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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"Soldiers Three"

(_A pause._) D'you know that we're
two solemn, serious, grown-up people--
CAPT. G. (_Tilting her straw hat over her eyes._) You grown-up! Pooh!
You're a baby.
MRS. G. And we're talking nonsense.
CAPT. G. Then let's go on talking nonsense. I rather like it. Pussy,
I'll tell you a secret. Promise not to repeat?
MRS. G. Ye--es. Only to you.
CAPT. G. I love you.
MRS. G. Re-ally! For how long?
CAPT. G. For ever and ever.
MRS. G. That's a long time.
CAPT. G. 'Think so? It's the shortest _I_ can do with.
MRS. G. You're getting quite clever.
CAPT. G. I'm talking to _you._
MRS. G. Prettily turned. Hold up your stupid old head and I'll pay you
for it!
CAPT. G. (_Affecting supreme contempt._) Take it yourself if you want
it.
MRS. G. I've a great mind to--and I will! (_Takes it and is repaid
with interest._)
CAPT. G. Little Featherweight, it's my opinion that we _are_ a couple
of idiots.
MRS. G. We're the only two sensible people in the world! Ask the eagle.
He's coming by.
CAPT. G. Ah! I dare say he's seen a good many sensible people at Mahasu.
They say that those birds live for ever so long.


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