human
Back again, then, Rodd!
gpt
Oh yes, uncle. Did you think me long?
human
So long, my boy, that I was thinking of sending the boat to fetch you, for fear you should be converted into a Frenchman. Hang them all! How I do hate them and their nasty, smooth, polished ways!
gpt
Oh, uncle, you don't! cried the boy indignantly.
human
I do, sir. How dare you contradict me! And I won't have you getting too fond of that French boy. He and his father set me thinking about old Bony, and as soon as I begin thinking about Bony I have a nasty taste in my mouth.-- Well, how did you get on?
gpt
I had a most delightful afternoon, uncle. Young Morny--let's see, he's Viscount Morny--
human
Viscount grandmother! snapped out the doctor.
gpt
Anybody can be a viscount in France if he's got an income of a few hundred francs--francs in France of common silver. They rank with golden guineas in your grand old home.
human
Oh, well, I don't know, uncle I only know that he's the nicest fellow I ever met.
gpt
Gush! cried the doctor.
human
I won't have it, Rodd. I won't have you making too much of these French people. I don't like them.
gpt
But you don't know them, uncle. Both the Count and his son are the most gentlemanly men I ever met.
human
The most gentlemanly men you ever met! cried Uncle Paul mockingly.
gpt
Nice puppy you are to set yourself up for a judge! Very gentlemanly, to come in the dark with two boat-loads of savage-looking buccaneers to seize our schooner! And they would, too, if it hadn't been for Captain Chubb's courage.
human
Oh, uncle, don't be unreasonable. The poor fellows were desperate. Suppose you had been in such a position as they were.
gpt
I am not going to suppose anything of the sort, sir, cried the doctor indignantly;
human
I do,
gpt
What would she say, sir?
human
She'd say that dear Uncle Paul had been thinking about old Bony, and that it had made him very cross with me about nothing at all.