[PODBURY shakes his head in protestation.
Miss P.'s V. Ah, but let me explain. I could only keep him quiet by threatening to go home by myself, and dear BOB is such a devoted brother that—
Podb. Brother! I say. CULCHARD, she can't be meaning BOB all this time! She can't! Can she now?
Culch. How on earth can I tell? If it is so, you must be a philosopher, my dear fellow, and bear it—that's all.
Miss P.'s V. That does alter the case, doesn't it? And I may tell him there's some hope for him? You mustn't judge him by what he is with his friend, Mr. PODBURY. BOB has such a much stronger and finer character!
Miss T.'s V. Oh well, if he couldn't stand up more on his edge than Mr. PODBURY! Not that I mind Mr. PODBURY any, there's no harm in him, but he's too real frivolous to amount to much.
Podb. (collapsing). Frivolous! From her too! Oh, hang it all!
[He buries his head in his hands with a groan.
Miss T.'s V. Well, see here, HYPATIA. I'll take your brother on trial for a spell, to oblige you—there. I cann't say more at present. And now—about the other. I want to know just how you feel about him.
Culch. The other!—that's Me! I wish to goodness you wouldn't make all that noise, PODBURY, just when it's getting interesting!