_Miss T._ I presume, from that, she has shown an intelligent interest
in the great American novel?

_Mr. Van B._ Why, yes; it enlists her literary sympathies--she sees
all its possibilities.

_Miss T._ And they're pretty numerous, too. But here she comes. You'd
better tell her your plan right now.

_Miss P._ (_in an earnest undertone to BOB, as they approach,
followed by CULCH. and BOB_). You _must_ try and be sensible about
it, BOB; if _you_ are too blind to see that she is only--

BOB (_sulkily_). All _right_! Haven't I _said_ I'd go? What's the good
of _jawing_ about it?

_Mr. V.B._ (_to Miss P._) I've been telling my cousin I've been
organising a little water-party for this evening--moonlight,
mandolins, Menaggio. If you find that alliteration has any
attractions, I hope you and your brother will do me the pleasure of--

_Miss P._ I'm afraid not, thanks. We have all our packing to do. We
find we shall have to leave early to-morrow.

[_Van B.'s face falls; BOB listens gloomily to_ Miss T.'s
rather perfunctory expressions of regret; PODBURY looks
anxious and undecided; CULCHARD does his best to control an
unseemly joy._