human
Certainly, sir.
gpt
You have come from Germany? Is that so?
human
Yes, I arrived yesterday.
gpt
May I ask for your passport, if you please?
human
Why? As a matter of fact I haven't one; but I am known at the British Consulate here. They suggested my coming to this hotel.
gpt
No passport? Umph! I grunted with a solemn wag of the head.
human
Is it so that you came from Berlin and left there somewhat hurriedly?
gpt
Oh, yes. I was there at the outbreak of the war and they meant to send me to an internment camp; I ran away.
human
Umph! I grunted again, fingering my imperial with my glove monstrosities; a gesture which she noticed with a flickering smile.
gpt
Were you alone, madam?
human
No; but I cannot say more than that.
gpt
You must speak frankly to me, madam. I know the person who accompanied you. I ask you because I must be certain who you are.
human
I must know first why you come to me,
gpt
I come as a friend, madam.
human
Pardon me, but how am I to know that?
gpt
Very well, I will try another course. There were certain incidents on the journey. You will tell me them?
human
There was a collision and the train was wrecked.
gpt
But before that?