human
Any fool would know it's not that,
gpt
How do you know? he asked, with a calm not to be thrust aside.
human
How do you know it's not that? You can't be sure, he pursued, and there was fairly cunning in forcing his friend upon it, cutting off all escape,
gpt
with a cold, impersonal sort of smile--
human
You're talking like a fool! --but beads of perspiration were on the doctor's forehead. And then, the professional man getting himself in hand:
gpt
You're overworked, Karl. You're nervous. Why I can fix this up for you. I'll just--
human
Not on me, Parkman--, slowly and very quietly--
gpt
Well you will at least admit, said Parkman--brusque because he was afraid to let himself be anything else--
human
Come now, old chap--it isn't like you to surrender before the battle. We'll prepare to meet the foe--though I give you my word of honour I don't expect the enemy to show up. This isn't in the cards. I _know_ it.
gpt
Well, don't ask me to do any crossing of a bridge before I come to it. I think our friend down stairs is thinking of hospitals and nurses and all kinds of quirks that would drive me crazy. Tell him I know what I'm about. Tell him to let me alone!
human
All right, laughed the doctor, knowing Karl too well to press the matter further just then,
gpt
Ernestine will darken our rooms at home,