human
I hadn't thought of staying in Algeria, he answered her at last.
gpt
I don't suppose I shall stay. But--I don't know. Just now my future's hidden behind a big cloud.
human
Like mine! cried Sanda DeLisle.
gpt
Does it comfort you at all to know there's some one here, close to your side, who's walking in the dark, exactly as you are?
human
Yes, it does comfort me, he said.
gpt
Though I ought to be sorry that things aren't clear for you. They will be, though, I hope, before long.
human
And for you, she added.
gpt
I wish we could exchange experiences when we've found out what's going to become of us. I wish you were going on to Sidi-bel-Abbés.
human
I wish I were,
gpt
Will you write and tell me what happens to you?
human
I should like to. It's good of you to care.
gpt
It's not good, but I _do_ care. How could I help it, after all you've done for me?
human
You'll never know what it was to me to have the chance. And will you write what your father's verdict is? If you should be going back, perhaps I----
gpt
Oh, I shall not be going back! the girl cried, with sharp decision.
human
But I'll write. And I shall never forget. If men disappoint me--though I hope, oh, _so_ much, they will not--I shall remember one loyal friend I have made. After last night and to-day, we couldn't be _less_ than friends, could we? even though we never hear from each other again.
gpt
Thank you for saying that. I feel it, too, more than you can, Max assured her.
human
But since we're to be friends, will you let me help you all I can, and see you again on shore, before we go our separate ways? Let me find out about your train, and take you to it, and so on; and perhaps you'll dine with me, if there's time before you start.
gpt
How good you are! She gave him one of those soft, sweet glances, which, unlike Billie Brookton's lovely looks, were prompted by no conscious desire to charm.
human
But you will be so busy with your own affairs!
gpt
Not too busy for that. I don't suppose it will be very difficult to get at what I've come for. I shall soon know--one way or the other. I may have to go on somewhere else, but one day won't matter. I can give myself a little indulgence, if it's for the last time.
human
St. George