human
What did the last man give you for this insomnia?
gpt
How do you know I have been to a succession of men?
human
Because you come to me. We don't look up old friends in the profession until the strangers fail us,
gpt
More hasty conclusions. Still, I'll have to admit that I let our family physician look me over, and that he suggested my seeing a nerve man--Allbright. He has rather a name, I believe?
human
Sure thing. What did he recommend?
gpt
A long sea voyage. I took it--having nothing else to do--and slept a bit better while I was away. The minute I got back it was the old story.
human
Nothing on your mind, I suppose?
gpt
I supposed you'd ask me that stock question. Why shouldn't there be something on my mind? Is there anybody whose mind is free from a weight of some sort?
human
Nobody, admitted Burns promptly.
gpt
The question is whether the weight on yours is one that's got to stay there or whether you may be rid of it. Would you care to tell me anything about it? I'm a pretty old friend, you know.
human
It won't do a particle of good to tell, but I suppose, if I consult you, you have a right to know the facts. My wife--has gone back to her father.
gpt
On a visit?
human
That's like you, Red, he said, irritation in his voice again.
gpt
What's the use of being brutal?
human
Has she been gone long enough for people to think it's anything more than a visit?
gpt
I suppose not. She's been gone two months. Her home is in California.
human
Then she can be gone three without anybody's thinking trouble. By the end of that third month you can bring her home,
gpt
If you don't care to take me seriously--
human
I don't take any man seriously who I know cared as much for his wife when he married her as you did for Miss Carrington--and whose wife was as much in love with him as she was with you--when he comes to me and talks about her having gone on a visit to her father. Visits are good things; they make people appreciate each other.
gpt
You don't--or won't--understand. Coolidge evidently strove hard to keep himself quiet.
human
We have come to a definite understanding that we can't--get on together. She's not coming back. And I don't want her to.
gpt
Say that last again,
human
I have some pride,
gpt
So I see. Pride is a good thing. So is love. Tell me you don't love her and I'll--No, don't tell me that. I don't want to hear you perjure yourself. And I shouldn't believe you. You may as well own up --his voice was gentle now--
human
There was silence for a little. Then Burns began again, in a very low and quiet tone:
gpt
Have you anything against her, Cooly?
human
How can you ask me such a question?
gpt
It's a question that has to be asked, just to get it out of the way. Has she anything against you?
human
For heaven's sake--no! You know us both.
gpt
I thought I did. Diagnosis, you know, is a series of eliminations. And now I can eliminate pretty nearly everything from this case except a certain phrase you used a few minutes ago. I'm inclined to think it's the cause of the trouble. Coolidge looked his inquiry.
human
You're mistaken there. I have plenty to do.
gpt
But nothing you couldn't be spared from--unless things have changed since the days when we all envied you. You're still writing your name on the backs of dividend drafts, I suppose?
human
Red, you are something of a brute,
gpt
I know, admitted Red Pepper Burns.
human
I don't really mean to be, but the only way I can find out the things I need to know is to ask straight questions. I never could stand circumlocution. If you want that, Cooly; if you want what are called 'tactful' methods, you'll have to go to some other man. What I mean by asking you that one is to prove to you that though you may have something to do, you have no job to work at. As it happens you haven't even what most other rich men have, the trouble of looking after your income--and as long as your father lives you won't have it. I understand that; he won't let you. But there's a man with a job--your father. And he likes it so well he won't share it with you. It isn't the money he values, it's the job. And collecting books or curios or coins can never be made to take the place of good, downright hard work.
gpt
That may be all true, acknowledged Coolidge,
human
Right away,
gpt
I have to leave you for a bit, he said.
human
Come in and meet my wife and one of the kiddies. The other's away just now. I'll be back in time for dinner. Meanwhile, we'll let the finish of this talk wait over for an hour or two. I want to think about it.