human
Well, sir, here am I back again. Just met the V. P. in the quad, and he was so enchanted at seeing me, that he kissed me on both cheeks, flung off his gown, tossed up his cap, and performed a _pas d'extase_ on the spot. Isn't it delightful to be so beloved? Granta looks very delicious to-day, I must say--about as refreshing and lively as an acidulated spinster going district-visiting in a snow-storm. And how are you, most noble lord?
gpt
Pretty well.
human
Only that? Thought you were all muscle and iron. I say. What _do_ you think the governor has been saying to me?
gpt
How can I tell?
human
Tell! No, I should not have guessed it if I'd tried for a hundred years! By George! nothing less than that I should marry Fay. What do you think of that, sir?
gpt
Marry Fay! _I!_ shouted Sydie.
human
Ye gods, what an idea! I never was so astonished in all my days. Marry Little Fay!--the governor must be mad, you know.
gpt
You will not marry your cousin?
human
Marry! I! By George, no! She wouldn't have me, and I'm sure I wouldn't have her. She is a dear little monkey, and I'm very fond of her, but I wouldn't put the halter round my neck for any woman going. I don't like vexing the General, but it would be really too great a sacrifice merely to oblige him.
gpt
She cares nothing for you, then?
human
Nothing? Well, I don't know. Yes, in a measure, she does. If I should be taken home on a hurdle one fine morning, she'd shed some cousinly tears over my inanimate body; but as for _the other thing_, not one bit of it. 'Tisn't likely. We're a great deal too like one another, too full of devilry and carelessness, to assimilate. Isn't it the delicious contrast and fiz of the sparkling acid of divine lemons with the contrariety of the fiery spirit of beloved rum that makes the delectable union known and worshipped in our symposia under the blissful name of PUNCH? Marry Little Fay! By Jove, if all the governor's match-making was founded on no better reasons for success, it is a small marvel that he's a bachelor now! By George, it's time for hall!