human
It seems such a long time since we met, said the elder lady,
gpt
Sure am I, madam, said the sergeant,
human
Yes, my husband was _very_ kind to you all, said the widow, observing the delicacy of feeling which stopped the soldier's utterance;
gpt
Quite true, madam, answered the sergeant, glancing at the daughter with some surprise; for Marion was gazing at him with an intensely anxious look and parted lips.
human
But, thank God, many were spared!
gpt
And--and--how are the two fine-looking young men that were so fond of each other--like twins almost--
human
Sure, didn't I tell ye, misthress, that they was both ki--
gpt
Hold your tongue, Flynn, interrupted the widow, with a forced smile.
human
You are one of my most talkative patients! I want to hear the truth of this matter from a man who has come more recently from the scene of action than yourself. What do you think, Mr Hardy?
gpt
You refer to John Miles and William Armstrong, no doubt, madam, said the sergeant, in a somewhat encouraging tone.
human
Well, if Flynn says they were killed he has no ground whatever for saying so. They are only reported missing. Of course that is bad enough, but as long as a man is only missing there is plenty of room for hope. You see, they may have managed to hide, or been carried off as prisoners into the interior; and you may be sure the Arabs would not be such fools as to kill two men like Miles and Armstrong; they'd rather make slaves of 'em, in which case there will be a chance of their escaping, or, if we should become friendly again wi' these fellows, they'd be set free.
gpt
I'm so glad to hear you say so, and I felt sure that my desponding patient here was taking too gloomy a view of the matter,