human
Queen Anne, I crave a boon.
gpt
So you said before.
human
And you don't even ask what it is.
gpt
I am not quite sure that I want to know, Nap,
human
You are not liking me this morning,
gpt
What is it? he said.
human
Is it the mare?
gpt
Perhaps, in part.
human
And the other part? He leaned forward, looking at her keenly.
gpt
Are you afraid of me, Anne?
human
I'm sorry I pressed the mare, he said,
gpt
No, don't, please! I think Bertie was probably in the right.
human
Do you, though? Nap leaned back again, regarding her with supercilious attention.
gpt
It's rather--daring of you to say so.
human
Do you really think I stand in awe of you?
gpt
You are such a truly remarkable woman, he made answer,
human
Don't refuse, he reiterated.
gpt
Look at the sunshine, listen to the birds, think of a whole day in the open! I'll take you to the loveliest place I know in this quaint little island, and I'll be your slave all day long. Oh, I promise you won't find me in the way. Now don't look prudish. Be a girl for once. Never mind the rest of creation. No one else will know anything about it. We leave Baronmead this morning in the motor, and who cares what time we reach the Manor? It can't matter to you or anyone. Say you'll come! Say it!
human
My dear Nap!
gpt
Say it! he repeated.
human
There is no earthly reason why you shouldn't. And I'll take such care of you. Why shouldn't you have a real good time for once? You never have had in all your life.
gpt
Will you tell me what plans you have made for this picnic?
human
My plans, Lady Carfax, are entirely subject to your approval. About forty miles from here there is a place called Bramhurst--a place after your own heart--a paradise. With judicious driving we could be there by one or soon after--in time for luncheon.
gpt
Yes?
human
That's all,
gpt
But--afterwards?
human
My dear Lady Carfax, if it is to be a surprise picnic, where's the use of settling all the details beforehand? Nap's tone was one of indulgent protest; he was eating and drinking rapidly, as if he had an appointment to keep.
gpt
My suggestion is that we then follow our inclinations--your inclinations. He smiled at her again.
human
I am your slave till sunset.
gpt
Could we be back at the Manor by then?
human
Of course we could.
gpt
Will you promise that we shall be?
human
If you ordain it,
gpt
I must be back by dinner-time,
human
And you dine?
gpt
At eight.
human
Very discreet of you! The sun sets at eight-ten. At what hour will you deign to be ready?
gpt
At eleven,
human
I am afraid you can't see Lucas to say good-bye. Hudson has just given him morphia.
gpt
Is he so bad then?
human
No worse than he has been before. Bad pain all night. He always fights against taking the stuff. I persuaded him. He spoke shortly, as if the subject were distasteful to him.
gpt
No doubt he is easier by this time, he added.
human
Eleven o'clock then! I will go and get ready. But even then he paused, his hand on the back of her chair.
gpt
Can you keep a secret?
human
A secret?
gpt
An it please you, he said,