human
May I ask why I cannot see her?
gpt
Because she wishes to avoid you. She fled away when she saw you coming,
human
That is very strange! It is only a few days ago that Miss Cheffington was sitting beside me at dinner; talking to me in the sweetest and most gracious manner.
gpt
As to sitting beside you, I suppose she had to sit where she was put! And as to sweetness--no doubt she was civil. But, at any rate, she declines to see you now. She has said so as plain as plain English can express it.
human
Your statement is incredible. Suppose I say I don't believe it! What guarantee have I that you are telling me the truth?
gpt
None at all,
human
Mrs. Dobbs, for some reason, or no reason, you hate me. That is a matter of perfect indifference to me. (His white lips, twitching nostrils, and icily gleaming eyes, told a different tale.)
gpt
But I am not accustomed to be treated with impertinence by persons of your class.
human
Only by your betters?
gpt
And, moreover, I shall take immediate steps to inform Captain Cheffington of your behaviour. He will scarcely approve his daughter's remaining with a person who--who----
human
Says, she'd rather not see Mr. Theodore Bransby.
gpt
Who insults his friends. With regard to Miss Cheffington, I have no doubt you will endeavour to poison her mind against me. But you may possibly find yourself baffled. I have made proposals to Miss Cheffington--no doubt you are acquainted with the fact--which, although not immediately accepted, were not definitively rejected: at least, not by the young lady herself. And I shall take an answer from no one else. Miss Cheffington's demeanour to me, of late, has been distinctly encouraging. If it be now changed, I shall know quite well to whose low cunning and insolent interference to attribute it. But you may find yourself mistaken in your reckoning, Mrs. Dobbs. Captain Cheffington is my friend: and Captain Cheffington will hardly be disposed to leave his daughter in such hands when I tell him all.
human
Look here, she said when he paused, apparently from want of breath--