Page:Quartette - Kipling (1885).djvu/126

 (''Smallweed raises paper so that it is between him and Edith) who looks round to ·Wilmot. The latter kisses his hand to her; nearly caught in the act by Smallweed. Edith shakes her head. Comic business with paper''.)



(sentimentally).—I could hold it up forever for you to study.

(looking at Wilmot tenderly).—You really like to be here?

(Aside: A new version of Phyramus and Thisbe, by Jove!) (He makes a gesture in reply).—

—Oh, so much! I ought to be in cutcherry; but so long as you take an interest in antiquities, it is hard to stick to the desk.

(looking at Wilmot).—Do you really think I ought to go?

,—Oh! do come; it's such a lovely inscription only look at this bull,—the Vahan of Shiva.

—More like a donkey; isn't it?

(aside, Very much more, I should think.)

(sternly).—Did you speak, sir? (Aside: I don't half like that fellow!)

—Me, sir? No, sir!

(folding up paper).—Well, now you've had your breakfast, you'd better clear out.

—Beg your pardon, sir; I'm in custody.

—Qui hai! We'll send for Nubbee Baksh and get rid of that fellow—(looking at Wilmot contemptuously),—for