Podb. No, but I mean to say—does it come up to the mark in the scenery line, you know?
Miss T. I cannot answer that till I know whereabouts it is they mark the scenery-line. I expect Mr. CULCHARD knows. He knows pretty well everything. Would you like to have him explain the scenery to you going along? His explanations are vurry improving, I assure you.
Podb. I daresay; but the scenery just here is so flat that even my friend's remarks won't improve it.
Culch. (producing his note-book ostentatiously). I do not propose to attempt it. No doubt you will be more successful in entertaining Miss TROTTER than I can pretend to be. I retire in your favour. [He scribbles.
Podb. Is that our expenses you're corking down there, CULCHARD, eh?
Culch. (with dignity). If you want to know, I am "corking down," to adopt your elegant expression, a sonnet that suggested itself to me.
Podb. Much better cork that up, old chap—hadn't he, Miss TROTTER?
[He glances at her for appreciation.
Miss T. That's so. I don't believe the poetic spirit has much chance of slopping over so long as Mr. PODBURY is around. You have considerable merit as a stopper, Mr. PODBURY.
Podb. I see; I'd better clear out till the poetry has all gurgled out of him, eh? Is that the idea?