_Bob P._ (_who has been prudently keeping in the background till now,
decides that his chance has come_). How do you do. Miss TROTTER? It's
awfully jolly to meet you again like this!

_Miss. T._ Well, I guess that remark would have been more convincing
if you'd made it a few minutes earlier.

_Bob_. I--I--you see, I didn't know.... I was afraid--I rather
thought--

_Miss T._ You don't get much further with _rather_ thinking, as a
general rule, than if you didn't think at all. But if you're at all
anxious to run away the way you did at Bellagio, you needn't be afraid
_I'll_ hinder you.

_Bob_. (_earnestly_). Run away! _Do_ you think I'd have gone if--I've
felt dull enough ever since, without _that_.'

_Miss T._ Oh, I expect you've had a beautiful time. _We_ have.

_Miss P._ (_coming up_). ROBERT, I thought you wanted to see the Alps?
You should come over to the other side, and--

_Miss T._ I'll undertake that he sees the Alps, darling,
presently--when we're through our talk.

_Miss P._ As you please, dear. But (_pointedly_) did I not see Mr.
CULCHARD below?

_Miss T._ You don't mean to say you're wearied of Mr. VAN BOODELER