human
You are like so many of the men who work for us, she said.
gpt
You are just a little tired, aren't you? You come down here to rest, and I dig up all the old problems and ask you to vex yourself with them. We must talk about slighter things. You are going to shoot here this season--perhaps hunt, later on?
human
I do not think so, he answered.
gpt
I have forgotten what sports mean. I may take a gun out sometimes. There is a little shooting that goes with the Manor, but very few birds, I believe. The last ten years seem to have driven all those things out of one's mind.
human
Don't you think that you are inclined to take life a little too earnestly? she asked.
gpt
One should have amusements.
human
I may feel the necessity, he replied,
gpt
Don't think me inquisitive, she went on,
human
Racquets and cricket, he assented.
gpt
Neither of them much use to me now.
human
Racquets would help you with lawn tennis, she said,
gpt
It is eleven years since I touched a club,
human
Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself, she declared.
gpt
Games are part of an Englishman's life, and when he neglects them altogether there is something wrong. I shall insist upon your taking up lawn tennis again. I have two beautiful courts there, and very seldom any one to play with who has the least idea of the game.
human
So you think that regeneration may come to me through lawn tennis?
gpt
And why not? You are taking yourself far too seriously, you know. How do you expect regeneration to come?
human
Shall I tell you what it is I lack? he answered suddenly.
gpt
Incentive. I think my will has suddenly grown flabby, the ego in me unresponsive. You know the moods in which one asks oneself whether it is worth while, whether anything is worth while. Well, I am there at the crossroads. I think I feel more inclined to look for a seat than to go on.
human
The strongest of us need to rest sometimes,