human
I'd hate to think you were going for my sake,
gpt
We're not, dear, said Daphne.
human
Even if you weren't here, we should have to go some day soon.
gpt
Yes, said Berry.
human
We hate one another like poison, but we've never declared war. Consequently, diplomatic relations are still maintained, and in due season we meet and are charmingly offensive to one another. When war broke out they were very sticky about billeting a few Yeomanry chargers, and crawled and lied about their stabling till the authorities got fed up and commandeered all they'd got. Therefore, whenever we meet, I chivvy the conversation in the direction of horseflesh. In the same way, having regard to the burglary which we suffered last month, Vandy will spread himself on the subject of old silver. The moment they heard of it, they sent us a triumphant telegram of condolence.
gpt
If you say much more, she said,
human
Adèle will be afraid to come with us. I admit it's a duty call, pure and simple. All the same, there won't be any bloodshed.
gpt
I'm ready for anything, said Addle thoughtfully.
human
Shall I wear a red or white rose?
gpt
Don't tell us you can control your cheeks, said I.
human
It's unheard of. And why are you so pensive this morning? Is it because of Ireland? Or have you trodden on your sponge?
gpt
I believe she's broken the soap-dish, said Berry,
human
Don't tease her, said Jill.
gpt
Why shouldn't she be quiet if she likes?
human
The truth is, she announced,
gpt
I'm trying to remember a dream I had last night. She looked across the table to me.
human
You know what it is to dream something rather vivid and interesting, and then not to be able to remember what it was?
gpt
But you can't do anything, I said.
human
It's no good trying to remember it. Either you'll think of it, or you won't.
gpt
Exactly, said my brother-in-law.
human
There's no other alternative. It's one of the laws of Nature. I well remember dreaming that I was a disused columbarium which had been converted into a brewery and was used as a greenhouse. I was full of vats and memorial tablets and creeping geraniums. Just as they were going to pull me down to make room for a cinema, Daphne woke me up to say there was a bat in the room. I replied suitably, but, before turning over to resume my slumbers, I tried to recapture my dream. My efforts were vain. It was gone for ever.
gpt
Then how d'you know what it was about?
human
I don't, said Berry.
gpt
What I have told you is pure surmise. And now will you pass me the toast, or shall I come and get it?