till—till they go.
Culch. As you choose. I gave you the opportunity—out of kindness. If you prefer to make yourself ridiculous by hanging about here, it's no concern of mine. I dare say I shall enjoy Florence at least as well by myself.
[He sulks until they arrive at the Hotel Dandolo, where they are received on the steps by the Porter.
Porter. Goot afternoon, Schendlemen. You have a bleasant dimes at Torcello, yes? Ach! you haf gif your gondoliers vifdeen franc? Zey schvindle you, oal ze gondoliers alvays schvindles eferypody, yes! Zere is som ledders for you. I vetch them. [He bustles away.
Mr. Bellerby (suddenly emerging from a recess in the entrance, as he recognizes Culchard). Why, bless me, there's a face I know! Met at Lugano, didn't we? To be sure—very pleasant chat we had too! So you're at Venice, eh? I know every stone of it by heart, as I needn't say. The first time I was ever at Venice——