[He chuckles again.
Culch. (with dignity). No doubt you will find it very singular; but, as a matter of fact, she—well, she most certainly did not discourage my pretensions.
Podb. The deuce she didn't! Did she tell you Ruskin's ideas about courtship being a probation, and ask you if you were ready to be under vow for her, by any chance?
Culch. This is too bad, Podbury! you must have been there, or you couldn't possibly know!
Podb. Much obliged, I'm sure. I don't listen behind doors, as a general thing. I suppose, now, she set you a trial of some kind, to prove your mettle, eh? [With another chuckle.
Culch. (furiously). Take care—or I may tell you more than you bargain for!
Podb. Go on—never mind me. Bless you, I'm under vow for her too, my dear boy. Fact!
Culch. That's impossible, and I can prove it. The service she demanded was, that I should leave Constance at once—with you. Do you understand—with you, Podbury!
Podb. (with a prolonged whistle). My aunt!
Culch. (severely). You may invoke every female relative you possess in the world, but it won't alter the fact, and that alone ought to convince you——