human
I want to speak to you, Mr. Merriwell,
gpt
All right, nodded Frank.
human
Go ahead.
gpt
I have heard that you are making new engagements with the members of the company.
human
Well?
gpt
You haven't said anything to me.
human
No.
gpt
I suppose it is because I made some foolish talk to you this morning. Well, I apologized, didn't I?
human
Yes.
gpt
Well, I presume you will give me a chance when you take the play out again?
human
No, sir.
gpt
So you are going to turn me down because I made that talk? Well, I have heard considerable about your generosity, but this does not seem very generous.
human
Ever since joining the company and starting to rehearse, Mr. Fowler, you have been a source of discord. Once or twice you came near flatly refusing to do some piece of business the way I suggested. Once you insolently informed me that I was not the stage manager. You completely forgot that I was the author of the piece. I have heard that you told others not to do things as I suggested, but to do them in their own way. Several times before we started out I was on the verge of releasing you, which I should have done had there been time to fill your place properly. Last night you were intoxicated when the hour arrived for the curtain to go up. You went onto the stage in an intoxicated condition. You did not do certain pieces of business as you had been instructed to do them, but as you thought they should be done, therefore ruining a number of scenes. You were insolent, and would have been fined a good round sum for it had we gone on. In a number of ways you have shown that you are a man I do not want in my company, so I shall let you go, after paying you two weeks salary. I believe I have given the best of reasons for pursuing such a course.
gpt
I hope you are satisfied now!
human
Satisfied! muttered Fowler.
gpt
I'd like to punch his head off!
human
Very likely, nodded Harper;