MISS P. There you betray your ignorance in Art matters. Sketching with me is a pastime, not a serious pursuit. (_They go on conversing in a lower tone._) No, _please_, Mr. Podbury. I'm quite sure he would never---- PODB. (_rises; comes up to_ CULCHARD, _and touches his shoulder_). I say, old chappie---- CULCH. (_jerking away with temper_). Now, look here, Podbury. I'm not in the mood for any more of your foolery---- PODB. (_humbly_). All right, old boy. I wouldn't bother you, only Miss Prendergast wants a figure for her foreground, and I said I'd ask you if you'd keep just as you are for a few minutes. Do you mind? CULCH. (_to himself_). Afraid she's gone too far--thinks she'll smooth me down! Upon my word, it would serve her right to--but no, I won't be petty. (_Aloud._) Pray tell Miss Prendergast that I have no immediate intention of altering my position. PODB. Thanks awfully, old chap. I knew you'd oblige. CULCH. (_incisively_). I am obliging Miss Prendergast, and her only. (_Raising his voice, without turning his head._) Would you prefer me to _face_ you, Miss Prendergast? MISS P. (_in tremulous tones_). N--no, thank you. It--it's so much more n--natural, don't you know, for you to be l--looking at the view. CULCH. As you please. (_To himself._) Can't meet my eye. Good! I shall go on treating her distantly for a little. I wonder if I look indifferent enough from behind? Shall I cross one foot? Better not--she may have begun sketching me. If she imagines I'm susceptible to feminine flattery of this palpable kind, she'll----how her voice shook, though, when she spoke. Poor girl, she's afraid she offended me by laughing--and I _did_ think she had more sense than to--but I mustn't be too hard on her. I'm afraid she's already beginning to think too much of--and with my peculiar position with Miss Trotter--(Maud, that is)--not that there's anything definite at present, still----(_Aloud._) Ahem, Miss Prendergast--am I standing as you wish? (_To himself._) She doesn't answer--too absorbed, and I can't hear that idiot--found he hasn't scored so much after all, and gone off in a huff, I expect. So much the better! What a time she is over this, and how quiet she keeps! I wish I knew whether it was coquetry or--shall I turn round and see? No, I must be perfectly indifferent. And she _did_ laugh at me. I distinctly saw her. Still, if she's sorry, this would be an excellent opportunity for--(_Aloud._) Miss Prendergast! (_No reply----louder._) May I take it that you regret having been betrayed into momentary approbation of a miserable piece of flippancy? If so, let me assure you--(_Turns round--to discover that he is addressing two little flaxen haired girls in speckled pinafores, who are regarding him open-mouthed._ MISS PRENDERGAST _and_ PODBURY _have disappeared._) Podbury _again_! He must have planned this--with _her_! It is too much. I have done--yes--done with the pair of them! [_Strides off in bitter indignation._ CHAPTER X.