SUSAN. No, no. I couldn't hear of it.
GERVASE. I warn you that if you will not allow me to pay for this
delightful cheese, I shall insist on buying all your boot-laces. Nay,
more, I shall buy all your studs, and all your buttons. Your
profession would then be gone.
SUSAN. Well, well, shall we say tuppence?
GERVASE. Tuppence for a banquet like this? My dear friend, nothing
less than half-a-crown will satisfy me.
SUSAN. Sixpence. Not a penny more.
GERVASE (with a sigh). Very well, then. (He begins to feel in his
pocket, and in so doing reveals part of his dress. SUSAN opens his
eyes at it, and then goes on eating. GERVASE finds his purse and
produces sixpence, which he gives to SUSAN.) Sir, I thank you. (He
resumes his breakfast.)
SUSAN. You are too generous. . . . Forgive me for asking, but you are not
by chance a fellow-traveller upon the road?
GERVASE. Do you mean professionally?
SUSAN. Yes. There is a young fellow, a contortionist and
sword-swallower, known locally in these parts as Humphrey the Human
Hiatus, who travels from village to village. Just for a moment I
wondered--
(He glances at GERVASE's legs, which are uncovered. GERVASE hastily
wraps his coat round them.)
GERVASE.
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