human
How are you? said Halliday, with all his own downrightness.
gpt
I and a lot of fellows have liked your playing, and I don't see why I shouldn't tell you so. How are you?
human
I'm quite well, thank you,
gpt
You're a freshman, I suppose?
human
No, I'm in my second year.
gpt
Are you? I thought I knew all the men in the college; but perhaps you live in the town?
human
No, I live in college.
gpt
Where are your rooms?
human
In, or rather under, H staircase, replied George.
gpt
Perhaps you would know the place best as the `Mouse-trap.'
human
The `Mouse-trap'! That's an awful hole, isn't it?
gpt
Yes, said George, his candour coming to his rescue to deliver him from this cross-examination,
human
What a blundering jackass I am! Please excuse my rudeness; I never meant to annoy you.
gpt
You have not done so. You are not the sort of man I should mind knowing I was poor--
human
Of course not; so am I poor; but don't let's talk of that. Will you come to my rooms?
gpt
I'd rather not, please. I'm reading hard, and, besides--
human
Besides what?
gpt
I've no right to expect you to associate with me.
human
Why _ever_ not?
gpt
I may as well tell you straight out. My father is a gamekeeper, and I am a gamekeeper's son.
human
Well, really your logic is perfect, but I can't say as much for your sense. Bless you, man, aren't we all of us lineal descendants of a gardener? Come along!
gpt
Please excuse me, again faltered George;
human
My friends!--oh, yes! blurted out Jim.
gpt
What on earth business have they to put their noses into my affairs. Like their impudence, all of them!
human
Don't blame them till they have offended. Anyhow, Mr Halliday, please excuse me. I want to read, and have made a rule never to go out.
gpt
Look here--what's your name?
human
Reader,
gpt
Reader! Are you the fellow who's in for the Wigram Scholarship?
human
Yes, replied George;
gpt
Only that some of the fellows are backing you for winner.
human
They'll be disappointed,
gpt
I hope not, said Jim,