CULCH. (_with wounded dignity_). I am willing to make allowance for your state of mind, Podbury, but such an expression as--as _jabber_, applied to my--er--well-meant attempts at consolation, and just as I was about to propose an arrangement--really, it's _too_ much! The moment we reach the hotel, I will relieve you from any further infliction from (_bitterly_) what you are pleased to call my "jabber"! PODB. (_sulkily_). Very well--I'm sure _I_ don't care! (_To himself._) Even old Culchard won't have anything to do with me now! I must have _somebody_ to talk to--or I shall go off my head! (_Aloud._) I say, old _chap_! (_No answer._) Look here--it's bad enough as it is without _our_ having a row! Never mind anything I said. CULCH. I _do_ mind--I _must_. I am not accustomed to hear myself called a--a _jabberer_! PODB. I _didn't_ call you a jabberer--I only said you _talked_ jabber. I--I hardly know what I _do_ say, when I'm like this. And I'm deuced sorry I spoke--there! CULCH. (_relaxing_). Well, do you withdraw jabber? PODB. Certainly, old chap. I _like_ you to talk, only not--not against Her, you know! What were you going to propose? CULCH. Well, my idea was this. My leave is practically unlimited--at least, without vanity, I think I may say that my Chief sufficiently appreciates my services not to make a fuss about a few extra days. So I thought I'd just run down to Florence and Naples, and perhaps catch a P. & O. at Brindisi. I suppose _you're_ not tied to time in any way? PODB. (_dolefully_). Free as a bird! If the Governor had wanted me back in the City, he'd have let me know it. Well? CULCH. Well, if you like to come with me, I--I shall be very pleased to have your company. PODB. (_considering_). I don't care if I do--it may cheer me up a bit. Florence, eh?--and Naples? I shouldn't mind a look at Florence. Or Rome. How about Rome, now? CULCH. (_to himself_). Was I wise to expose myself to this sort of thing _again_? I'm almost sorry I----(_Aloud._) My dear fellow, if we are to travel together in any sort of comfort, you must leave all details to _me_. And there's one thing I _do_ insist on. In future we must keep to our original resolution--not to be drawn into any chance acquaintanceship. I don't want to reproach you, but if, when we were first at Brussels, you had not allowed yourself to get so intimate with the Trotters all this would never---- PODB. (_exasperated_). There you go again! I can't stand being jawed at, Culchard, and I won't! CULCH. I am no more conscious of "jawing" than "jabbering," and if _that_ is how I am to be spoken to----! PODB. I know. Look here, it's no use. You must go to Florence by yourself. I simply don't feel up to it, and that's the truth. I shall just potter about here till--till _they_ go.