human
Quite like a Christmas card, isn't it, Jim?
gpt
If it wasn't for the music-hall songs, assented her husband, looking out of his window.
human
Wonder if there'll be skatin'.
gpt
I daresay. I hope so. I love skating.
human
We have each our little vanities, Jim, said Lady Jim, whom hope made good-humoured.
gpt
There's the church--what a pretty old building, and how well the snow contrasts with the red roof and the ivy!
human
We have to go there on Christmas Day,
gpt
We must show an example to the lower orders, explained Leah, in her British-matron tone.
human
Besides, Lionel preaches.
gpt
How awful! Why has the Duke put him in the bill?
human
Mr. Dane, the vicar, is ill, and asked Lionel to fill the pulpit. The Duke has nothing to do with it.
gpt
Wish I had, grumbled Jim.
human
I'd have the sermon cut out.
gpt
You'd have the church turned into a music-hall, I daresay, retorted his wife, contemptuously.
human
But you must be as nice as you know how to Lionel. Remember, he promised to speak to the Duke.
gpt
I'll keep awake during his sermon, but I shan't promise to do more, Leah. You're runnin' this show.
human
Quite so, but I don't want you to spoil it. Lionel has great influence with the Duke.
gpt
Frightens the old man to death with texts and Tophet, I expect, said Jim, crossly.
human
I know these parsons.
gpt
I was not aware that your circle of friends included such respectable acquaintances.
human
Oh, I can hold a candle to a certain person as well as you, Leah. Who do we meet at Firmingham?
gpt
The usual dull lot, said Lady Jim, with a yawn.
human
Frith and his stupid little wife, who seems to model herself on David Copperfield's Dora. Then Lady Canvey, with her new companion, is sure to be present.
gpt
Fancy havin' that death's-head at a Christmas feast. Who else, Leah?
human
That little Russian doctor, Demetrius. We met him at the Embassy, if you remember. Not the Russian Embassy, but the French. He's out of favour with the Czar, and dare not leave England in case he should be sent to Siberia.
gpt
He can practise for it here, said Jim, shivering,
human
Beastly cold, isn't it, Leah? What's Demetrius doin' here?
gpt
Looking after the Duke's health. He says he can cure his gout.
human
I hope he will, muttered Kaimes, devoutly.
gpt
For if Frith comes along we shan't get a shillin'!
human
I'm half afraid we shan't get one now, sighed Lady Jim.
gpt
Here's the avenue. What a charming place!
human
I'd let it out on buildin' leases, if I had it, remarked the prosaic Jim,
gpt
Don't look into jewellers' windows, Jim. You're not rich enough to buy the stock.
human
Rich! It was as much as I could do to scrape enough together for our tickets.
gpt
Ah, well, said Leah, reassuringly, as the wheels scrunched the frozen snow before the great porch,
human
Catch me wastin' money in that way, snapped Kaimes, swinging himself out to help his wife to alight.
gpt
Halloa, here's old Colley, lookin' like a dean as usual