human
Mr. O'Mally makes a very good suggestion. It will be an adventure worth recounting. I shall go as the princess. What sport with the country gentlemen! This will be an adventure after one's own heart. Her Highness commands! Will it not be delightful?
gpt
Are you not lightening our trials by joking?
human
I am positively serious.
gpt
Impossible! It would be nothing less than madness to fly in the face of this stroke of luck.
human
Call it madness, if you like. I shall go as the princess.
gpt
But the authorities! It will be prison.
human
I am sufficiently armed for any event. It all depends upon your courage,
gpt
It is not a question of courage, replied O'Mally;
human
Prudence in an Irishman?
gpt
Oh, if you take that tone, said O'Mally, coloring,
human
O'Mally!
gpt
That's all right, Worth, said O'Mally.
human
I wouldn't turn back now for sixty-seven jails. You need not join.
gpt
I shan't desert you in a strait like this, remarked Worth quietly.
human
Only, I think La Signorina rather cruel to force such a situation upon us, when it was entirely unnecessary. Put me against the correspondence.
gpt
If I wasn't flat broke, said Smith,
human
I'd bow out politely. But where the grub-stake goes I must go. But I don't like this business a little bit. Signorina, do tell us that it's a joke.
gpt
Yes,
human
I repeat, I am perfectly serious.
gpt
But the consequences!
human
Consequences? I shall find a way to avoid them.
gpt
But supposing some one who knows the real princess happens along?
human
If I get into trouble of that sort, her Highness will help me out. I thank Mr. O'Mally for his suggestion.
gpt
Don't mention it,
human
It is agreed, then, that to-morrow we depart for Florence as the Principessa di Monte Bianca and suite?
gpt
There's a legal side to it, Smith advanced cautiously.
human
The law may not see the jest from your point of view.
gpt
I believe I am clever enough to meet any contingency of that order.
human
I give up, said Worth despondently.
gpt
But your princess must be a very dear friend for you to take such liberties with her name.
human
She appreciates a jest as thoroughly as I do; moreover, she will stand by me in anything I may do. To-morrow morning, then. We shall go direct to Florence and engage carriages to take us out to the Villa Ariadne. We are all capable enough actors to carry out the venture successfully. And now, to relieve Mr. Worth's chivalrous mind, I shall reclaim my pendant. You will doubtless have enough money to forward yourselves to Florence. Once you arrive there, you will leave the further burdens upon my shoulders. Come, Kitty, we must be going. I know that I can rely upon you gentlemen to enter with full spirit into the adventure.
gpt
We are all crazy, but who cares?