BOB. (_frivolously_). _I_ did, 'Patia--exactly the same look I observed last night, in a mosquito's eye.
[PODBURY _has to use his handkerchief violently_.
THE STOUT LADY. Now, Ethel, we can just spend ten minutes on the ceiling--and then we _must_ go. That's evidently Jonah in the small oval (_referring to plan_). Yes, I thought so,--it _is_ Jonah. Ruskin considers "the whale's tongue much too large, unless it is a kind of crimson cushion for Jonah to kneel upon." Well, why _not_?
ETHEL. A cushion, Mother? what, _inside_ the whale!
THE STOUT LADY. That we are not _told_, my love--"The submissiveness of Jonah is well given"--So true--but Papa can't bear being kept waiting for his lunch--we really ought to go now. [_They go._
THE SOLEMN G. (_reading_). "There comes up out of the mist a dark hand." Have _you_ got the dark hand yet, my dear?
HIS WIFE. No, dear, only the mist. At least, there's something that _may_ be a branch; or a _bird_ of some sort.
THE S. G. Ha, it's full of suggestion, full of suggestion!
MISS P. (_to_ PODBURY, _who is still quivering_). Now notice the end one--"the Fall of Manna"--not _that_ end; that's the "Fall of _Man_." Ruskin points out (_reading_) "A very sweet incident. Four or five sheep, instead of pasturing, turn their heads to catch the manna as it comes down" (_here_ BOB _catches_ PODBURY'S _eye_), "or seem to be licking it off each other's fleeces." (PODBURY _is suddenly convulsed by inexplicable and untimely mirth_.) Really, Mr. Podbury, this is _too_ disgraceful!
[_She shuts the book sharply and walks away._
MISS P. Bob, go on and get the gondola ready. I wish to speak to Mr. Podbury. (_To_ PODBURY, _after_ BOB _has withdrawn_.) Mr. Podbury, I cannot tell you how disgusted and disappointed I feel at your senseless irreverence.
PODB. (_penitently_). I--I'm really most awfully sorry--but it came over me suddenly, and I simply couldn't help myself!
MISS P. That is what makes it so very hopeless--after all the pains I have taken with you! I have been beginning to fear for some time that you are incorrigible--and to-day is really the _last_ straw! So it is kinder to let you know at once that you have been tried and found wanting. I have no alternative but to release you finally from your vows--I cannot allow you to remain my suitor any longer.