_Miss P._ (_to PODBURY, who is still quivering_). Now notice the end one--"the Fall of Manna"--not _that_ end; that's "the Fall of _Man_." RUSKIN points out (_reading_)--"A very sweet incident. Four or five sheep, instead of pasturing, turn their heads to catch the manna as it comes down" (_here BOB catches PODBURY's eye_) "or seem to be licking it off each other's fleeces." (PODBURY _is suddenly convulsed by inexplicable and untimely mirth._) Really, Mr. PODBURY, this is _too_ disgraceful! [_She shuts the book sharply and walks away._ _Outside; by the landing-steps._ _Miss P._ BOB, go on and get the gondola ready. I wish to speak to Mr. PODBURY. (_To PODBURY, after BOB has withdrawn._) Mr. PODBURY, I cannot tell you how disgusted and disappointed I feel at your senseless irreverence. _Podb._ (_penitently_). I--I'm really most awfully sorry--but it came over me suddenly, and I simply couldn't help myself! _Miss P._ That is what makes it so very hopeless--after all the pains I have taken with you! I have been beginning to fear for some time that you are incorrigible--and to-day is really the _last_ straw! So it is kinder to let you know at once that you have been tried and found wanting. I have no alternative but to release you finally from your vows--I cannot allow you to remain my suitor any longer. _Podb._ (_humbly_). I was always afraid I shouldn't last the course, don't you know. I did my best--but it wasn't _in_ me, I suppose. It was awfully good of you to put up with me so long. And, I say, you won't mind our being friends still, will you now? _Miss P._ Of course not. I shall always wish you well, Mr. PODBURY--only I won't trouble you to accompany me to any more galleries! _Podb._ A--thanks. I--I mean, I know I should only be in your way and all that. And--I'd better say good-bye, Miss PRENDERGAST. You won't want me in the gondola just now, I'm sure. I can easily get another. _Miss P._ Well--good-bye then, Mr. PODBURY. I will explain to BOB. [_She steps into the gondola; BOB raises his eyebrows in mute interrogation at PODBURY, who shakes his head, and allows the gondola to go without him._ _Podb._ (_to himself, as the gondola disappears_). So _that's_ over! Hanged if I don't think I'm sorry, after all. It will be beastly lonely without anybody to bully me, and she could be awfully nice when she chose.... Still it _is_ a relief to have got rid of old TINTORET, and not to have to bother about BELLINI and CIMA and that lot.... How that beggar CULCHARD will crow when he hears of it! Shan't tell him anything--if I can help it.... But the worst of getting the sack is--people are almost _bound_ to spot you ... I think I'll be off to-morrow. I've had enough of Venice! * * * * * [Illustration: _Hard-riding Individual_ (_to Friend, whose Horse has refused with dire results_). "HELLO! CHARLEY, OLD MAN, HOW ARE TURNIPS LOOKING DOWN IN THAT NEIGHBOURHOOD?"]