human
Usually I speak clearly,
gpt
Yes, of course. I caught the word quite accurately. But may I remind you that you addressed her as your daughter in the cabin of the Hirondelle?
human
Does it matter to you, Mr. Raymond, how I addressed her?
gpt
No, no. I was only anxious to correct my own false impression.
human
My wits are still wool gathering, she cried.
gpt
Won't you sit down? I have a good many things to discuss with you. Is your arm very painful? Happily I have never suffered from a broken limb; but it sounds quite dreadful.
human
It's not so bad now, he said.
gpt
By comparison with the torture of Thursday afternoon it is more than bearable. The chief misfortune lies in the fact that my right arm is out of action. I had no idea how little use I made of my left hand until I tried to write with it.
human
The doctor seems to be a very clever man; but if you think it advisable to have your injury seen to by an expert----
gpt
Oh, it's only a simple fracture. I have every reason to believe that it is properly set. Indeed, all it needs now is efficient dressing--and time.
human
How did you come to break it?
gpt
I was flung down the companionway when the yacht turned on her beam ends.
human
But the last thing I remember, and very vividly too, is that you and I were holding to a rail and looking out through the forward window of the deck saloon. We felt a curious trembling of the hull, and the vessel swung round from the wind. There was a strange lull, and Captain Popple shouted something. I asked you what it was, and you said that the shaft had broken, and we should be dashed against the rocks in ten minutes or less. Then, I suppose, I fainted.
gpt
I had not seen the reef. Even Captain Popple thought we should clear it. As a matter of fact, we struck within a minute.
human
And you were thrown over then? I must have fallen earlier.
gpt
Yes. My recollection is hazy as to what actually occurred.
human
The marvel is that either of us is living, she said lightly.
gpt
I gather from Captain Popple that you have taken charge of affairs since we were brought ashore. Will you kindly tell me what you have done?
human
In the first instance I telegraphed to Mr. Carmac's nephew Mr. Rupert Fosdyke, his lawyer Mr. Bennett, his office, and his bankers. The text of each message was practically identical. It ran, 'Yacht wrecked and total loss off Finistère. Mr. Carmac unfortunately killed, but all others rescued. Mrs. Carmac seriously ill, but may recover.' I'm sorry I took an exaggerated view of your state; but the circumstances seemed to warrant it. Then I sent to Paris for an embalmer. Did I do right?
gpt
Don't make an unnecessary enemy.
human
Yes. As I shall receive Mr. Fosdyke and Mr. Bennett when they arrive, I think I shall rest now, she said faintly.
gpt
I am greatly beholden to you, Mr. Raymond. You are so intimately acquainted with my husband's affairs that I should be lost without your help.