human
Did you thrash him?
gpt
No; not an easy job in the circs.
human
You've developed a wise discretion,
gpt
He's a fellow with a lot of influence, you see.
human
Do you want me to believe that after what happened here and what I said, you just thanked him and shook hands? Because I don't believe it. I heard you hit him. That's why I asked if you'd thrashed him.
gpt
I smacked his face, as a sort of preface, but he lay down and wouldn't get up, so I had to cart him out to the front door. A poor show; but I fancy he'll give me a wide berth in the future. Would you care to tell me what passed?
human
He sent up that woman, Gretchen, to say that he was leaving Berlin and that the Countess had given him a message for me about something she had of his. I was only too thankful to hear he was going away, and when I got down, she locked the door. It was all planned, of course; and he asked me to marry him, and when I gave him his answer, he grabbed hold of me and kissed me. I broke from him and rushed into the conservatory, intending to get out that way into the garden; but he had fastened the window, and when I was trying to get it open, you came, thank Heaven.
gpt
I guessed that was about the size of it.
human
I was never more relieved in my life.
gpt
Even though it was only me.
human
Yes, even though it was only you.
gpt
Well, it's all right now. As a matter of fact he has found it wise to leave in consequence of a hint I gave him yesterday.
human
Tell me.
gpt
Better let it wait a while. There was nothing to be gained by telling her the truth.
human
I came to see if there is any news.
gpt
There is, unfortunately. I've received an order from the police to report myself to-morrow.
human
The deuce you have! I wonder what that means. Who signed it?
gpt
Baron von Gratzen.
human
When did you get it?
gpt
Only a minute or two before that man called.
human
Where have you to report?
gpt
The Amtstrasse,
human
I give it up. These beggars beat me every time. Only an hour or two back he told me that you should be sent back home, and I told her about that part of the interview and that he had said I could tell Rosa.
gpt
It's true he said something about making some inquiries about you, so as to be satisfied you're not a spy.
human
Then of course he's going to begin by questioning me himself.
gpt
Possibly, but--I get such different reports about him. You'll have to look out, too. He's sure to cross-examine you about me. I can't get it out of my head that he suspects I'm flying under the wrong flag. You'd better never have seen me before, mind; and whatever you do, look out for traps and things; and he's as artful as a cartload of monkeys at the game.