a raised map!

_Culch._ It--it's going _down_. Nothing to what it _was_, half an hour
ago!

_Podb._ Then I'm jolly glad you didn't call me earlier, that's all!

_Culch._ It does feel a little inflamed. I wonder if I could get a
little--er--violet powder, or something--?

_Podb._ (_with a painful want of sympathy_). Violet powder! Buy a blue
veil--a good thick one!

_Culch._ What sort of impression _do_ you suppose I should get of
Venice with a blue veil on?

_Podb._ Can't say--but a pleasanter one than Venice will get of you
_without_ it. You don't mean to face the fair Miss TROTTER while
you're like _that_, do you?

_Culch._ (_with dignity_). Most certainly I _do_. I am much mistaken
in Miss TROTTER if she will attach the slightest importance to a mere
temporary--er--disfigurement. These swellings never do last long. _Do_
they now?

_Podb._ Oh, not more than a month or so, I daresay, if you can keep
from touching them. (_He laughs again._) Excuse me, old chap, but I
just got you in a new light. Those mosquitoes have paid you out for
that pastille--by Jove, they have!

_Landing-steps entrance of the Hotel. Nine A.M._

_Culch._ (_coming out a little self-consciously, and finding Mr.
TROTTER_). Ah, good morning! What are your--er--impressions of Venice,
Mr. TROTTER?

_Mr. Trotter_ (_thoughtfully_). Well, I'm considerable struck with
it, Sir. There's a purrfect freshness and novelty about Vernis that's
amusing to a stranger like myself. We've nothing just like this city
out West. No, _Sir_. And how are--(_Becomes aware of CULCHARD's
appearance._) Say, _you_ don't look like your slumbers had been one
unbroken ca'm, either! The mosquitoes hev been powerful active makin'
alterations in you. Perseverin' and industrious insects, Sir! Me and
my darter have been for a loaf round before breakfast. I dunno if
you've seen _her_ yet, she's--.

_Miss T._ (_coming out from behind_). Poppa, they've fixed up our
breakf--(_Sees CULCHARD, and turns away, covering her face_). Don't
you turn your head in _this_ direction, Mr. CULCHARD, or I guess I'll
expire right away!

_Culch._ (_obeying, wounded_). I confess I did _not_ think a few
mosquito-bites would have quite such an effect upon you!

_Miss T._ You're vurry polite, I'm sure! But I possess a hand-mirror;
and, if you cann't bear to look me in the face, you'd better keep
away!

_Culch._ (_takes a hasty glance, and discovers, with a shock, that she
is almost as m