Oh! My name's Gervase Mallory--to be referred to by
posterity, I hope, as the great Gervase.
SUSAN. Not a poet, too?
GERVASE. Well, no, not professionally.
SUSAN. But one with the poets in spirit--like myself. I am very glad
to meet you, Mr. Mallory. It is most good-natured of you to converse
with me. My name is Susan, (GERVASE bows.) Generally called Master
Susan in these parts, or sometimes Gentleman Susan. I am a travelling
Peddler by profession.
GERVASE. A delightful profession, I am sure.
SUSAN. The most delightful of all professions. (He begins to undo his
pack,) Speaking professionally for the moment, if I may so far
venture, you are not in any need of boot-laces, buttons, or
collar-studs?
GERVASE (smiling). Well, no, not at this actual moment. On almost any
other day perhaps--but no, not this morning.
SUSAN. I only just mentioned it in passing--_en passant_, as the
French say. (He brings out a paper bag from his pack.) Would the fact
of my eating my breakfast in this pleasant resting place detract at
all from your appreciation of the beautiful day which Heaven has sent
us?
GERVASE. Eating your _what_?
SUSAN. My simple breakfast.
GERVASE (shaking his head). I'm very sorry, but I really don't think I
could bear it.
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