_Culch._ Well, we might take a turn later on, and see the effect of St. Gudule in the moonlight. _Podb._ Something _like_ a rollick that! But what do you say to dropping in quietly at the Eden for an hour or so, eh? Variety show and all that going on. _Culch._ Thanks--variety shows are not much in my line; but don't mind me if you want to go. [_PODBURY wanders off, leaving CULCHARD free to observe Miss TROTTER._ _Miss T._ CHARLEY writes he's having a lovely time in Germany going round. I guess he isn't feeling so cheap as he did. I wish he'd come along right here. _Mr. T._ I presume he's put in all the time he had for Belgium--likely we'll fetch up against him somewhere before he's through. _Miss T._ Well, and I don't care how soon we do, either. CHARLEY's a bright man, and real cultivated. I'm always telling him that he's purrfectly splendid company, considering he's only a cousin. _Mr. T._ That's so every time. I like CHARLEY VAN BOODELER first-rate myself. _Culch._ (_to himself_). If CHARLEY VAN BOODELER was _engaged_ to her, I suppose he'd be here. Pshaw! What _does_ it matter? Somehow, I rather wish now that I'd--but perhaps we shall get into conversation presently. Hang it, here's that fellow PODBURY back again! Wish to goodness he'd-- (_To PODBURY._) Hallo, so you haven't started yet? _Podb._ Been having a talk with the porter. He says there's a big fair over by the Station du Midi, and it's worth seeing. Are you game to come along and sample it, eh? _Culch._ (with an easy indifference intended for_ Miss T.'s _benefit_). No, I think not, thanks. I'm very comfortable where I am. [_He resumes his writing._ _Podb._ Well, it's poor fun having to go alone! [_He is just going, when Mr. TROTTER rises and comes towards him._ _Mr. T._ You'll excuse me, Sir, but did I overhear you remark that there was a festivity in progress in this city? _Podb._ So I'm told; a fair, down in the new part. I could tell you how to get to it, if you thought of going. _Mr. T._ Well, I don't see how I should ever strike that fair for myself, and I guess if there's anything to be seen we're bound to _see_ it, so me and my darter--allow me to introduce my darter to you--MAUD, this gentleman is Mr.--I don't think I've caught your name, Sir--PODBURY?--Mr. PODBURY who's kindly volunteered to conduct us round. _Miss T._ _I_ should have thought you'd want to leave the gentleman some say in the matter, Father--not to mention me! _Podb._ (_eagerly_). But won't you come? Do. I shall be awfully glad if you will! _Miss T._ If it makes you so glad as all that, I believe I'll come. Though what you could say different, after Father had put it up so steep on you, _I_ don't know. I'll just go and fix myself first. [_She goes._