human
Yes, Sergeant.
gpt
Riper!
human
Riper than ever they were!
gpt
The--peaches, I think, sir?
human
The peaches, yes.
gpt
Mr. Bellew, sir--she is a--very remarkable woman, sir!
human
Yes, Sergeant!
gpt
A--wonderful woman!
human
Yes, Sergeant!
gpt
The kind of woman that--improves with age, sir!
human
Yes, Sergeant.
gpt
Talking of--peaches, sir, I've often thought--she is--very like a peach--herself, sir.
human
Very, Sergeant, but--
gpt
Well, sir?
human
Peaches do--_not_ improve with age, Sergeant,--'and the peaches are--riper than ever they were,--to-night!'
gpt
Why--sir, said he very slowly,
human
But I do!
gpt
Lord! he whispered--
human
Lord! Lord!
gpt
Sergeant, said Bellew, laying a hand upon his shoulder,
human
Speak to her,--what me! No, no, Mr. Bellew! said the Sergeant, hastily.
gpt
No, no,--can't be done, sir,--not to be mentioned, or thought of, sir!
human
The surprising thing to me, Sergeant, is that you have never thought of putting your fortune to the test, and--speaking your mind to her, before now.
gpt
Thought of it, sir! repeated the Sergeant, bitterly,
human
he cried suddenly, wheeling and confronting Bellew, but not at all like his bold, erect, soldierly self,--
gpt
Yes, look at me,--a poor, battered, old soldier--with his--best arm gone,--left behind him in India, and with nothing in the world but his old uniform,--getting very frayed and worn,--like himself, sir,--a pair o' jack boots, likewise very much worn, though wonderfully patched, here and there, by my good comrade, Peterday,--a handful of medals, and a very modest pension. Look at me, with the best o' my days behind me, and wi' only one arm left--and I'm a deal more awkward and helpless with that one arm than you'd think, sir,--look at me, and then tell me how could such a man dare to speak his mind to--such a woman. What right has--such a man to even think of speaking his mind to--such a woman, when there's part o' that man already in the grave? Why, no right, sir,--none in the world. Poverty, and one arm, are facts as make it impossible for that man to--ever speak his mind. And, sir--that man--never will. Sir,--good night to you!--and a pleasant walk!--I turn back here.