human
What Council was that? began Graham.
gpt
What were they discussing? What have they to do with me? Howard closed the door carefully, heaved a huge sigh, and said something in an undertone. He walked slantingways across the room and turned, blowing out his cheeks again.
human
Ugh!
gpt
You must understand, began Howard abruptly, avoiding Graham's eyes,
human
Yes?
gpt
We have grave social troubles.
human
Yes?
gpt
Things have come to such a pass that, in fact, it is advisable to seclude you here.
human
Keep me prisoner!
gpt
Well--to ask you to keep in seclusion.
human
This is strange!
gpt
No harm will be done you.
human
No harm!
gpt
But you must be kept here--
human
While I learn my position, I presume.
gpt
Precisely.
human
Very well then. Begin. Why _harm_?
gpt
Not now.
human
Why not?
gpt
It is too long a story, Sire.
human
All the more reason I should begin at once. You say I am a person of importance. What was that shouting I heard? Why is a great multitude shouting and excited because my trance is over, and who are the men in white in that huge council chamber?
gpt
All in good time, Sire, said Howard.
human
But not crudely, not crudely. This is one of those flimsy times when no man has a settled mind. Your awakening--no one expected your awakening. The Council is consulting.
gpt
What council?
human
The Council you saw.
gpt
This is not right, he said.
human
I should be told what is happening.
gpt
You must wait. Really you must wait.
human
I suppose since I have waited so long to resume life, he said,
gpt
That is better, said Howard.
human
Yes, that is much better. And I must leave you alone. For a space. While I attend the discussion in the Council.... I am sorry.