human
There are certain malicious stories going about, she said to him tentatively,
gpt
Ah, yes, Quebec is always the same little hole. Do these stories relate to me?
human
I admit it with shame, Monsieur, and our Quebec, as you say, is a little hole. Quebec people have nothing to talk about but the strangers.
gpt
What can they invent about _me_? Have I scandalised your house or ill-conducted myself at the Castle? God's-death! you promise me entertainment. It will make this dull village amusing to hear the product of their gigantic imaginations. Begin, I entreat you.
human
Some say you are not a Bodyguard, sir.
gpt
Ha, that is news; I shall have to tell that to Lady Dorchester. These good judges know so much more of the Court of France than she does. What else?
human
It is alleged that you are no noble, your father being the Merchant of St. Elphège.
gpt
Yes? My father's parchment titles would answer that. I will take the occasion later on to show them to you.
human
And that you carried in France the name of the Marquis de Répentigny.
gpt
Who is the author of these tales, if you know him? he said with dignity.
human
What source first spread them among the people, for such things have always an instigator?
gpt
I would prefer not to tell, Monsieur.