human
They have adjourned at the House, then?
gpt
Yes, and adjourned a bear pit at that, answered the gentleman from Tennessee.
human
Mr. Tyler has asked me to come across town to meet him. Do you happen to know where he is now?
gpt
He was here a few moments ago, Governor. We were but escorting this lady to her carriage, as she claims fatigue from late hours at the ball last night.
human
Surely so radiant a presence, said Mr. Polk gallantly,
gpt
Quite so, replied that somewhat uncertain lady demurely.
human
Early hours and a good conscience are advised by my physicians.
gpt
My dear lady, Time owns his own defeat in you,
human
Such pretty speeches as these gentlemen of America make! was her gay reply.
gpt
Is it not so, Mr. Secretary?
human
I have just accepted the place lately filled by Mr. Upshur,
gpt
I congratulate you, Mr. Secretary, said he.
human
Now at last we shall see an end of indecision and boasting pretense.
gpt
Excellent things to end, Governor Polk!
human
I am but an humble adviser, rejoined the man from Tennessee;
gpt
Quite riddles, although I remain interested, she answered. I saw her cool eyes take in his figure, measuring him calmly for her mental tablets, as I could believe was her wont.
human
But I find myself indeed somewhat fatigued, she continued,
gpt
Of course, Madam, said Mr. Calhoun.
human
We crave your pardon. Mr. Trist--
gpt
You are a good cavalier, she said to me.
human
I find you not so fat as Mr. Pakenham, nor so thin as Mr. Calhoun. My faith, could you have seen that gentleman this morning in a wrapper--and in a red worsted nightcap!
gpt
But what did you determine? I asked her suddenly.
human
What has my chief said to cause you to fail poor Mr. Pakenham as you did? I pitied the poor man, in such a grueling, and wholly without warning!
gpt
Monsieur is droll, she replied evasively.
human
As though I had changed! I will say this much: I think Sir Richard will care more for Mexico and less for Mexicans after this! But you do not tell me when you are coming to see me, to bring back my little shoe. Its mate has arrived by special messenger, but the pair remains still broken. Do you come to-night--this afternoon?
gpt
I wish that I might,
human
Why be churlish with me? she demanded.
gpt
Did I not call at your request upon a gentleman in a red nightcap at two in the morning? And for your sake--and the sake of sport--did I not almost promise him many things? Come now, am I not to see you and explain all that; and hear you explain all this?
human
It would be my delight, Madam, but there are two reasons--
gpt
One, then.
human
I am going to Montreal to-night, for one.
gpt
So? she said.
human
Why so soon?
gpt
Orders, said I briefly.
human
But perhaps I may not obey orders for once. There is another reason.
gpt
And that one?
human
I am to be married at six.
gpt
And you allowed me to become your devoted slave, she said,