human
They tell me that you want me.
gpt
It isn't I, it's Dr. Banyard; he wants to know if you have sent to Mr. Nash; and, if so, at what time he's coming.
human
Dr. Banyard wants to know?--why does Dr. Banyard want to know?
gpt
That I cannot tell you; you had better ask him; here he is. Is Mr. Nash coming?
human
Of course he's coming, but he doesn't seem to know quite when; it seems he has some sort of case on at the police court.
gpt
I know; he's defending that young scoundrel, Gus Peters, who's been robbing his master.
human
Is the gentleman you call Gus Peters a scoundrel?
gpt
Isn't a fellow who robs his master a scoundrel?
human
Has it been proved that he robbed his master?
gpt
It's a matter of common notoriety.
human
Common notoriety is not infrequently a liar. However, that's not the point; I suppose Mr. Nash will do his duty to his client in any case, and he'll come here as soon as he's done it.
gpt
I'd wait for him if I could, but I have to go my round; I'll look in afterwards on the off-chance of finding him; there's something I particularly wish to say to him. I fancy the magistrates, in spite of Mr. Nash, will make short work of Mr. Peters.
human
Nora, dear, don't you think that Dr. Banyard is inclined to be a little interfering?
gpt
It has never struck me that he was.
human
It has struck me, more than once. But then I think that G.P.s are apt to be interfering; they hope, by having a finger in everybody's pie, to get a plum out of each. Dr. Banyard doesn't like Mr. Nash, does he?
gpt
He has never told me that he doesn't.
human
Has he never breathed words to the same effect?
gpt
He has certainly hinted that he doesn't think much of Mr. Nash's legal abilities; but then who does?
human
I do.
gpt
Really, Elaine?
human
Really, Nora. I believe that if he's truly interested in a person he can do as much for that person as anybody else--perhaps more.
gpt
Possibly; but is he ever truly interested in anybody but himself?
human
Entirely between ourselves, Nora, that's what I wonder.