Mr. Prattler (to Miss AMMERSON). Oh, do stop and look at these sweet goldfish! Pets! Don't you love them? Aren't they tame?
Miss Ammerson. Wouldn't do to have them wild—might jump out and bite people, you know!
Mr. P. It's too horrid of you to make fun of my poor little enthusiasms! But really,—couldn't we get something and feed them?—Do let's!
Miss A. I daresay you could get ham-sandwiches in the Restaurant—or chocolates.
Mr. P. How unkind you are to me! But I don't care. (Wilfully.) I shall come here all by myself, and bring biscuits. Great big ones! Are you determined to take me into that big room with all the Portraits? Well, you must tell me who they all are then, and which are the Guelphiest ones.
IN THE ROYAL ROOM.
Considerate Niece (to Uncle). They seem mostly Portraits here. You're sure you don't mind looking at them, Uncle? I know so many people do object to Portraits.
Uncle (with the air of a Christian Martyr). No, my dear, no: I don't mind 'em. Stay here as long as you like, I'll sit down and look at the people, till you've done.
First Critical Visitor (examining a View of St. James's Park). I wonder where that was taken. In Scotland, I expect—there's two Highlanders there, you see.
Second C.V. Shouldn't wonder—lot o' work in that, all those different colours, and so many dresses. [Admires, thoughtfully.