human
A parcel of nobodies, in a garrison or cantonment somewhere!
gpt
I suppose you're referring to the women? I wasn't thinking so much of them. It'd be sure to get out, and it wouldn't do with the youngsters.
human
And it'd prejudice my boy's career, Clara.
gpt
Yes, it would follow them all over the world, she said.
human
Now a mail ahead of them, now a mail behind--always very close. Yes, the women would chatter and lift their skirts; the old men would snigger and the youngsters make jokes. Is there anything at all to choose between us, Hugh--between you men and us women? Anything at all?
gpt
You don't quite understand. I may think about his interest--well, I'm his father, and he's my eldest. He sees it in the light of his duty to the Service.
human
My poor little Winnie!
gpt
You know I--why, I fairly love her myself! His voice trembled for a moment.
human
Pretty nearly as much, I believe, in the end, as the boy does. But--could I tell him anything different? I'd give a year's pay not to hurt her feelings.
gpt
A year's pay! You old goose, Hugh! You'd give your life--but you wouldn't give one button off the tunic of one of the soldiers in your blessed regiment. She held out her hand to him, smiling under misty eyes.
human
You men are queer,