_Culch._ (_whose jaw has visibly fallen_). I cannot say I recall it at this moment. Does he hold that a lover should expect to be accepted by--er--instalments, because, if so-- _Miss P._ I think I can quote his exact words. "If she simply doesn't like him, she may send him away for seven years--" _Culch._ (_stiffly_). No doubt that course is open to her. But why seven, and where is he expected to go? _Miss P._ (_continuing calmly_). "He vowing to live on cresses and wear sackcloth meanwhile, or the like penance." _Culch._ I feel bound to state at once that, in my own case, my position at Somerset House would render anything of that sort utterly impracticable. _Miss P._ Wait, please,--you are so impetuous. "If she likes him a little,"--(_CULCHARD's brow relaxes_)--"or thinks she might come to like him in time, she may let him stay near her,"--(_CULCHARD makes a movement of relief and gratitude_)--"putting him always on sharp trial, and requiring, figuratively, as many lion-skins or giants' heads as she thinks herself worth." _Culch._ (_grimly_). "Figuratively" is a distinct concession on RUSKIN's part. Still, I should be glad to know-- _Miss P._ If you will have a little more patience, I will make myself clear. I have always determined that when the--ah--occasion presented itself, I would deal with it on Ruskinian principles. I propose in your case--presuming of course that you are willing to be under vow for me--to adopt a middle course. _Culch._ You are extremely good. And what precise form of--er--penance did you think of? _Miss P._ The trial I impose is, that you leave Constance to-morrow--with Mr. PODBURY. _Culch._ (_firmly_). If you expect me to travel for seven years with him, permit me to mention that I simply cannot do it. My leave expires in three weeks. _Miss P._ I mentioned no term, I believe. Long before three weeks are over we shall meet again, and I shall be able to see how you have borne the test. I wish you to correct, if possible, a certain intolerance in your attitude towards Mr. PODBURY. Do you accept this probation, or not? _Culch._ I--ah--suppose I have no choice. But you really must allow me to say that it is _not_ precisely the reception I anticipated. Still, in your service, I am willing to endure even PODBURY--for a strictly limited period; that I _do_ stipulate for. _Miss P._ That, as I have already said, is quite understood. Now go and arrange with Mr. PODBURY. _Culch._ (_to himself, as he retires_). It is _most_ unsatisfactory; but at least PODBURY is disposed of! _The same Scene, a quarter of an hour later. PODBURY and Miss PRENDERGAST._ _Podbury_ (_with a very long face_). No, I _say_, though! RUSKIN doesn't say all that? _Miss P._ I am not in the habit of misquoting. If you wish to verify the quotation, however, I daresay I could find you the reference in _Fors Clavigera_.