_Podb._ (_nettled_). Oh--but _you_ find him plain-sailing enough, I suppose? _Culch._ I have certainly not encountered any insuperable difficulties in his works as _yet_. _Podb._ Well, I'll just trouble you to explain _this_--wait a bit. (_Opens volume again._) Ah, here we are--"And these illusive and primordial cognitions, or pseud-ideas, are homogeneous entities which may be differentiated objectively or subjectively, according as they are presented as Noumenon or Phenomenon. Or, in other words, they are only cognoscible as a colligation of incongruous coalescences." Now then--are you going to tell me you can make head or tail of all that? _Culch._ (_perceiving that_ Miss P. _is awaiting his reply in manifest suspense_). It's simple enough, my dear fellow, only I can't expect _you_ to grasp it. It is merely a profound truth stated with masterly precision. _Podb._ Oh, is _that_ all, my dear fellow? (_He flings up his heels in an ecstasy._) I _knew_ I'd have you! Why, I made that up myself as I went along, and if _you_ understand it, it's a jolly sight more than _I_ do! [_He roars with laughter._ _Miss P._ (_behind her handkerchief_). Mr. CULCHARD has evidently gone through the--the "preliminary mental discipline." _Culch._ (_scarlet and sulky_). Of course, if Mr. PODBURY descends to childishness of that sort, I can't pretend to-- [Illustration: Podbury grappling with the Epitome of Spencer.] _Podb._ (_wiping his eyes_). But you _did_ pretend, old chap. You said it was "profound truth" and "masterly precision"! I've got more profound truth where _that_ came from. I say, I shall set up as an intellectual Johnny after this, and _get_ you to write an Epitome of me. I think I pulled your leg _that_ time, eh? _Culch._ (_biting his lip_). When you have extracted sufficient entertainment from that very small joke, you will perhaps allow Miss PRENDERGAST to sit down and begin her sketch. You may not be aware that you've taken her place. [_He withdraws majestically to the parapet, while_ PODBURY _makes way for_ Miss P. _with apologies_. _Podb._ (_as he leans over seat while she sketches_). I wish your brother BOB had been here--he would have enjoyed that! _Miss P._ It was really too bad of you, though. Poor Mr. CULCHARD! _Podb._ He shouldn't try to make me out a bigger duffer than I am, then. But I say, you don't _really_ think it was too bad? Ah, you're _laughing_--you don't! _Miss P._ Never mind what I really think. But you have got us both into sad disgrace. Mr. CULCHARD is dreadfully annoyed with us--look at his _shoulders_! _Culch._ (_leaning over parapet with his back to them_). That _ass_ PODBURY! To think of his taking me in with an idiotic trick like that! And before Her too! And when I had made it all right about the other evening, and was producing an excellent impression on the way up here. I wish I could hear what they were whispering about--more silly jokes at my expense, no doubt. Bah! as if it affected _me_!