MR. C. S. _He_ may, Sir. I consider a title is not a thing to be treated in that light manner. It--it was an unpardonable liberty to force me into the society of that class of person--unpardonable, Sir! [_He goes._ PODB. Didn't take much _forcing_, after he once heard me call him "Lord Uppersole"! Where are all the others, eh? Thought we were going up to the Villa Serbelloni this afternoon. CULCH. I--er--have not been consulted. Are they--er--_all_ going? [_With a shade of anxiety._ PODB. I believe so. You needn't be afraid, you know. Hypatia won't have the chance of ragging you now--she and Miss Trotter have had a bit of a breeze. CULCH. I rather gathered as much. I think I could guess the---- PODB. Yes, Hypatia's rather uneasy about poor old Bob; thinks Miss Trotter is--well, carrying on, you know. She is no end of a little flirt--_you_ know that well enough!--(C. _disclaims impatiently_.) Here you all are, eh?--(_To_ MISS P., MISS T., _and_ BOB.)--Well, who knows the way up to the villa? MISS T. It's through the town, and up some steps by the church--you can't miss it. But Mr. Prendergast is going to show me a short cut up behind the hotel--aren't you, Mr. Prendergast? MISS P. (_icily_). I really think, dear, it would be better if we all kept together--for so _many_ reasons! CULCH. (_with alacrity_). I agree with Miss Prendergast. A short cut is invariably the most indirect route. MISS P. (_with intention_). You hear what Mr. Culchard says, my dear Maud? He advocates direct ways, as best in the long run. MISS T. It's only going to be a short run, my love. But I'm vurry glad to observe that you and Mr. Culchard are so perfectly harmonious, as I'm leaving him on your hands for a spell. Aren't you ever coming, Mr. Prendergast? [_She leads him off, a not unwilling captive._ A PATH IN THE GROUNDS OF THE VILLA SERBELLONI. PODB. (_considerately, to_ CULCHARD, _who is following_ MISS PRENDERGAST _and him, in acute misery_). Look here, old fellow, Miss Prendergast would like to sit down, I know; so don't you bother about keeping with us if you'd rather _not_, you know! [CULCHARD _murmurs an inarticulate protest_. MISS P. Surely, Mr. Podbury, you are aware by this time that Mr. Culchard has a perfect mania for self-sacrifice! [CULCHARD _drops behind, crushed_. AMONG THE RUINS AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. CULCH. (_who has managed to overtake_ MISS T. _and her companion_). Now _do_ oblige me by looking through that gap in the pines towards Lecco. I particularly wish you to observe the effect of light on those cliffs--it's well worth your while. MISS T. Why, certainly, it's a view that does you infinite credit. Oh, you _didn't_ take any hand in the arrangement? But ain't you afraid if you go around patting the scenery on the head this way, you'll have the lake overflow? BOB P. Ha-ha-ha! One in the eye for _you_, Culchard! CULCH. (_with dignity_). Surely one may express a natural enthusiasm without laying oneself open----?