Sharpe's Challenge2006

William Dodd:
[Cecilia is bathing, and Dodd has snuck in] I trust your new quarters are more to your liking!

Celia Burroughs:
[surprised, Cecilia hides her body] General Dodd! [Recovers herself] I hardly think it proper for you to be alone in a woman's quarters!

William Dodd:
Fortunately, madam, there lies a region in which I am well traveled.

Celia Burroughs:
What is it you want?

William Dodd:
Merely to ask after your comfort.

Celia Burroughs:
To the best of my knowledge, sir, you were once an officer in the British army.

William Dodd:
It was the East India Company in which I serve. But let's not split hairs over such trifling matters. Your point?

Celia Burroughs:
My point, sir, is that if any vestige of gentlemanly conduct you absorbed while in British company remains, I would urge you to act upon it.

William Dodd:
[grins] Alas, madam, these past years I find I'm moved by impulses far more... corporeal.

Celia Burroughs:
If I understood you were right the other evening, general, you made a gift of me to the rajah.

William Dodd:
What of it?

Celia Burroughs:
Nothing. I am merely imagining his disappointment to find that his gift had already been unwrapped!

William Dodd:
[frowns in anger for a moment] Any man would wish you health under his Highness. For he'll take more care in its opening than I will! [walks out, leaving Celia speechless]