Now for the first time I think that they did.
MELISANDE (nodding). They always come to the christening of the third
and youngest son, and they make him the tallest and the bravest and
the most handsome.
GERVASE (modestly). Oh, well.
MELISANDE. You _are_ the tallest and the bravest and the most
handsome, aren't you?
GERVASE (with a modest smile). Well, of course, Mulberry-face is
hardly a starter, and then Bowshanks-- (he indicates the curve of his
legs)--I mean, there's not much competition.
MELISANDE. I have no sisters.
GERVASE. The Princess never has sisters. She has suitors.
MELISANDE (with a sigh). Yes, she has suitors.
GERVASE (taking out his dagger). Tell me their names that I may remove
them for you.
MELISANDE. There is one dressed in black and white who seeks to win my
hand.
GERVASE (feeling the point). He bites the dust to-morrow.
MELISANDE. To-morrow?
GERVASE. Unless it rains in the night. Perhaps it would be safer if we
arranged for him to bite it this afternoon.
MELISANDE. How brave you are!
GERVASE. Say no more. It will be a pleasure.
MELISANDE. Ah, but I cannot ask you to make this sacrifice for me.
GERVASE. The sacrifice will be his.
MELISANDE. But are you so certain that _you_ will kill him? Suppose he
were to kill _you_?
GERVASE (getting up).
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