CULCH. Well, we might take a turn later on, and see the effect of St. Gudule in the moonlight. PODB. Something _like_ a rollick that! But what do you say to dropping in quietly at the Eden for an hour or so, eh? Variety show and all that going on. CULCH. Thanks--variety shows are not much in my line; but don't mind me if you want to go. [PODBURY _wanders off, leaving_ CULCHARD _free to observe_ MISS TROTTER. MISS T. Charley writes he's having a lovely time in Germany going round. I guess he isn't feeling so cheap as he did. I wish he'd come along right here. MR. T. I presume he's put in all the time he had for Belgium--likely we'll fetch up against him somewhere before he's through. MISS T. Well, and I don't care how soon we do, either. Charley's a bright man, and real cultivated. I'm always telling him that he's purrfectly splendid company, considering he's only a cousin. MR. T. That's so every time. I like Charley Van Boodeler firstrate myself. CULCH. (_to himself_). If Charley Van Boodeler was _engaged_ to her, I suppose he'd be there. Pshaw! What _does_ it matter? Somehow, I rather wish now that I'd--but perhaps we shall get into conversation presently. Hang it, here's that fellow Podbury back again! Wish to goodness he'd----(_To_ PODBURY.) Hallo, so you haven't started yet? PODB. Been having a talk with the porter. He says there's a big fair over by the Station du Midi, and it's worth seeing. Are you game to come along and sample it, eh? CULCH. (_with an easy indifference intended for_ MISS T.'S _benefit_). No, I think not, thanks. I'm very comfortable where I am. [_He resumes his writing._ PODB. Well, it's poor fun having to go alone! [_He is just going, when_ MR. TROTTER _rises and comes towards him._ MR. T. You'll excuse me, Sir, but did I overhear you remark that there was a festivity in progress in this city? PODB. So I'm told; a fair, down in the new part. I could tell you how to get to it, if you thought of going. MR. T. Well, I don't see how I should ever strike that fair for myself, and I guess if there's anything to be seen we're bound to _see_ it, so me and my darter--allow me to introduce my darter to you--Maud, this gentleman is Mr.--I don't think I've caught your name, Sir--Podbury?--Mr. Podbury, who's kindly volunteered to conduct us round. MISS T. _I_ should have thought you'd want to leave the gentleman some say in the matter, father--not to mention me! PODB. (_eagerly_). But won't you come? Do. I shall be awfully glad if you will! MISS T. If it makes you so glad as all that, I believe I'll come. Though what you could say different, after Poppa had put it up so steep on you, _I_ don't know. I'll just go and fix myself first. [_She goes._