human
Two gentlemen came to inquire for you a week ago, Mr Morton, she exclaimed, addressing me.
gpt
They first asked whether Mrs Morton was at home, and I explained that she was away. They then inquired for you, and appeared to be most inquisitive.
human
Inquisitive? About what?
gpt
Oh! all about your private affairs, mum. But I told them I didn't know anything, of course. One of the men was a foreigner.
human
What did they ask you?
gpt
Oh, how long you'd been with me, where you worked, how long you'd been married--and all that. Most impudent, I call it. Especially as they were strangers.
human
How did you know they were strangers?
gpt
Because they took the photograph of my poor brother Harry to be yours-- so they couldn't have known you.
human
Impostors, I expect, I remarked, in order to allay the good woman's suspicions.
gpt
No doubt they were trying to get some information from you in order to use it for their own purposes. Perhaps to use my wife's name, or mine, as an introduction somewhere.
human
Well, they didn't get much change out of me, I can tell you, she laughed.
gpt
I told them I didn't know them and very soon showed them the door. I don't like foreigners. When I asked them to leave their names they looked at each other and appeared confused. They asked where you were, and I told them you were in Ireland.
human
That's right, I said, smiling.
gpt
If they want me they can come here again and find me.
human
Did I not tell you that inquiries would be made to ascertain whether I were married? she said.
gpt
The woman evidently satisfied them, for she has no suspicion of the true state of affairs.
human
Then you are safe?
gpt
Safe only for the present. I may be in increased peril to-morrow.
human
And how long do you anticipate this danger to last?
gpt
Last! Until my life's end, she answered very sadly. Then turning her wonderful eyes to mine she added,
human
I know you cannot sacrifice your life for me in this way much longer, Wilfrid. Therefore it must end. Yet life, after all, is very sweet. When I am alone I constantly look back upon my past and recognise how wasted it has been; how I discarded the benefits of Providence and how from the first, when I came out, I was dazzled by the glitter, gaiety, and extravagance of our circle. It has all ended now, and I actually believe I am a changed woman. But it is, alas! too late--too late.