_Culch._ Fortunately--yes. And--er--_your_ engagement happily
concluded?

_Podb._ Well, it's _concluded_, anyway. It's all _off_, you know. I--I
wasn't artistic enough for her.

_Culch._ She has refused you? My _dear_ PODBURY, I'm really delighted
to hear this--at least, that is--

_Podb._ Oh, don't mind _me_. I'm getting over it. But I must
congratulate you on better luck.

_Culch._ On precisely similar luck. Miss TROTTER and I--er--arrived at
the conclusion last night that we were not formed to make each other's
happiness.

_Podb._ Did you, by Jove? Porter, I say, never mind about that
luggage. Do you happen to know if Mr. and Miss TROTTER--the American
gentleman and his daughter--are down yet?

_Porter_. TRODDERS? Led me see; yes, zey ged zeir preakfast early, and
start two hours since for Murano and Torcello.

_Podb._ Torcello? Why that's where BOB and Miss PRENDERGAST talked of
going to-day! CULCHARD, old fellow, I've changed my mind. Shan't leave
to-day, after all. I shall just nip over and see what sort of place
Torcello is.

_Culch._ Torcello--"the Mother of Venice!" it really seems a pity to
go away without having seen it. Do you know, PODBURY, I think I'll