human
What was the matter, Joe dear?
gpt
I wasn't feeling very well, he explained.
human
But I shall be better presently.
gpt
I hope it will not interfere with your appetite, Joe. I have cold lamb and mint-sauce for our early dinner.
human
I shall peck a bit, I trust,
gpt
I've hit it!
human
My dear, said his mother;
gpt
Excuse me, mother; I really must go to my room.
human
May I trouble you kindly to shut the door and turn the key? My mother will be anxious and come after me, and I want a word with you all. It will not take two minutes. I see my way to our mutual accommodation. Do not be uneasy and suspicious; I will make no further attempt at evasion. Meet me to-morrow morning at the 9.48 down train. I am going to take you all with me to Swanton.
gpt
Open--it is my mother,
human
What is the matter with you, Joe? she said.
gpt
If we were not both of us water-drinkers, I should say that you had been indulging in--spirits.
human
Mother, I must positively be off to Swanton to-morrow morning. I see my way now, all will come right.
gpt
How, my precious boy?
human
I cannot explain. I see my way to clearing up the unpleasantness caused by that unfortunate novel of mine. Pack my trunk, mother.
gpt
Not on the Sabbath, lovie.
human
No--to-morrow morning. I start by the 9.48 a.m. We all go together.
gpt
We--am I to accompany you?
human
No, no. We--did I say? It is a habit I have got into as an author. Authors, like royal personages, speak of themselves as We.