human
By the way, Lorry, that journey to Paris is postponed,
gpt
Good! It was hardly like you to bolt out of the place when you were most needed. Those sailormen would be at sixes and sevens tomorrow if we didn't show up.
human
I must leave that part of the business to you, said Ingersoll slowly.
gpt
I mean to efface myself entirely. Indeed, I'm thinking of paying a long-deferred visit to Forbes, at Concarneau. Yvonne and you can manage splendidly in my absence. Now, don't argue, there's a good chap. I rather lost my head on being brought into contact with two people with whom I quarreled years ago; or, to be precise, my animus was not against the poor fellow who is dead. Of course his wife is bound to recall the facts, and it would place her in a difficult position when she discovered that I was one of her rescuers. Women are apt to form curious notions about such matters. It was an extraordinary misfortune, to say the least, that her husband should be the one man whom we failed to save. I think you follow me?
human
Oh, yes--the irony of Fate, and that sort of thing,
gpt
I hear sounds of revelry by night, he said.
human
Herri has arrived with the bagpipes.
gpt
Dash it all! growled Tollemache.
human
I don't feel a scrap like dancing this evening. That unhappy woman's shrieks are still ringing in my ears.
gpt
We must adjust ourselves to the conditions, said Ingersoll quietly.
human
Life, like art, is a matter of light and shade. Each of us sails a tiny craft through an unknown sea, and if we can give a brother or sister a cheery hail--why, let us do it, though our own vessel be sinking steadily. I'm in no mood for revel,--goodness knows!--but, with Yvonne absent, you and I must help Mère Pitou to entertain her guests. Some excellent folk are coming here from Nizon and Nevez. Her sister is driving in from Riec. You'll hear some real old Breton ballads tonight. Pity Yvonne isn't here to translate them. My acquaintance with the language is limited; but Madeleine or Barbe will tell you the drift of the words.
gpt
Won't Yvonne be here later?
human
I'm inclined to think she will remain with Mrs. Carmac till eleven or thereabouts.
gpt
But the doctor is there--and a nurse.
human
Unless I am greatly mistaken, Mrs. Carmac will prefer Yvonne to any nurse. There is a cousinship of nationality, you know. Now, Lorry, no grumbling. Let's make the best of things.