human
I thought you hadn't been wrapped up in cotton wool all your life,
gpt
Do I look so uncivilised?
human
Highly. You are the nearest approach to pre-historic man I have yet seen,
gpt
I am sorry----
human
Oh, there's no need to apologise. I daresay Circe found Ulysses very agreeable.
gpt
Homer says so, answered Askew, who appeared to be well read;
human
I accept the compliment!
gpt
Is it a compliment?
human
Unless meant for one it should not have been said.
gpt
Beg pardon. I'm several kinds of ass. But I did mean it civilly, you know. Circe was a clever woman, whose magic turned men into outward semblances of their real characters.
human
And if my magic could transform these, she glanced disparagingly round the place,
gpt
Dogs.
human
Of the mongrel kind, Mr. Askew. Do you speak of yourself?
gpt
Dogs are so devoted!
human
That means you wish to attach yourself to me, said Leah, gravely.
gpt
I might take you at your word--I need a friend; but Ulysses deserted Circe.
human
We talk parables, I think,
gpt
Prehistoric man always did, I understand.
human
On the contrary, his speech was direct and blunt!
gpt
Mine will be now, smiled Lady Jim.
human
This cup has been empty for five minutes, and you never offered to----
gpt
But for the publicity of the place, I would ask you to tread upon my prostrate body.