human
Papa, have you read this? Do you see what they say?
gpt
Eh, what, my dear? Sir Arthur groped for his glasses, and settled them on his nose.
human
Oh, that nonsense of Lennox's, I see--most improper interference; like his--er--er--usual impudence to meddle in our affairs.
gpt
But the things he says about Mr Charteris, papa--that he ought to be court-martialled!
human
Well, my dear, you need not be frightened. Old Harry Lennox ain't commanding in Granthistan.
gpt
But it's just as bad if he only deserved to be court-martialled, and we know he doesn't. As if Mr Gerrard would ever have joined him if he had been merely trying to bring himself into notoriety at the expense of disobeying orders!
human
There's no doubt that he moved without orders, my dear girl. And if you ask me, I have a shrewd idea that he was in no hurry to open his orders when they reached him, lest they should direct him to retire. Ought to be broke, the young scamp! But hang me if I wouldn't have done the same in his place!
gpt
Oh, papa, I am so glad you feel like that! You are writing to him? Do you know, I was going to ask you to let me put in a note, that he might see there was one person on his side.
human
Oho, you sly little puss! cried Sir Arthur, highly amused. Honour looked offended, and her father shifted his ground rapidly.
gpt
No, no, Honour, I couldn't think of it--without consulting your mother, at any rate. But I tell you what I will do--add a postscript that my family send their kind regards to him and Gerrard. Mustn't leave poor Gerrard quite out in the cold, but I think they'll understand that--eh?
human
There is nothing to understand,
gpt
So it's Charteris! said Sir Arthur to himself.
human
Somehow I had an idea it was the other. I'm almost sorry. He will take it hard, poor chap!