human
Yes, yes, my dear fellow, he said, and patted the terrible enemy's shoulder,
gpt
I tell you it's a dog's life. If you can avoid it any way--never go in for fast living.
human
That's all over, he declared,
gpt
Well, what's going to happen now? he asked.
human
And what will your sister do when you come home and announce my refusal?
gpt
I'll tell you, Baron. In fact, my sister required that I _should_ tell you, because that is to-- he giggled--
human
Hold on, my excellent friend, said Niebeldingk and a great weight rolled from his heart.
gpt
You have an officer in your family? That's splendid ... I couldn't ask anything better ... You wire him at once and tell him that I'll be at home three days running and ready to give him the desired explanations. I'm sorry for the poor fellow for being mixed up in such a stupid mess, but I can't help him.
human
Why do you feel sorry for him? the old gentleman asked.
gpt
He's as good a marksman as you are.
human
Assuredly, Niebeldingk returned.
gpt
Assuredly a better one.... Only it won't come to that.