human
) That was Jan Dyckman over there, big and blond and mild, drinking rum with the round-headed greasy bosun Tom Ball. Ben leaned across the table in a generous glow.
gpt
Do you know Mr. Dyckman?
human
By sight only.
gpt
I could present you. Maybe a word from him would be of use?
human
The thought is kind, but look again, the way the time's inauspicious. Mr. Dyckman is the worse for drink, Beneen. Some other time.
gpt
Have you ever had a woman?
human
Why, no, I--no, Mr. Shawn.
gpt
And don't I remember that time of life, the ache of it? Ah, steady as she goes!--the fear too, boy, but devil any need of that. I'll take you to a house, and you agreeing.
human
I--don't know. I suppose I ought to start soon for home.
gpt
It's orderly is the place I'm thinking of, above a cordwainer's on Fish Street and next door to a grog shop, the which is convenient. Four girls and the madam--O the fine flow of conversation in her cups! She's that rambling you wouldn't know the thing she'd say. I'd have you hear how she was betrayed by an earl in London town, the way I'm thinking she was never no closer to England than a comfortable pile of sacking, maybe forninst a warehouse on one of the wharfs out yonder, but it's the fair fine tale. Ben fidgeted.
human
As for the rest, Beneen, a stallion will need but a moment to cover a willing mare, and in such a house they are willing. I recall a half-ugly wench who would be doing anything you like at all. Shawn laid a finger along his old-ivory pockmarked nose and smiled diamond-like.
gpt
I had her once--wasn't it like sinking into a warm dumpling fresh from the oven? One of the others is handsome but cowlike--I'm a-mind to try her, though I fear she'll be watching a spot on the ceiling and do no more for a man's entertainment than if he was a wind at the door.