human
It's a young fellow called Harold Garth, he said gravely;
gpt
I never heard a parson call going to church foolishness before, said Lady Jim, surprised that the subject should crop up again in so unexpected a manner.
human
Who is Harold Garth?
gpt
A protége of the Duke's. He has just returned from Canada, said the curate, simply;
human
Perhaps it is, said Leah, wondering how much Lionel guessed.
gpt
I don't think I ever saw him,
human
If you did you would mistake him for your husband.
gpt
How awful! shuddered Leah.
human
As though one Jim wasn't enough to be bothered with. But can't we talk of something more interesting--your sermon, for instance?
gpt
I trust you found that interesting,
human
Oh yes--it wasn't too long.
gpt
I see --dryly--
human
Oh no--really, I quite enjoyed your preaching.
gpt
I don't preach that people may enjoy, but that they may think seriously of what they are.
human
I'm sure I think seriously enough, Lionel. Have you spoken to the Duke? No? I wish you would.
gpt
To-morrow. This is Christmas Day, remember.
human
As if I could forget, with all the nonsense that's going on here, retorted Lady Jim, glancing superciliously round at the decorations.
gpt
Every one is overdoing the brotherly business. I quite expected my maid to tell me that she loved me. And I don't see why you shouldn't ask the Duke to-day. You'll squeeze the money out of him the more easily while he's got this Christmassy emotion on.
human
I don't squeeze money out of people,
gpt
What a large income you must have, then.
human
I live within it.
gpt
That's nothing to boast of. I'd live within mine, if I had ten thousand a year.
human
I doubt it, replied Lionel, who could not help laughing at her coolness;
gpt
Rather--if I were the Duchess of Pentland. But there's no chance of such luck. Frith's too healthy. Do smile again, Lionel--you've got such nice teeth, and look quite a good sort when you let yourself go.
human
What am I to smile at?
gpt
At me, and on me. I put ten shillings into the plate this morning.