human
It was wholly a false report, August, but it made me miserable for some hours.
gpt
Not wholly false, he said, as he toyed with a diamond ring that glittered on her finger.
human
I was thrown out and injured, but not very badly. I came here just as soon after the accident as possible to alleviate your fears.
gpt
Oh, how good you are.
human
This ring, he said, seeming to wish to avoid the subject of the accident.
gpt
A genuine diamond, is it not?
human
Certainly. Have you forgotten--
gpt
That it was my own gift. No, darling, but I believe I have forgotten the cost,
human
How absent-minded you have become, she declared.
gpt
I fear that accident injured your brain, August.
human
It's barely possible,
gpt
Why, you goose, you know that ring was a present from papa on my last birthday, and he said it was worth a good thousand. How could you forget?
human
Surely, how could I? he returned, with a glittering eye.
gpt
I--I don't feel just right, that's a fact.
human
And it may have been very imprudent for you to come out so soon after your fall,
gpt
Oh, no; I guess not,
human
It's your ring you miss?
gpt
Yes.
human
Why do you not wear it?
gpt
It's a little large.
human
Indeed. Permit me to take it. I will bring you another that you can wear.
gpt
And this one. How beautiful!
human
Strange you never noticed it's beauty before.
gpt
Well, you know I've been too deeply absorbed in the owner.
human
Well, it _is_ a beauty!
gpt
I thought you did not admire diamonds?
human
Certainly, but--
gpt
Ah, that pain again!
human
Oh, August, you are hurt, in pain, and trying to keep it from me!
gpt
It's a mere nothing, but--but have you any, brandy in the house? I feel that I need something of the kind.
human
I believe there is a flask of brandy in the pantry; I will go for it.
gpt
If you only would.
human
I feel much better, he said,
gpt
If you weren't a strict temperance man I should think that you liked brandy,
human
I'm temperate to the backbone save when it's necessary to use liquor as a medicine,
gpt
I must return now, Rose. I don't feel that I ought to remain out late to-night.
human
Well, I hope you will not suffer from the effects of the accident.
gpt
No danger. That diamond ring, Rose. I dropped it and can't just put my finger on it. Will you help me find it?
human
Never mind, August, I can find it in the morning.