human
A terrible thing,
gpt
Awful. I can scarcely believe it. Is it really true?
human
Only too true, unfortunately.
gpt
For those two, I suppose you mean. You're all right.
human
A square peg in a round hole, I fear, he sighed.
gpt
I would give much that both had survived.
human
How unnatural! commented Lady Jim, with a grimace.
gpt
But you always were eccentric. People won't mind that, now you are a duke. But I am sorry--really--for them, I mean. Such an awful thing to be cut off before you've made your arrangements for an agreeable reception in the next world. What a mercy they went together--for company, you know; and they say drowning is really quite nice after the first choking is over.
human
Please do not talk like that, said he, harshly and emphatically.
gpt
Please do not.
human
I am only trying to cheer you up, she answered, opening her eyes wide, and with a faint smile softening her hard mouth.
gpt
I really cried--you mustn't think me hard-hearted; really, I cried when I heard of the accident. I suppose it was an accident?
human
I should call it the act of God.
gpt
Oh! Leah could find no very pertinent reply, and glided dexterously into another subject, to prevent religious instruction.
human
I came down to see poor Hilda, as she wanted me so badly. But I thought it best to learn details from you first. We must spare the poor thing's feelings, you know, Lionel,
gpt
I am glad you call me that, said he, earnestly,
human
You'll get used to it, she assured him.
gpt
I suppose you will drop the parson now?
human
Certainly not. I am still my Master's servant. He has merely raised me to a higher and more responsible position in His household.
gpt
Raised your wages also, murmured Leah, shrugging.
human
I beg your pardon, Lionel, I should not have said that.
gpt
You should not, indeed,
human
It's a kind of hysteria, apologised Lady Jim, almost at a loss for an excuse,
gpt
You have a strange way of showing grief, Lady James.
human
Don't be nasty, now that you are up in the world. I'll be quite different with Hilda, poor soul, though I must be natural with you. It is a compliment, if you only look at it in the right way, which of course, with your priggishness, you won't. And you needn't use that cheap title of mine, just to remind me how nearly I've missed being called by a more expensive one. I suppose Joan will be your duchess. Do you think she will fill the position!
gpt
Admirably.
human
How curt! There is still a lot of the parson about you, Lionel.
gpt
And ever will be.
human
World without end, I suppose. Hysteria again, Duke, so don't look shocked. Give me details.