PODB. Telling tales is not exactly in my line. But you don't go on that balcony without me--that's all. CULCH. Well, listen to reason, my dear fellow. What you propose is ridiculous. I--I don't mind conceding this: we'll each go, and--er--tit up, as you call it, which goes first. PODB. Done with you! (_Produces a mark._) Sudden death. You're Eagle--I'm the other Johnny. (_Tosses._) Eagle! Confound you! But I mean to have my innings all the same. CULCH. You're perfectly welcome--when I've had mine. I'll--er--wish you good evening. [_He stalks out triumphantly._ PODBURY _places himself in a position from which he can command a view of the Musik-saal, over the top of "ueber Land und Meer," and awaits results._ CHAPTER XI. Courtship according to Mr. Ruskin. SCENE--_A Balcony outside the Musik-Saal of the Insel Hotel, Constance._ MISS PRENDERGAST _is seated;_ CULCHARD _is leaning against the railing close by. It is about nine; the moon has risen, big and yellow, behind the mountains at the further end of the Lake; small black boats are shooting in and out of her track upon the water; the beat of the steamers' paddles is heard as they come into harbour._ CULCHARD _has just proposed._ MISS PRENDERGAST (_after a silence_). I have already felt very strongly with Ruskin, that no girl should have the cruelty to refuse a proposal---- CULCH. (_with alacrity_). Ruskin is always so right. And--er--where there is such complete sympathy in tastes and ideas, as I venture to think exists in our own case, the cruelty would---- MISS P. Pray allow me to finish! "Refuse a proposal _at once_" is Ruskin's expression. He also says (if my memory does not betray me), that "no lover should have the insolence to think of being accepted at once." You will find the passage somewhere in _Fors_. 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----