human
I beg your pardon, madam! exclaimed Frank, lifting his hat.
gpt
Very awkward of me.
human
Not at all, she said, in a low voice, that was not unpleasant nor unmusical.
gpt
You were hurrying, and I stopped directly in your way. I am the one who should beg to be excused.
human
Not at all, he hastened to say.
gpt
I assure you that it was entirely on account of my awkwardness.
human
I wish to speak with you, Mr. Merriwell.
gpt
You know me?
human
Indeed, I do. Why should I not? All Denver knows you to-day.
gpt
Am I so famous as that? smiled Merry.
human
I fear you flatter, madam.
gpt
It is not flattery. You must not doubt my sincerity.
human
Very well, I will not; but you must speak hastily, for I have a train to catch in an hour and thirty minutes, and I haven't too much time to attend to all I have to do.
gpt
But you must give me a little of your time--you really must, she said, persuasively, putting her hand on his arm again.
human
If you will come with me--please do!
gpt
Where?
human
Oh, I know a nice, quiet place, where we can talk.
gpt
Really, you must excuse me, he said.
human
I have not the time to go anywhere to talk. If you have anything to say to me, you can say it here.
gpt
Now, don't be obstinate. You'll not regret it if you come.
human
But I do not even know who you are. That veil----
gpt
If you come, I may remove the veil,
human
Madam, he said,
gpt
Of course you do not, and so you will grant my request. It is a small matter.
human
But not to me, for my time is valuable just now. I am ready to hear anything you have to say, but you must say it here.
gpt
Would you keep a lady standing on the street? she exclaimed, with a slight show of resentment.
human
I cannot say all I have to tell you in a minute.
gpt
And I have explained that I cannot spare time to talk over anything for more than a few moments. I think you will have to excuse me. Good-day.
human
Mr. Merriwell, she said,
gpt
I have seen you on the stage, and I admire you greatly. You will not be rude to one of your admirers, I know. You are far too gallant for that.
human
Is it possible she is one of those foolish women who fall in love with actors?