human
Really, he began,
gpt
I scarcely know how to excuse myself, Mr. Walmsley. However, thanks to you, we can now dine in comfort. Until now I fear I have taken your good offices very much for granted; but I assure you it will give me the greatest pleasure to make your closer acquaintance and to impress upon you my extreme sense of obligation.
human
You are very kind, I replied.
gpt
By the by, might I ask how you know my name?
human
My young friend, Mr. Parker said, eying with approval the fresh portion of chicken that had been brought him,
gpt
You really seem to know a good deal about me,
human
I am not far from the mark, am I?
gpt
You are not,
human
As regards your lack of occupation, Mr. Parker went on,
gpt
I am not the man to blame you for it. There are very few things in life a man can settle down to nowadays. To a person of imagination the ordinary routine of the professions and the ordinary curriculum of business life is a species of slavery. We live in overcivilized times. There seems to be very little room anywhere for a man to gratify his natural instincts for change and adventure.
human
Might one inquire, I asked, after a brief pause,
gpt
I am most certainly an American,
human
In business?
gpt
I am an adventurer,
human
An adventurer! My daughter, whom you have seen here with me, is an adventuress. We live by our wits and we do pretty well at it. Sometimes we live in luxury. Sometimes we are up against it good and hard. The Ritz one day, you know, and Bloomsbury the next; but lots of fun all the time.
gpt
To a certain extent I suppose you are joking?
human
To no extent at all, he assured me.
gpt
By the by, as regards that packet; would you mind just slipping it under this newspaper?