human
You have guaranteed our credit at this hotel. By what means?
gpt
My word,
human
I know something of these foreign hotel managers. Words are all right, but they must be backed by concrete values. Worth's eye was still steady and unwavering.
gpt
If, as I believe, you have guaranteed our credit here by means of jewels, we must know.
human
It's only right that we should know,
gpt
Let us not indulge in fine sentiment. I have guaranteed your credit here; how I have done so, ought not to matter much.
human
But it does, countered Worth.
gpt
If by more than word, we insist upon knowing. Worth spoke with feeling.
human
Do not for a moment doubt my attitude. I understand and appreciate your great generosity. We are absolutely nothing to you, and you are not responsible for our misfortunes. But we men have some pride left. A man might do for us what you have done and we should accept it without comment; but a woman, no. That alters the case entirely.
gpt
Is it from a sense--a misguided sense--of chivalry?
human
That's probably it,
gpt
You are evading us,
human
You insist, then?
gpt
Positively insist. If you do not tell us, we shall be forced to pay our bill and take our chances elsewhere. Worth pressed the button in the wall. A servant appeared directly.
human
The manager, at once.