human
I thought you'd turned in,
gpt
It wouldn't have been of any use; I couldn't have slept had I tried, answered Billy, with a sigh.
human
I want, Tom, to confide a secret to you.
gpt
What is it? inquired Tom.
human
You have had no quarrel with any of those military officers, I hope?
gpt
Oh, no, no, answered Billy.
human
I know, Rogers, that you were once susceptible of the tender passion, and I want to make you my confidant. I am in love, irretrievably, hopelessly in love, and the fair object of my affections returns it, she assures me, with the same ardour. But, you know, my income is small. At present I have nothing but my pay, and that will only keep me and allow me a few pounds to spend on tarts and jellies and ice creams, and I should have to give those up at all events, which would be a terrible sacrifice. And then the major, her father, is evidently a hard-hearted, stubborn old fogey, and the mother's a she-dragon. The adorable creature insists that I shall marry her on the first opportunity. She, indeed, proposes that the chaplain should perform the ceremony on board, but I am afraid the captain would not allow that, and I am in a fearful state of perplexity.
gpt
Which of them is it? asked Tom;
human
Ah! but you have not observed the glances Angelica has cast at me, nor the blush which mantles on her cheek when I approach. I thought that every one must have observed it, though I desired to keep the matter a secret in my own breast until I confided it to you. We have been shipmates for many years, so that I felt sure I could trust you.
gpt
Indeed you can, answered Tom.
human
I'll give you the best advice I can. Don't say anything to any one else for a few days; at all events restrain your ardour, do not commit yourself while the lady remains on board. You can write to her, you know, at any time, when she's safe on shore, then the captain would not interfere. Perhaps, after a little absence, you may find your affection cool; for, from the way you describe her parents, I am, as a friend, bound to tell you that there are some objections to the match, and I am sure the captain would see them.
gpt
I am sure that I shall never love her less than I do now, answered Billy.
human
I have been thinking of composing some verses to present to her. As you know, I am something of a poet, but I should like to show them to you before I give them.
gpt
Didn't you once begin some to a young lady in Sydney? asked Tom, slily.
human
I don't think you ever finished them.
gpt
No, nor did I; still, I thought of completing them now. You must remember that the young lady there gave me no encouragement, but at present I know that they will be received, and my poetic genius will be stimulated. Oh, Tom! it is very delightful to be in love, but it sadly unhinges a man, you know that from experience.
human
Bosh! If I ever was in love, it is so long ago and I was such a boy at the time, that I have forgotten all about it, answered Tom, not quits liking Billy's remark.
gpt
But what about the verses?