_Miss T._ Well, I don't mind; he's real polite and obliging--and
that's something, anyway!

[Illustration: "Bellissimo scultore!"]

_Culch._ Polite and obliging! Now I _ask_ you--has he given us the
slightest atom of valuable information _yet_?

_Miss T._ I guess he's too full of tact to wish to interfere with your
special department!

_The Cic._ (_to CULCHARD, who looks another way_). Ici le tombeau di
GIOVANNI DELLA SCALA, Signore. Verri grazioso molto magnifique, joli
conservé! (_He skins up on the pedestal, and touches a sarcophagus_.)
Non bronzo--verde-antique!

[_Nods at CULCHARD, with a beaming smile._

_Culch._ (_with a growl_). Va bene, va bene--_we_ know all about it!

_Bob P. You_ may; but you might give Miss TROTTER and me a chance, you
know!

_The Cic._ Zees, Marmor di Carrara; _zat_, Marmor di Verona--Verona
marbre. MARTINO PRIMO a fait bàtir. (_Counting on his fingers for
CULCHARD's benefit._) Quattuor dichièmé secolo--_fotteen_!

_Culch._ Will you kindly understand that I am quite capable of
estimating the precise period of this sculpture for myself.