human
That is a pity, he said.
gpt
I hoped we might find some mutual friends who would vouch for my inoffensiveness. I can't tell you how sorry I am to have given you such a fright. It was unpardonably stupid of me. The fact is, I am rather absent-minded, and I should have been left behind if I had not tumbled in on you as I did. Please forgive me.
human
On the contrary, it is I who should apologise to you for having made such a fuss about nothing. You must have thought me quite mad.
gpt
Madam, he replied, with mock solemnity,
human
I assure you I never for a moment doubted your sanity, and I am an expert in such matters.
gpt
Are you really?
human
Really what?
gpt
A--a brain specialist? That is what they are called, isn't it?
human
No, indeed. But you said----
gpt
Of course! How stupid of me!
human
Why should you know that I am a soldier?
gpt
You don't look like a civilian.
human
At all events I hope I don't look like the keeper of an insane asylum.
gpt
No, indeed. But you said----
human
Oh, as to being an expert. Was that it? I must plead guilty to having attempted a feeble joke, though as a matter of fact, it so happened that I do know something about lunatics.
gpt
Aren't you dreadfully afraid of them?
human
On general principles, of course, I am afraid of nothing, but I fancy a full-grown lunatic, with a carving knife and a hankering for my blood, would have a different tale to tell.
gpt
Oh, don't speak of them!
human
I beg your pardon.
gpt
Why should you beg my pardon?
human
I really don't know,
gpt
I know that I am behaving like a hysterical schoolgirl. What must you think of me! But,--but I am just recovering from an illness and am still very nervous, and the mere mention of lunatics always upsets me. I have the greatest horror of them.
human
Poor child, she must have been through some terrible experience with one,
gpt
I trust you may never meet any,
human
I don't intend to.
gpt
Well, there is not much chance of your doing so. Certified lunatics find it pretty difficult to mingle in general society.
human
I know--oh, I know--