human
No! All that sport--all that gay laxity and folly is at an end. And here's the damned deed that ends it!
gpt
Oh, Lord! she breathed,
human
I am not a loose woman, she said in her soft, bewildered way.
gpt
Unless it be a fault that I find men somewhat to my liking, and their gay manners pleasure me and divert me.
human
You have a way with men. None is insensible to your youth and beauty.
gpt
Is it so?
human
Are you not aware of it?
gpt
I had thought that I pleased.
human
You do so. Best tread discreetly. Best consider carefully now. Then choose one and dismiss the rest.
gpt
Choose?
human
Aye.
gpt
Whom should I choose, John Drogue?
human
Why, said I, losing countenance,
gpt
Oh. Should I make a choice if entreated?
human
A burgesse is free to choose.
gpt
Oh. And to which suitor should I give my smile?
human
Well, said I, sullenly,
gpt
Captain Watts?
human
Sure, said I,
gpt
Yes.
human
In fact, I almost groaned,
gpt
He has courted me a year. I find him agreeable. Also, I pity him--although his impatience causes me concern and his ardour inconveniences me.... The sentiments I entertain for him are virtuous, as you say, sir. And so are my sentiments for any man.
human
But is not your heart engaged in this affair?
gpt
With Captain Watts?
human
Yes.
gpt
Oh, I thought you meant with you, sir.
human
I have not pretended to your heart, Penelope.