human
Why--_did_ you--do it?
gpt
Come, come, George! Do pull yourself together.
human
Have you been properly discharged? I asked.
gpt
Or is it an escape?
human
I left Dr. Croft's because I've practically recovered and because I never did like hospitals.
gpt
But why did the doctor arrange for me to come and fetch you next Wednesday?
human
I haven't the least idea. I felt extremely well this morning and I thought I would return home. That's all!
gpt
Couldn't you get a taxi?
human
Perhaps I'd better explain. After lunch I went out for a stroll and noticed one of these motor scooters in a shop-window. It looked very enticing, George. So I entered the shop and inquired. The man got me to try it down the backyard once or twice.
gpt
Ah! That's the modern enterprising salesman all over. He didn't care whether you broke your neck or not so long as he got your money.
human
Nothing of the sort. He thought I wanted it for someone else and even offered to send it.
gpt
How perfectly charming of him!
human
It was only after I'd tried it once or twice that I suddenly realized how enjoyable it would be to get one. So I bought it, with the intention of returning to the hospital. On the way back, however, I altered my mind. I don't like that nurse, George. She would only have carried on to me about it if I'd returned on that scooter. So I changed my mind--and came home instead. . . .
gpt
Then neither the doctor nor the nurse knows where you are?
human
No! You might ring up after dinner and tell them.
gpt
Very well, George! he answered, affably.
human
Don't let us quarrel over trifles.
gpt
Do you attribute all this superabundance of energy to the--glands?
human
I think they've helped. I feel fitter than I've done for years.