human
Sit down, Billy, and tell me about it.
gpt
I can't; I'm crazy.
human
So I see; but tell me what you're crazy about.
gpt
Haven't you heard it? Of course you have. They wouldn't be writing it to Uncle Charlie if you didn't know all about it. But I'm hanged if I'll let it go on.
human
of her niece's engagement to Mr. Herbert Strange, of Buenos Aires and New York. Uncle Charlie, knowing what this would mean to him, had come to break the news and tell him to
gpt
I'll bet you I sha'n't take it lying down, he assured Miriam.
human
Evie is engaged to _me_.
gpt
Yes, Billy, but you see Miss Jarrott didn't know it. That's where the mistake has been. You know I've always been opposed to the secrecy of the affair, and I advised you and Evie to wait till you could both speak out.
human
It isn't so very secret. You know it and so does Uncle Charlie.
gpt
But Evie's own family have been kept in the dark, except that she told her aunt in South America. But that's where the mistake comes in, don't you see? Miss Jarrott, not having an idea about you, you see--
human
Spreads it round that Evie is engaged to some one else, when she isn't. I'll show her who's engaged, when I can find her in. I'm going to sit on her door-step till--
gpt
I wouldn't do anything rash, Billy. Suppose you were to leave it to me?
human
What good would that do? If that old witch is putting it round, the only thing for Evie and me to do is to contradict her.
gpt
Has Evie ever given you an idea that anything was wrong?
human
Evie's been the devil. I don't mind saying it to you, because you understand the kind of devil she'd be. But Lord! I don't care. It's just her way. She's told me to go to the deuce half a dozen times, but she knows I won't till she comes with me. Oh, no. Evie's all right--
gpt
Yes, of course, Evie's all right. But you know, Billy dear, this thing requires a great deal of management and straightening out, and I do wish you'd let me take charge of it. I know every one concerned, you see, so that I could do it better than any one--any one but you, I mean--
human
I understand that all right. I'm not going to be rough on them, but all the same--