human
So very kind of you to come, Lionel, said the Duchess, pressing his hand cordially.
gpt
I know how busy you are with your parishioners.
human
You are one of them,
gpt
At odd moments, certainly; but we globe-trot for our places of worship nowadays. Sit down ; she indicated a convenient chair opposite her own.
human
Now tell me the news of your small world. Is Joan quite well?
gpt
Could not be better, considering the circumstances.
human
I am so glad; when do you expect the happy event?
gpt
In a month, please God.
human
I hope it will be a boy.
gpt
I shall be more than content with a girl. Why a boy particularly?
human
Why not, when an heir is so important? You succeed Jim, and a new Marquis of Frith----
gpt
My dear Duchess, you and the Duke are young. There is little chance of my succeeding. I may be congratulating you some day.
human
No, cried Leah, almost fiercely;
gpt
Why 'thank God'?
human
Oh--er--I hardly know; of course, I should hate to be pestered with children. The nursery is an obsolete institution here, and will remain so, unless --she hesitated--
gpt
Duchess!
human
Why not Leah?
gpt
If it will please you. But why talk of Jim's marrying again, when you are in the best of health and spirits?
human
One never knows, I might go first.
gpt
I sincerely trust not.
human
Does that imply that you wish me to be a real widow, after posing as a sham one?
gpt
Of course not; but you talk so strangely.
human
And so honestly. Remember, I have always paid you the compliment of being plain even to rudeness.