human
Wilfrid, I've been waiting all the evening to speak to you, only I couldn't get you alone. They've all gone at last, so we can talk.
gpt
Well, I said, throwing away my cigar, and bending towards him eagerly.
human
What is it, old fellow? Something serious, I know, from your manner.
gpt
Yes. It is serious--very serious, he said in a hard, low voice.
human
It concerns Sybil--your friend.
gpt
What about her?
human
I've learnt something to-day--something that utterly amazes me. I feel that it can't be true. Therefore, I'm bound to confide in you, as you are her friend as well as mine. We must act together.
gpt
Tell me, I said anxiously,
human
Well. I know that I may rely on your secrecy, so I'll relate the whole facts. About three o'clock this afternoon I left the others to try the turnips around Charlton Wood, and while walking on the edge of the thickets that fringe the forest I thought I heard voices. I have a quick ear for sound, you know. Well, wondering who might be there, I resorted to an old trick taught me by the African natives, and leaving my gun, crept in through the undergrowth without stirring a leaf until I was close to the strangers. Then parting the branches I saw to my utter amazement, Tibbie standing there with a man--a tallish fellow in a dark suit.
gpt
Tibbie! I gasped.
human
With a man--in the wood?
gpt
Yes, said my friend.
human
And mere. I overheard some of their conversation. The fellow looked to me like some farmer's lout, yet he spoke with an air of refinement--he spoke to her, Wilfrid--as her lover!
gpt
Her lover!