human
Do you like diamonds?
gpt
Yes, I like them. I haven't a passion for them.
human
No, he said, without raising his eyes.
gpt
You haven't a passion for anything at present. You will have soon.
human
I think it very unlikely,
gpt
Of course you do. He was manoeuvring the cards rapidly with one hand.
human
Your eyes have not been opened yet. I see an exciting time before you. You are going to have an illness first. That comes in the near future.
gpt
I have never been ill in my life,
human
No? It will be an experience for you, then--not a very painful one, I hope. Are you getting nervous?
gpt
Not in the least.
human
Ah! That's as well, because here comes the King of Diamonds. He has taken a decided fancy to you, and if you have any heart at all, which I can't discover, you ought to end by being the Queen. No, here comes the Knave--confound his impudence!--and, by Jove, yes, followed by the missing heart. I am glad you have got one anyway, even if the King is not in it. It looks as if you will have some trouble with that Knave, so beware of him. He glanced up at her for a moment.
gpt
Beware of him! he repeated deliberately.
human
He is a dangerous scamp. The King is the man for you.
gpt
Yes, he said finally,
human
I see an exciting future before you. I hope you will look out for me when you come into your own. I should value your majesty's favour immensely.
gpt
I will give you a place at court as the Queen's jester,
human
Your majesty's most humble servant! he declared,
gpt
I enter upon my functions from this day forward. You will see my cap and bells in the forefront of the throng when you ride to your coronation.
human
You are sure there will be a coronation?
gpt
It is quite evident,
human
Even though I chance to be married already?
gpt
That so? he drawled.
human
Well, it rather complicates matters, doesn't it? Still-- He looked again at the cards.
gpt
It seems pretty certain. If it weren't for that hobgoblin of a Knave I should say it was quite so. He comes between the King and the heart, you see. I shouldn't be too intimate with him if I were you.
human
I shall certainly keep him at a respectful distance, she said.
gpt
Good-bye.
human
Oh, are you going? Let me escort you! Really, I've nothing else to do. He swept the cards together and sprang to his feet.
gpt
Where may I take you? Would you like some refreshment?
human
Shall we go down to the vestibule? No doubt you have a partner for the next dance.
gpt
Have you?
human
That is beside the point,
gpt
Not at all. It is the centre and crux of the situation. Do say you are disengaged for the next! His manner became almost boyishly eager. He had shed his drawl like a garment.
human
Say it!
gpt
But if I am not disengaged?
human
There is a remedy for that, I fancy. And the Queen can do no wrong. Don't be a slave to the great god Convention! He's such a hideous bore.