human
He thinks we are on our wedding-trip,
gpt
Yes, I let him have it so, he returned.
human
I never destroy a pretty illusion if I can help it.
gpt
What time do we start back?
human
Would you like some ice?
gpt
Don't be ridiculous, Nap!
human
I am sure you have never done anything so improper in all your life before, he went on.
gpt
What must it feel like? P'r'aps you would have preferred me to explain the situation to him in detail? I will have him in and do it now--if you really think it worth while. I shouldn't myself, but then I seldom suffer from truthfulness in its most acute form. It's a tiresome disease, isn't it? One might almost call it dashed inconvenient on an occasion such as this. There is only one remedy that I can suggest, and that is to pretend it's true.
human
I am not good at pretending,
gpt
Very true, O Queen! Horribly true! But I am, you know, a positive genius in that respect. So I'm going to pretend I'm an Englishman--of the worthy, thick-headed, bulldog breed. (I am sure you admire it; you wouldn't be an Englishwoman if you didn't). And you are my devoted and adorable wife. You needn't look shocked. It's all for the sake of that chap's morals. Do you think I can do it?
human
I don't want you to do it, Nap,
gpt
Your wish is law. There is only one other person in this world who can command my implicit obedience in this fashion. So I hope you appreciate your power.
human
And that other is Lucas?
gpt
Luke the irresistible! Did you ever try to resist him?
human
Take my advice then, he said.
gpt
Never do! He could whip creation with his hands tied behind him. Oh, I know you all think him mild-tempered and easy-going, more like a woman than a man. But you wait till you're hard up against him. Then you'll know what I mean when I tell you he's colossal.