[PODBURY wanders off, leaving CULCHARD free to observe Miss TROTTER.
Miss T. CHARLEY writes he's having a lovely time in Germany going round. I guess he isn't feeling so cheap as he did. I wish he'd come along right here.
Mr. T. I presume he's put in all the time he had for Belgium—likely we'll fetch up against him somewhere before he's through.
Miss T. Well, and I don't care how soon we do, either. CHARLEY's a bright man, and real cultivated. I'm always telling him that he's purrfectly splendid company, considering he's only a cousin.
Mr. T. That's so every time. I like CHARLEY VAN BOODELER first-rate myself.
Culch. (to himself). If CHARLEY VAN BOODELER was engaged to her, I suppose he'd be here. Pshaw! What does it matter? Somehow, I rather wish now that I'd—but perhaps we shall get into conversation presently. Hang it, here's that fellow PODBURY back again! Wish to goodness he'd— (To PODBURY.) Hallo, so you haven't started yet?
Podb. Been having a talk with the porter. He says there's a big fair over by the Station du Midi, and it's worth seeing. Are you game to come along and sample it, eh?
Culch. (with an easy indifference intended for Miss T.'s benefit). No, I think not, thanks. I'm very comfortable where I am.
[He resumes his writing.
Podb. Well, it's poor fun having to go alone!