-nothing of the sort or kind. In fact, it was
merely a passing caprice. Since I have had the privilege of knowing
Miss PRENDERGAST, I see clearly--

_Podb._ Then you mean to propose to her, eh?

_Culch._ That is certainly my intention; have you any objection to
offer?

_Podb._ Only that I mean to propose too. I daresay my chances are as
good as yours--even now.

_Culch._ I doubt it, my dear fellow; however, don't let _me_
discourage you.

_Podb._ I don't intend to. (_The figure of Miss PRENDERGAST is seen
to pass the glazed doors, and move slowly across the Musik-saal;
both rush to the door, and look after her._) She's gone out into the
balcony. 'Jove, I'll go, too, and get it over!

_Culch._ I should not advise you to do so. It is possible she may have
gone there with the--er--expectation of being joined by--by somebody
else. [_He smiles complacently._

_Podb._ You mean she gave you a _rendezvous_ there? I don't believe
it!

_Culch._ I did not say so. But I am not prepared to deny that I have
been waiting here with some such expectation.

_Podb._ (_holding the door_). If you go, I go too--that's all.

_Culch._ Don't be absurd. You will only be _de trop_, I assure you.

_Podb._ _De trop_ or not, I mean going--she shall choose between us.

_Culch._ (_turning pale_). I suppose you intend to enlighten her as to
my--er--little flirtation (before I knew _her_) with Miss TROTTER? Do
it, PODBURY, do it--if you think you'll gain any good by it!

_Podb._ Telling tales is not exactly in my line. But you don't go on
that balcony without me--that's all.

_Culch._ Well, listen to reason, my dear fellow. What you propose is
ridiculous. I--I don't mind conceding this: we'll each go, and--er tit
up, as you call it, which goes first.

_Podb._ Done with you! (_Produces a mark._) Sudden death. You're
Eagle--I'm the other Johnny. (_Tosses._) Eagle! Confound you! But I
mean to have my innings all the same.

_Culch._ You're perfectly welcome--when I've had mine. I'll--er--wish
you good evening.

[_He stalks out triumphantly. PODBURY places himself in a
position from which he can command a view of the Musik-saal,
over the top of "ueber Land und Meer," and awaits results._

* * * * *

STORICULES.

VI.--BUDWELL'S REVENGE.

My friend, THOMAS GIDLING, is something indefinite and authoritative
in the Post Office. He is a practical man. He can do fretwork, cook a
steak, clean b