They dismissed the imperfect subjunctive with perfect indifference on either side, and Jack, his imagination now somewhat heated, was speaking of the gossip that concerned them. In spite of her imperfect knowledge of English and his want of perfect coherence she caught the general drift of his remarks and before he could reach the point of expressing his earnest desire that these rumours should be given a solid foundation - his view that natural justice required such a course, since they had suffered innocently - she cut him short.
In "Treason's Harbour," a conversation unfolds between Jack and another character as they both navigate the complexities of language and rumor. Jack, stirred by his imagination, begins discussing the gossip surrounding them. Despite the language barrier—her limited English and his fragmented expressions—she manages to grasp the essence of his comments about the rumors. This context sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their shared experiences and perspectives.
As Jack aims to articulate his belief that the rumors deserve legitimacy due to their innocent suffering, she interrupts him. This interruption highlights the tension between their thoughts and the urgency of the situation, emphasizing how interconnected personal feelings and societal perceptions can become. The moment reflects the broader themes of justice and the importance of being heard amidst misunderstandings.