SUSAN. Can you not guess? What does the great Ralph say?
GERVASE (trying hard). The great Ralph. . . . No, you've got me there. I'm sure I don't know him. Well, what does he say?
SUSAN. Give me health and a day, and I will make the pomp of Empires ridiculous.
GERVASE. Emerson, of course. Silly of me.
SUSAN. So you see, sir--I am well, the day is well, all is well.
GERVASE. Sir, I congratulate you. In the words of the great Percy--(to himself) that's got him.
SUSAN (eagerly). I take you, I take you! Shelley! Ah, there's a poet, Mr.--er--I don't think I quite caught your name.
GERVASE. Oh! My name's Gervase Mallory--to be referred to by posterity, I hope, as the great Gervase.
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 (shaking his head). I'm very sorry, but I really don't think I could bear it. Only five minutes ago Ernest--I don't know if you know Ernest?
GERVASE (indicating with his hand). No, the very small one--Well, _he_ was telling me all about the breakfast he'd just had, and now _you're_ showing me the breakfast you're just going to have--no, I can't bear it.
SUSAN. My dear sir, you don't mean to tell me that you would do me the honour of joining me at my simple repast?
GERVASE (jumping up excitedly). The honour of joining you!--the _honour_! My dear Mr. Susan! Now I know why they call you Gentleman Susan. (Shaking his head sadly) But no. It wouldn't be fair to you. I should eat too much. Besides, Ernest may come back. No, I will wait. It wouldn't be fair.