human
Who is it that says he is your father?
gpt
Do you want to get him into trouble?
human
No, I don't want to get him into trouble, or you either. Better tell me all, and I will be your friend.
gpt
You're a better sort than I thought at first, said Dodger.
human
The man I live with is called Tim Bolton.
gpt
I though so,
human
What! do you know Tim?
gpt
I mean, replied Curtis, lamely,
human
Yes.
gpt
I thought you would be living with some such man. Did he come to the house with you tonight?
human
Yes.
gpt
Where is he?
human
He stayed outside.
gpt
Perhaps he is there now.
human
Don't you go to having him arrested,
gpt
I will keep my promise. Are you sure you didn't pass out the paper and the money to him? Think now.
human
No, I didn't. I didn't have a chance. When I came into the room yonder I saw the gal asleep, and I thought she wouldn't hear me, but when I got the desk open she spoke to me, and asked me what I was doin'.
gpt
And you took nothing?
human
No.
gpt
It seems very strange. I cannot understand it. Yet my uncle says the money is gone. Did anyone else enter the room while you were talking with Miss Linden?
human
I didn't see any one.
gpt
What were you talking about?
human
She said the old man wanted her to marry you, and she didn't want to.
gpt
She told you that?
human
Yes, she did. She said she'd rather marry the dude that was here early this evenin'.
gpt
Mr. de Brabazon!
human
Yes, that's the name.
gpt
Upon my word, she was very confidential. You are a queer person for her to select as a confidant.
human
Maybe so, sir; but she knows I'm her friend.
gpt
You like the young lady, then? Perhaps you would like to marry her yourself?
human
As if she'd take any notice of a poor boy like me. I told her if her uncle sent her away, I'd take care of her and be a brother to her.
gpt
How would Mr. Tim Bolton--that's his name, isn't it?--like that?
human
I wouldn't take her to where he lives.
gpt
I think, myself, it would hardly be a suitable home for a young lady brought up on Madison Avenue. There is certainly no accounting for tastes. Miss Florence----
human
That's her name, is it?
gpt
Yes; didn't she tell you?
human
No; but it's a nice name.
gpt
She declines my hand, and accepts your protection. It will certainly be a proud distinction to become Mrs. Dodger.
human
Don't laugh at her!
gpt
I don't propose to. But I think we may as well return to the library.
human
Well,
gpt
I have examined the boy, and found nothing on his person, said Curtis;
human
I confess I am puzzled. He appears to have a high admiration for Florence----
gpt
As I supposed.
human
She has even confided to him her dislike for me, and he has offered her his protection.
gpt
Is this so, miss?
human
Yes, uncle,
gpt
Then you can join the young person you have selected whenever you please. For your sake I will not have him arrested for attempted burglary. He is welcome to what he has taken, since he is likely to marry into the family. You may stay here to-night, and he can call for you in the morning.
human
Florence, he said,
gpt
I can never speak it, Curtis! I will take my uncle at his word. Dodger, call for me to-morrow at eight, and I will accept your friendly services in finding me a new home.
human
I'll be on hand, miss. Good-night!
gpt
Be it so, obstinate girl! said Curtis, angrily.
human
The time will come when you will bitterly repent your mad decision.