human
A good many of us have memories we might be glad to lose, Herr Lassen,
gpt
I should be glad to have mine back, good or bad,
human
Perhaps. One never knows, he retorted meaningly. Then he switched off to the von Rebling family.
gpt
Most charming people; delightful; but unfortunately there's one little fly in the amber. You know it, of course?
human
I only arrived late last night. What is it?
gpt
It is a thousand pities; but these are times in which no one can afford to run risks, even with the highest motives. I know, of course, that Miss von Rebling's motives are of the highest; but we have to think imperially; especially in regard to this plague of spies. You agree with that, of course?
human
Naturally; but how does that apply here?
gpt
Why do you suppose that English girl there, Miss Caldicott, finds it so desirable to be an inmate of their house?
human
Rosa told me she was Lottchen's governess.
gpt
Ostensibly--yes; but in reality--eh?
human
Do you mean she's a spy?
gpt
I do; and I'm relying on your help in the matter. They may have told you that I have a great deal of interest in circles that would enable me to be of considerable help to you; and I have every wish that we two should be great friends. My influence is such that you may depend upon getting high in the service you wish to join. Very high.
human
I'm not likely to quarrel with any one who can help me in that way, of course; but you see there's a bit of a stumbling-block at present until I can get over this infernal loss of memory.
gpt
Oh, that'll soon come right.
human
So all the doctors at Rotterdam told me; but so far----
gpt
I think I can help you about that, too. Of course when you were known to be coming here I made such inquiries about you as were open to me, and the result made me feel sure that you would wish to be friendly with me;
human
I shall be tremendously interested to learn what you heard. So far as I know, I might have been born about a week ago, and it's a devilish unpleasant feeling.
gpt
Ah, you're a good deal older than that, he said meaningly.
human
I fancy I can convince you if you'll come and have a chat with me. Here's my address,
gpt
Certainly I'll come, said I readily.
human
You've roused my curiosity tremendously. What time and day?
gpt
Come and lunch with me to-morrow. In the morning you'll be wanted in the Amtstrasse; Baron von Gratzen, you know. Come on to me from him. I can open your eyes to a thing or two; and I'm altogether mistaken if we can't come to understand one another thoroughly. I'll manage to refresh that lapsed memory of yours, Lassen, and perhaps find the real reason for it.
human
The Rotterdam people put it down to shock,
gpt
Ah, the doctors don't know everything, my friend, he returned drily.
human
But I must get off. Till tomorrow, then. Don't forget;