human
I desire to live here in the desert and to forget. Each time we return to Algiers, the glare and glitter of the European quarter unlocks the closed page of my history. It was because this wild roving beyond the pale of civilisation was suited to my mood that I became a _homard_.
gpt
Has your experience of life been so very bitter, then?
human
Bitter?--Ah! he exclaimed, with a deep sigh.
gpt
You see me now, dragging out a wretched existence in this wilderness, exiled from my home, with name, creed, nationality--everything changed.
human
In order to conceal your identity?
gpt
Yes, my past is erased. Dead to those who knew me, I am now merely known as Octave Uzanne. I have tasted of life's pleasures, but just as I was about to drink of the cup of happiness, it was dashed from me. It is ended. All I have now to look for is--is a narrow bed in yonder sand.
human
My dear fellow, I exclaimed,
gpt
he said dreamily.
human
Bah! Why should I trouble you--a stranger--with the wretched tragedy of my life?
gpt
Because I also have a skeleton in my cupboard, and I can sincerely sympathise with you,