human
But none of the Southern faithlessness, Arnolfo rejoined.
gpt
Trust me, Norman. Trust me and I will be faithful to you to death. I--we all of us need you so desperately. This about the murder was only nonsense--to hear what you had to say, though I'm afraid the good Sforelli suggested it in earnest. There is good work, man's work, an Englishman's work to be done here. Once the fantastic stuff--the mummery--is over, you may achieve true greatness.
human
I shall become a thief, said Norman.
gpt
Do you want to argue that?
human
You are right to remember it. That repugnance you must sacrifice: you are going to seize an all but worthless property and make it fine land for corn and olive.
gpt
Yet what I said of murder applies to theft: I am helping to cut at the basis of society.
human
But to found a new one. Come, in this objection you will not persist. You have not the same emotion, you do not really mind.
gpt
Or, rather, you wake in me such emotions--such schoolboy emotions--that I cannot control them. It's a game--but it's worth playing. I don't care what awaits me--discovery-disaster--death! I don't care if you're fooling me. I follow you, Arnolfo. What are your orders?
human
Continue to play the part the Poet assigned to you, that is all. Hint of the mystery. I will prepare the rest as quickly as I can. About the King, I will arrange something to please you. And now, good-bye.
gpt
A Southern way, he said, half laughing, half ashamed.
human
One more thing, remember, I had almost forgotten, he added, as he opened the door for Norman.
gpt
That is, beware of women.
human
Norman, you must be awfully rich.
gpt
Have you only just found that out?
human
Yes. Why, of course, the buckle you gave me was very beautiful, but I had no idea.... I put it on this morning and went for a walk in it, and all the jewellers came running out of their shops to praise it and ask about it and offered thousands of francs for it. And, O Norman, I wouldn't sell your buckle for anything, but if you would get me one of those lovely big hats the Frenchwoman sells in the High Street, just to go with it.
gpt
You are much finer as you are, my lass, with a kerchief round your head.
human
Oh, but do, Norman, dear! It seems that buckle of yours is worth enough to buy a new hat for every girl in Alsander.
gpt
Well, I am in a foolish fix, thought he.
human
If I don't follow up the buckle, I shall be accused of having stolen it. (He surmised correctly; Alsandrian cunning was already suspicious of him.)
gpt
And my clothes are dreadful: a millionaire or Prince, even in disguise, would not wear shiny blue trousers: a Prince in rags is all right, but not a Prince in bags. I wish I had given a hint to that marvellous Arnolfo, but somehow I expected him to know everything without being told. And perhaps it was all a dream and he a phantom.
human
I have important letters to write, he said, impassively.
gpt
You must be content with the buckle, Peronella. Wait a little while, and I'll dress you in gold from head to foot.