Culch. (biting his lip). When you have extracted sufficient entertainment from that very small joke, you will perhaps allow Miss PRENDERGAST to sit down and begin her sketch. You may not be aware that you've taken her place.
[He withdraws majestically to the parapet, while PODBURY makes way for Miss P. with apologies.
Podb. (as he leans over seat while she sketches). I wish your brother BOB had been here—he would have enjoyed that!
Miss P. It was really too bad of you, though. Poor Mr. CULCHARD!
Podb. He shouldn't try to make me out a bigger duffer than I am, then. But I say, you don't really think it was too bad? Ah, you're laughing—you don't!
Miss P. Never mind what I really think. But you have got us both into sad disgrace. Mr. CULCHARD is dreadfully annoyed with us—look at his shoulders!
Culch. (leaning over parapet with his back to them). That ass PODBURY! To think of his taking me in with an idiotic trick like that! And before Her too! And when I had made it all right about the other evening, and was producing an excellent impression on the way up here. I wish I could hear what they were whispering about—more silly jokes at my expense, no doubt. Bah! as if it affected me!
Podb. (to Miss P.). I say, how awfully well you draw!
Miss P. There you betray your ignorance in Art matters. Sketching with me is a pastime, not a serious pursuit, (They go on conversing in a lower tone.) No, please, Mr. PODBURY. I'm quite sure he would never—
Podb. (rises; comes up to CULCHARD, and touches his shoulder). I say, old chappie—