CULCH. Don't tempt me! I--I mustn't listen, I cannot. No, I renounce. Be kind to Podbury--try to recognize the good in him ... he is so devoted to you--make him happy, if you can! MISS P. (_affected_). I--I really can't tell you how touched I am, Mr. Culchard. I can guess what this renunciation must have cost you. It--it gives me a better opinion of human nature ... it does, indeed! CULCH. (_loftily, as she rises to go in_). Ah, Miss Prendergast, _don't_ lose your faith in human nature! Trust me, it is--er--full of surprises! (_Alone._) Now am I an abominable humbug, or what? I swear I felt every word I said, at the time. Curious psychological state to be in. But I'm out of what might have been a very unpleasant mess, at all events! MISS T. (_coming upon him from round a corner_). Well, I'm _sure_, Mr. Culchard! CULCH. You are a young lady of naturally strong convictions, I am aware. But what are you so sure of at the present moment? MISS T. Well, I guess I'm not just as sure of _you_ as I should like to be, anyway. Seems to me, considering you've been so vurry inconsolable away from me, you'd a good deal to say to that young lady in the patent folders. And I'd like an explanation--you're right down splendid at explaining most things. CULCH. (_with virtuous indignation_). So you actually suspect me of having carried on a flirtation! MISS T. I guess girls don't use their pocket-handkerchiefs that way over the weather. Who _is_ she, anyway? CULCH. (_calmly_). If you insist on knowing, she is the lady to whom Mr. Podbury has every prospect of being engaged. I hope your mind is at ease _now_? MISS T. Well, I expect my mind would have stood the strain as it was--so it's Mr. Podbury who's her admirer? See here, you're going to introduce me to that girl right away. It's real romantic, and I'm perfectly dying to make her acquaintance! CULCH. Hum--well. She is--er--_peculiar_, don't you know, and I rather doubt whether you will have much in common. MISS T. Well, if you don't introduce me, I shall introduce myself, that's all. CULCH. By all means. (_To himself._) Not if _I_ can prevent it, though! CHAPTER XVI. Culchard feels slightly Uncomfortable. SCENE--_Terrace and Grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este, on Lake Como._ PODBURY _and_ CULCHARD _are walking up and down together._ PODB. Well, old chap, your resigning like that has made all the difference to _me_, I can tell you! CULCH. If I have succeeded in advancing your cause with Miss Prendergast, I am all the better pleased, of course.