human
Sit down, sit down, Frau Bauer, he said.
gpt
There is no hurry. I enjoy the thought of a little chat with you. He waited a moment.
human
And are you thinking of staying on in your present position? You are--let me see--with Mrs. Otway?
gpt
Oh yes, she said, brightening.
human
I shall certainly stay where I am. I am very happy there. They are very kind to me, Mr. Hegner. I love my young lady as much as I do my own child.
gpt
It is a quiet house, he went on,
human
There is a good deal of visiting, she said quickly.
gpt
It is a hospitable house.
human
Not often gentlemen of the garrison, I suppose?
gpt
Indeed, yes, cried Anna eagerly.
human
You know how it is in England? It is not like in our country. Here everybody is much more associated. In some ways it is pleasanter.
gpt
Very true. And had any of these officers who came and called on your two ladies reason to suppose that the war was coming?
human
No, indeed! she cried.
gpt
English officers never talk of warlike subjects. I have never even seen one of them wearing his uniform.
human
It looks to me as if I shall have to add a new line of officers' kit to the Stores, said Mr. Hegner thoughtfully.
gpt
And any information you give me about officers just now might be very useful in my business. I know, Frau Bauer, that you were annoyed, disappointed about that little matter of the commission being halved.
human
Oh no,
gpt
Yes, and I understand your point of view. Well, from to-day, Frau Bauer, I restore the old scale! And if at any time you can say anything about the Stores to the visitors who come to see your ladies--anything, you understand, that may lead to an order--I will be generous, I will recognise your help in the widest sense.
human
Well, we have had a pleasant gossip, he said.
gpt
And one word more, Frau Bauer. You have not told _any one_, not even your daughter, of--of---- he hesitated, for he did not wish to put in plain words the question he wished to convey--
human
I gave my solemn promise to Willi to say nothing, said Anna,
gpt
That I am sure you are not! And Frau Bauer? Do not attempt to write to the Fatherland henceforth. Your letters would be opened, your business all spied out, and then the letters destroyed! I am at your disposal for any information you require. Come in and see us sometimes, he said cordially.
human
Let me see--to-day is Wednesday. How about Sunday? Come in on Sunday night, if you can do so, and have a little supper. You may have news of interest to my business to give me, and in any case it is pleasant to chat among friends.