Military Band, and taking coffee, &c., outside the caffés.
Miss TROTTER and CULCHARD are seated at one of the little
tables in front of the Quadri._

_Miss T._ I'd like ever so much to know why it is you're so anxious
to see that Miss PRENDERGAST and me friendly again? After she's been
treating you this long while like you were a toad--and not a popular
kind of toad at that!

_Culch._ (_wincing_). Of course I am only too painfully aware of--of
a certain distance in her manner towards me, but I should not think
of allowing myself to be influenced by any--er--merely personal
considerations of that sort.

_Miss T._ That's real noble! And I presume, now, you cann't imagine
any reason why she's been treading you so flat.

[Illustration: "A mean cuss? Me! Really--"]

_Culch._ (_with a shrug_). I really haven't troubled to speculate Who
can tell how one may, quite unconsciously, give offence--even to those
who are--er--comparative strangers?

_Miss T._ Just so. (_A pause._) Well, Mr. CULCHARD, if I wanted
anything to confirm my opinion of you, I guess you've given it me!

_Culch._ (_internally_). It's very unfortunate that she _will_ insist
on idealising me like this!

_Miss T._ Maybe, now, you can form a pretty good idea already what