human
You are beginning to doubt me, he said.
gpt
You are wondering if the shadow I carry with me is not something more than the mere depression of a man who has failed.
human
You have not failed, she declared,
gpt
It is true, he admitted.
human
In the distance I can see the car I ordered to come and fetch me. There is a passenger--a man in the tonneau. I am wondering who he is.
gpt
Some one to whom your man has given a lift, perhaps,
human
I have another feeling--perhaps I should say an apprehension. It is some one who brings news.
gpt
Political or--domestic?
human
Neither, he answered.
gpt
I thought that Fate had dealt me out most of her evil tricks when I came down here, a political outcast. She had another one up her sleeve, however. Do you read your morning papers?
human
Every day, she confessed.
gpt
Is it a weakness?
human
Not at all.
gpt
You read of the disappearance of the Honourable Anthony Palliser?
human
Of course, she answered.
gpt
Besides, you told me about it, did you not, yesterday afternoon? I know one of his sisters quite well, and I was looking forward to seeing something of him down here.
human
I was obliged to dismiss him at a moment's notice, Tallente went on.
gpt
He betrayed his trust and he has disappeared. That very imposing police inspector who broke up our tête-a-tête yesterday afternoon and I fear shortened your visit came on his account. He was the spokesman for a superior authority in London. They have come to the conclusion that I could, if I chose, throw some light upon his disappearance.
human
And could you?
gpt
You are the one person in the world, he said,