human
Oh, Knight, she said,
gpt
Cousin Constance proposed asking the Archdeacon and his wife and Mr. Ruthven Smith. I'm sure the Archdeacon can't come, but Mr. Ruthven might perhaps----
human
Oh, I don't think I'd have him with a lot of people he doesn't know and who don't want to know him, Knight vetoed the idea.
gpt
He's clever in his way, but it's not a social way. Among the lot we're going to have he'd be like an owl among peacocks.
human
But he'd love their jewels, Annesley persevered.
gpt
They'll bring some of the most beautiful ones in England. You said so yourself.
human
I'm thinking more of their pleasure than his, said Knight.
gpt
He's deaf as well as dull. The peacocks are invited already, and the owl isn't, so----
human
I'm afraid he is! When Anne agreed that she'd like to have the Smiths I wrote at once; and by this time they've got my letters, Constance broke in with a pretence at penitence.
gpt
Oh, dear, I have put my foot into it with the best intentions! What _shall_ we do?
human
Nothing, said Knight.
gpt
If they've been asked, they must come if they want to. I doubt if they will.
human
No Archdeacon; no Mrs. Archdeacon! But I've bagged the jewel-man. Will he be strong enough alone to spread over us that mantle of mysterious protection your crystal showed you?
gpt
I hope so,