_does_ seem to me, PODBURY, that, in a matter which may be of
vital importance to me--to us both--it would be absurd to be
over-scrupulous. But of course you will please yourself. _I_ intend to
remain where I am.

[_PODBURY makes a faint-hearted attempt to go, but ends by
resigning himself to the situation._

_Miss T.'s V._ Now, HYPATIA PRENDERGAST, don't tell _me_ you're not
interested in him! And he's more real suited to you than ever Mr.
PODBURY was. Now, isn't that _so_?

_Culch._ (_withdrawing his head_). Did you hear, PODBURY? She's
actually pleading for me! _Isn't_ she an angel? Be quiet, now. I must
hear the answer!

_Miss P.'s V._ I--I don't know, really. But, MAUD, I want to speak to
you about--Somebody. You can't think how he adores you, poor fellow! I
have noticed it for a long time.

_Podb._ (_beaming_). CULCHARD! You heard? She's putting in a word for
me. What a brick that girl is!

_Miss T.'s V._ I guess he's pretty good at concealing his feelings,
then. He's been keeping far enough away!

_Miss P.'s V._ That was _my_ fault. I _kept_ him by me. You see, I
believed you had quite decided to accept Mr. CULCHARD.

_Miss T.'s V._ Well, it does strike me that, considering he was