human
Butler, I believe we have been cheated into the commission of a gallows act by the lies of those two Spaniards down below in the cabin.
gpt
I have just seen the lady,
human
Ha! and how is she a-doing, sir?
gpt
She is mad--undoubtedly driven mad by the outrage that has been perpetrated upon her and hers.
human
Tom was saying she was off her head, and why, 'cause he heard her sing and laugh. Singing and laughing ain't no sign of madness. I asked Mariana the question plain, and he says 'No' to it--'No,' in the hearing of us all; but now you've seen her, sir, and she _is_ mad?
gpt
She is utterly mad. Mad as from a broken heart. She sits like a figure-head, without a stir.
human
She is no more Don Christoval's wife than I am,
gpt
Are you sure of that?
human
I have been almost sure of it for some time--I am quite sure of it now.
gpt
How have ye made sure, Mr. Portlack?
human
She has no wedding ring.
gpt
But a wedding ring ben't no infallible sign of marriage, is it, sir? I've heered my mother say that she once lost her wedding ring and was always going to buy another, but didn't, and for years she went without a wedding ring, though father was alive most of the time, and a perticlar man, too.
human
If the lady below were a married woman she would wear a wedding ring,
gpt
Ay, said he, with a knowing look entering his eyes,
human
If there's nothing more to make ye doubt, Mr. Portlack, said he,
gpt
You will find that I am right, nevertheless. I shall go and get some breakfast, and will relieve you in ten or twelve minutes.
human
Supposing it as you say, sir, he inquired,
gpt
Transportation for life.
human
And supposing the lady to be his lawful wife, sir?
gpt
I am no lawyer,