human
You'll have to be tied to the lady's apron strings, if she wants you knotted there, for the afternoon, said I.
gpt
But I'm going to have a telegram from my friends to meet them on the top of Mont Revard to-morrow, so if you want an excuse----
human
What, your friends the Winstons?
gpt
Yes, why not?
human
They are coming to join you?
gpt
I told you they might turn up at any moment, and----
human
And now the moment has arrived. Then it has also arrived for us to say good-bye.
gpt
Do you mean that?
human
Oh, don't think me ungrateful--or ungracious. I'm neither. But, in any case, we must sooner or later have reached the parting of the ways. You are bound to Monte Carlo. I have--the vaguest plans.
gpt
I thought you said that your sister might be going there with friends.
human
But my sister and I are--very different persons.
gpt
Surely you would wish to meet her there?
human
It's rather undecided at present, anyhow, returned the Boy, his eyes bent on the ground as we walked, our steps less sprightly now.
gpt
There's only one thing settled, which is, that I can't go with you up Mont Revard to meet--people.
human
There isn't the slightest chance of my meeting anyone there, friend Diogenes, I began.
gpt
I was only waiting for you to give me time to explain, since you're inclined to be obtuse, the difference between sending a telegram to yourself, and----
human
Oh, I see. You aren't going to meet a soul on Mont Revard?
gpt
Not even an astral body--by appointment. And the plan was made for your deliverance. Rather hard lines that you should kick at it.
human
I won't kick again. Man, you are--well, you're different from other men. Yes, from every other man I've ever met.
gpt
Am I to take that as praise?
human
Thanks. Best man you ever met?
gpt
Good enough to be introduced to your sister?
human
Good enough--even for that.
gpt
What if I should fall in love with her?
human
You wouldn't.
gpt
How can you tell that?
human
Because--she isn't--your style.
gpt
You don't know my 'style' of girl.
human
Oh, yes, I do. Don't you remember a talk we had, the first day we were friends? We told each other a lot of things. I can see that girl; the girl who--who----
gpt
Jilted me, I supplied.
human
Don't hesitate to call a spade a spade.
gpt
A lovely, angelic-looking creature, typically English; golden hair; skin like cream and roses.
human
The type has palled upon me, said I.
gpt
I know now that Molly Winston--my friend's wife--was right. I never really loved that girl. It was her popularity and my own vanity that I was in love with.
human
Are you sure?
gpt
As sure as that I'm starving for my breakfast. If the young lady--she's married now, and I wish her all happiness--should appear before me at the end of this street, and sob out a confession of repentance for the past, it wouldn't in the least affect my appetite. I should tell her not to mind, and hurry on to join you at the corner.
human
You would have forgotten by that time that there was a Me.
gpt
I can't think of anyone or anything at the moment which would make me forget that,
human
The Contessa?
gpt
Not she, nor any other pretty doll.
human
An earthquake, then?
gpt
Nor an earthquake: for I should probably occupy myself in trying to save your life. To tell the honest truth, Little Pal, you've become a confirmed habit with me, and I confess that the thought of finishing this tramp without you gave me a distinct shock, when you flung it at my head. If you were open to the idea of adoption, I think I should have to adopt you, you know: for, now that I've got used to seeing you about, it seems to me that, as certain advertisements say of the articles they recommend, no home would be complete without you. But there's your sister; she would object to annexation.
human
You might ask her--if you should ever see each other.
gpt
Make her meet you at Monte Carlo, and introduce us there. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll give a dinner at the Hôtel de Paris--the night after we arrive. It shall be in your hands, and of course your sister's, who ought to know your pal. You must try hard to get her to come. Is it a bargain?
human
I can't answer for her.
gpt
But I only ask you to try your hardest. Come now, when I've told you about last night, you'll say I deserve a reward.
human
Yes, I'll try.
gpt
But, by Jove, I'd forgotten that your sister is an heiress, I went on.
human
I've vowed not to fall in love with a girl who has a lot of money.
gpt
I told you that you wouldn't fall in love with her.
human
Is she like you?
gpt
A good many people think so. That's why I'm so sure she wouldn't be the sort of girl you'd care for--you, a man who admires the English rose type or--a Contessa.
human
The Contessa was your affair. For me, a woman of her type could never be dangerous. Whereas, a girl like your sister----
gpt
Still harping on my sister!
human
I often think of her as 'The Princess.' It's a pretty name. I fancy it suits her. Once or twice, since we've been chums, you have had letters, I know. I hope you've better news of her?
gpt
She's cured in body and mind. It is--rather a queer coincidence, perhaps, for like you, she has found out, so she tells me--that she wasn't really in love with--the man. She was only in love with love.
human
I'm heartily glad. If she's as true and brave a little soul, as glorious a pal as you are, she will one day make some fellow the happiest man alive.