human
The younger generation. . . A scientific star and a luminary of the Church. . . . I shouldn't wonder if the long-skirted alleluia will be shooting up into a bishop; I dare say I may come to kissing his hand. . . . Well . . . please God. . . .
gpt
Are you going to the harbour again to catch sea-gudgeon?
human
No, it's too hot.
gpt
Come and see me. You can pack up a parcel and copy something for me. By the way, we must have a talk about what you are to do. You must work, deacon. You can't go on like this.
human
Your words are just and logical, said the deacon.
gpt
But my laziness finds an excuse in the circumstances of my present life. You know yourself that an uncertain position has a great tendency to make people apathetic. God only knows whether I have been sent here for a time or permanently. I am living here in uncertainty, while my wife is vegetating at her father's and is missing me. And I must confess my brain is melting with the heat.
human
That's all nonsense, said the zoologist.
gpt
You can get used to the heat, and you can get used to being without the deaconess. You mustn't be slack; you must pull yourself together.