human
Well, my dear, your description of Dorothy Perkins has rather made my mouth water, she declared, as he rose and took a look out of the passage to see if he could nip back unobserved to his room (he had forgotten to bring his dressing-gown).
gpt
Such a lovable, home-keeping, devoted daughter you made her!
human
Exactly. Where I was canniest though, he returned,
gpt
But where did you get the photograph? It really is exceptionally lovely.
human
I bought her at a photographers in Birmingham, when I was there the week before last. I had to take the man out to lunch to persuade him to sell it. She's an Irish girl--was governess to some rich Jew in Edgbaston, and she married a vet. in the army, and has gone to Egypt, so it's as safe as a church. Now mind, mother, he bent over and kissed her, and gave her a little hug,
gpt
All right, dear, I will. I don't like telling lies, but I do it very well when I want to. Any brothers and sisters--the Perkins's, I mean?
human
No. Only child. I'm going to lunch to-day, he said,
gpt
Yes, dear. Wait a minute, Olly. Just suppose, his mother said, looking at him seriously over her glasses,
human
I don't know, he said slowly.
gpt
It would be pretty bad, mother; worse than you think. After a pause he shook his head and opened the door wide.
human
It isn't going to happen, he said,
gpt
Is--is that Mr. Catherwood's house?
human
Yes, you blessed lamb, you little darling devil, it _is_ Mr. Catherwood's house! Then he took his hand away and said in an affected voice,
gpt
Yes, moddom.
human
I have tried three Catherwoods in the book, continued the voice, struggling witty nervous hesitation.
gpt
I don't know the Christian name of the one I am looking for, but is there a Mr. Wick staying there?
human
Yes, moddom.
gpt
Will you please call him to the phone. Tell him it's Miss Griselda--I mean Miss Walbridge--Bridge--B-r-i-d-g-e.
human
Miss Burbridge, moddom?
gpt
No, no--oh,
human
I'll call him, he said, almost forgetting himself and adding
gpt
spasmodically. Then after a moment he spoke in his own voice.
human
Hallo, what is it? Is it you, Grisel?
gpt
Yes, oh Oliver, I _have_ had such a time getting you. Listen, we're in awful trouble. Guy's dying in Paris and they have telegraphed for mother to come. The telegram came late last night. She's never been out of England in her life and hasn't the slightest idea how to travel and--and Paul won't be able to go; he couldn't get a pass now the Peace Conference is on--a friend of his tried last week in almost the same circumstances, and he couldn't----
human
I know, I know.
gpt
Mother wants you to come round and tell her about things. Paul will go to the Foreign Office for her, but she knows you know Paris well, and then you can tell her about getting there--trains, and so on, on the other side of the channel. Will you come?
human
I'll come at once. Perhaps you'll give me some breakfast?
gpt
Oh, yes, anything. Do come.
human
What a pity Sir John isn't here. He would have been a great comfort to you now.
gpt
Yes, vaguely,
human
What's the matter with him, do you know? he asked, as Mr. Catherwood came downstairs and nodded to him through the banisters. Grisel explained that it was pneumonia following on
gpt
Happy House.