human
Betty, you do not know how happy I have felt since you accepted me. It was a hurried affair in the boat-house, but really, time was running short; as you were off so soon to Devonshire, I had to snatch at the occasion when there was no one by, so I seized old Time by the forelock, and you were so good as to say 'Yes.'
gpt
I--I----
human
But as the thing was done in such haste, I came here to-day to renew my offer of myself, and to make sure of my happiness. You have had time to reflect, and I trust you do not repent.
gpt
Oh, you are so good and kind to me!
human
Dearest Betty, what a thing to say! It is I--poor, wretched, good-for-naught--who have cause to speak such words to you. Put your hand into mine; it is a short courtship of a soldier, like that of Harry V. and the fair Maid of France. 'I love you: then if you urge me farther than to say, Do you in faith?
gpt
But I ought to tell you something first, something very serious, which may make you change your mind. I do not, in conscience, feel it right that you should commit yourself till you know.
human
It must be something very dreadful to make me do that.
gpt
It is dreadful. I am apt to be terribly forgetful.
human
Bless me! So am I. I have passed several of my acquaintances lately and have not recognised them, but that was because I was thinking of you. And I fear I have been very oblivious about my bills; and as to answering letters--good heavens! I am a shocking defaulter.
gpt
I do not mean that. I have lapses of memory. Why, I do not even remember----
human
You will not forget this, at any rate, Betty.
gpt
Oh, Charlie, no!
human
Then consider this, Betty. Our engagement cannot be for long. I am ordered to Egypt, and I positively must take my dear little wife with me and show her the Pyramids. You would like to see them, would you not?
gpt
I should love to.
human
And the Sphynx?
gpt
Indeed I should.
human
And Pompey's Pillar?
gpt
Oh, Charlie! I shall love above everything to see you every day.
human
That is prettily said. I see we understand one another. Now, hearken to me, give me your close attention, and no fits of lapse of memory over what I now say, please. We must be married very shortly. I positively will not go out without you. I would rather throw up my commission.
gpt
But what about papa's consent?
human
I shall wire to him full particulars as to my position, income, and prospects, also how much I love you, and how I will do my level best to make you happy. That is the approved formula in addressing paterfamilias, I think. Then he will telegraph back, 'Bless you, my boy'; and all is settled. I know that Lady Lacy approves.
gpt
But dear, dear aunt. She will be so awfully lonely without me.
human
She shall not be. She has no ties to hold her to the little cottage in Devon. She shall come out to us in Cairo, and we will bury the dear old girl up to her neck in the sand of the desert, and make a second Sphynx of her, and bake the rheumatism out of her bones. It will cure her of all her aches, as sure as my name is Charlie, and yours will be Fontanel.
gpt
Don't be too sure of that.
human
But I am sure--you cannot forget.
gpt
I will try not to do so. Oh, Charlie, don't!