human
I thought Maas's voice was superb, but I did not so much care for the Carmen. What did you think, dear?
gpt
Aunt, said Betty, anxious to change the topic,
human
Not well! Why what is the matter with you?
gpt
I have such dead fits of drowsiness.
human
My dearest, is that to be wondered at with this racketing about; balls and theatres--very other than the quiet life at home? But I will admit that you struck me as looking very pale last night. You shall certainly see Dr. Groves.
gpt
Oh, Dr. Groves, she said nervously,
human
You have eaten something that disagreed with you.
gpt
But it lasted so long.
human
How do you mean? Have you long been subject to it?
gpt
Dear, no. I never had any signs of it before I came to London this season.
human
And how were you roused? How did you become aware of it?
gpt
I was not roused at all; the fact is I went asleep to Lady Belgrove's ball, and danced there and came back, and woke up in the morning without knowing I had been.
human
What!
gpt
And then, last night, I went in my sleep to Her Majesty's and heard _Carmen_; but I woke up in the conservatory here at early dawn, and I remember nothing about it.
human
This is a very extraordinary story. Are you sure you went to the ball and to the opera?
gpt
Quite sure. My dress had been used on both occasions, and my shoes and fan and gloves as well.
human
Did you go with Lady Lacy?
gpt
Oh, yes. I was with her all the time. But I remember nothing about it.
human
I must speak to her ladyship.
gpt
Please, please do not. It would frighten her; and I do not wish her to suspect anything, except that I am a little out of sorts. She gets nervous about me.
human
I cannot see that this is at all a case of somnambulism.
gpt
What is it, then?
human
Lapse of memory. Have you ever suffered from that previously?
gpt
Nothing to speak of. Of course I do not always remember everything. I do not always recollect commissions given to me, unless I write them down. And I cannot say that I remember all the novels I have read, or what was the menu at dinner yesterday.
human
That is quite a different matter. What I refer to is spaces of blank in your memory. How often has this occurred?
gpt
Twice.
human
And quite recently?
gpt
Yes, I never knew anything of the kind before.
human
I think that the sooner you return to the country the better. It is possible that the strain of coming out and the change of entering into gay life in town has been too much for you. Take care and economise your pleasures. Do not attempt too much; and if anything of the sort happens again, send for me.
gpt
Then you won't mention this to my aunt?
human
No, not this time. I will say that you have been a little over-wrought and must be spared too much excitement.
gpt
Thank you so much, Dr. Groves.
human
Martha, said she, when her maid appeared,
gpt
I have not noticed it, miss.
human
Please look for it. I have hunted everywhere for it, and it cannot be found.
gpt
I will look in the parlour, miss, and the schoolroom.
human
I have not been into the schoolroom at all, and I know that it is not in the drawing-room.
gpt
One of the maids took it,