human
Is there news of Sir John to comfort us?
gpt
And if I have any, I may not tell you, Claudia,
human
Oh, la! Aid and comfort to the enemy? Is it that, Jack? And if you but wink me news that Sir John is safe?
gpt
I may not even wink,
human
Aye? So! That's it, is it! A wink from you at me, and pouf!--a courtmartial! Bang! A squad of execution! Is that it, Jack?
gpt
I should deserve it.
human
Lord! If men really got their deserts, procreation would cease, and the world, depopulated, revert to the forest beasts. Well, then--so Sir John is got away?
gpt
I did not say so.
human
You wear upon your honest countenance all the news you contain, dear Jack, said she gaily.
gpt
It was always so; any woman may read you like a printed page--if she trouble to do it.... And so! Sir John is safe at last! Well, thank God for that.... You may kiss my cheek if you ask me.