_ If she happens to prefer my society to yours and her
brother's, I presume you have no claim to interfere.
_Podb._ I don't know about that. How about Miss TROTTER?
_Culch._ If I remember rightly, you yourself were not insensible to
Miss TROTTER's--er--attractions?
_Podb._ Perhaps not; but I am not engaged to her--you _are_. You told
me so in the train.
_Culch._ You entirely misunderstood me. There was no definite
understanding between us--nothing of the sort or kind. In fact, it was
merely a passing caprice. Since I have had the privilege of knowing
Miss PRENDERGAST, I see clearly--
_Podb._ Then you mean to propose to her, eh?
_Culch._ That is certainly my intention; have you any objection to
offer?
_Podb._ Only that I mean to propose too. I daresay my chances are as
good as yours--even now.
_Culch._ I doubt it, my dear fellow; however, don't let _me_
discourage you.
_Podb._ I don't intend to. (_The figure of Miss PRENDERGAST is seen
to pass the glazed doors, and move slowly across the Musik-saal;
both rush to the door, and look after her._) She's gone out into the
balcony. 'Jove, I'll go, too, and get it over!
_Culch._ I should not advise you to do so. It is possible she may have
gone there with the--er--expectation of being joined by--by somebody
else.
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