_Miss T._ The fact is, Poppa, HYPATIA isn't just sure that Mr.
PRENDERGAST wouldn't object.

_Bob P._ I--object? Not _much_! Just what I should _like_, seeing
Verona with--all _together_, you know!

_Miss T._ Then I guess _that's_ fixed. (_Aside, to Miss P., who is
speechless_). Come, you haven't the heart to go and disappoint my poor
Cousin CHARLEY by saying you won't go! He'll be perfectly enchanted
to be under vow--unless you've filled up _all_ the vacancies already!
(_Aloud, to VAN B., as he approaches_.) We've persuaded Miss
PRENDERGAST to join our party. I hope you feel equal to entertaining
her?

_Van B._ I shall be proud to be permitted to try. (_To Miss P._) Then
I may take it that you agree with me that the function of the future
American fictionist will be-- [_They move away, conversing._

_Podb._ (_To CULCH._) I say, old fellow, we're to be travelling
companions again, after all. And a jolly good thing, too, _I_
think!... eh?

_Culch._ Oh, h'm--quite so. That is--but no doubt it will be an
advantage--(_with a glance at Van B., who is absorbed in Miss P.'s
conversation_)--in--er--_some_ respects. (_To himself._) Hardly from
poor dear PODBURY's point of view, I'm afraid, though! However, if
_he_ sees nothing--! [_He shrugs his shoulders, pityingly._

* * * * *