human
Mr. Stoute, may I trouble you?
gpt
Certainly, sir,
human
If this letter had been written in Greek or Latin, I could have read it,
gpt
Precisely so; if it had been written in Greek or Latin I could not read it,
human
My French, as I have had occasion to acknowledge to you with deep humiliation, has been neglected for more important studies. This letter appears to have been written by some distinguished person, but unfortunately he has chosen to indite it in French.
gpt
In a word, you wish me to read it to you.
human
That is what I was about to request of you. May I ask you to retire with me to our state-room?
gpt
Excuse me, Mr. Hamblin; you forget that I carry round with me two hundred and odd pounds of flesh, besides bone and muscle, and that I have been on my feet three hours. I think, sir, if I knew this vessel was going to the bottom of the Scheldt this instant, I should go down with her rather than move. Have me excused, I pray you, and have compassion on mine infirmities,
human
Ah!
gpt
What is it? Do me the favor to read it,
human
It is from Monsieur Charles Rogier, the president of the council, and minister of foreign affairs, added Professor Stoute.
gpt
He is the man who organized the revolution of 1830, and the greatest man in Belgium, King Leopold excepted.
human
Is it possible! ejaculated Mr. Hamblin, struggling to keep down the smile in which his vanity sought to manifest itself.
gpt
What does he say?
human
He says that just as he was leaving Antwerp for Brussels, he heard that the very learned and distinguished Professor Hamblin was on board of a vessel at anchor in the river.
gpt
Does he say that?