The Adventures of Roger Casement and Joseph Conrad

"You've deflowered me, Casement," lamented Conrad. "About Leopold II, about the Congo Free State. Perhaps even about life."

And, heaving a great sigh, he turned and was on his way. "Deflowered!" he exclaimed in one dramatic final flourish.

Roger watched as he went. Conrad had no idea what he was saying! Beside his sombre self, Roger tried unsuccessfully to stifle a chuckle. Later in the night, he reached once more for his diary.