VI.
Cummings and Bartlett.
Bartlett, sulkily.—"Were you?" He walks, without looking at Cummings, to where his painter's paraphernalia are lying, and begins to pick them up.
Cummings.—"Yes." In great embarrassment: "Bartlett, General Wyatt has been here."
Bartlett, without looking round.—"Who is General Wyatt?"
Cummings.—"I mean the gentleman who—whom you wouldn't wait to see."
Bartlett.—"Um!" He has gathered the things into his arms, and is about to leave the room.
Cummings, in great distress.—"Bartlett, Bartlett! Don't go! I implore you, if you have any regard for me whatever, to hear what I have to say. It's boyish, it's cruel, it's cowardly to behave as you're doing!"
Bartlett.—"Anything more, Mr. Cummings? I give you benefit of clergy."