human
It was in the little study at Malory. By-the-by, who are those people you have put into Malory?
gpt
Ha--the--the people who occupy the _house_?
human
Come--who are they?
gpt
Well, _I_'m the person responsible; in fact the lease is to me.
human
Yes, I know that; go on.
gpt
Well, I took it at the request of Miss Sheckleton, an elderly lady, whom----
human
Whom I don't care to hear about, interrupted Cleve.
gpt
There's an old gentleman--there's a young lady; who are _they_? I want their names.
human
You don't want to tell me, Dixie.
gpt
There is _nothing_ I should not be most happy to tell my distinguished pupil. I've been always frank, quite frank with you, Mr. Verney. I've never had a secret.
human
You wrong me if you think I have, and the Rector of Clay dropped his eyes and coloured a little and coughed.
gpt
But this is not mine--and there really _is_ a difficulty.
human
Insuperable?
gpt
Well, really, I'm _afraid_ that term expresses it but too truly,
human
What a bore!
gpt
Shut the window, if it isn't too much trouble, like a dear old Dixie--a thousand thanks.
human
I assure you I would not say it, resumed the Rector of Clay,
gpt
Something in that, old Dixie. Have a weed?
human
Thanks, no; never smoke now,
gpt
Oh, to be sure, your bishop--I forgot,
human
Yes, a-ha; strong opinions--very able lecture; you have no doubt read it.
gpt
With delight and terror. Death riding on a pipe-clay coloured horse. Sir Walter Raleigh, the man of sin, and the smoke of the Bottomless pit, smelling of cheroots. You used not to be such a fool, old Dixie. _I_'m your bishop now; I've said it, mind--and no one sees you,
human
Well, well; anything, anything; thanks, just for _once, only_ once;
gpt
I'm your bishop--I don't forget. But you must wait till I'm--what d'ye call it?--_consecrated--there_, you need not laugh. Upon my honour, I'm serious; you shall have your choice; I swear you shall,