human
I suppose you're assigning seats for people who want to sit alone at these small tables?
gpt
We have assigned only one such, sir, he cautiously admitted.
human
All we're able to give.
gpt
Why all? I wanted to know.
human
There are plenty of tables and only a few passengers.
gpt
Yes, sir, that's true. But also, there's only a few stewards. We haven't enough to spare for scattering around.
human
Is Mr. Roger Odell the one fortunate person to whom you've been able to give a table to himself?
gpt
Why, yes, sir, as a matter of fact he is, the caught steward confessed.
human
We've several tables with parties of two or three, but for one alone----
gpt
I may wish to be alone just as much as Mr. Odell does, I argued.
human
But the next best thing to being alone is to sit with another man who wants to be alone. Then there's no fear of too much conversation. Put me at Mr. Odell's table. As I spoke I slipped a five-pound note into a surprised but unresisting hand. (I had to bribe high to outbribe a millionaire.) Even as his fingers closed mechanically on the paper the steward's tongue began to stammer,
gpt
I--I'm afraid he may object, sir.
human
He may at first; but not after three minutes. All I ask is to be put at the table when Mr. Odell is seated, and without his knowing beforehand that he's obliged to have a companion. If he still objects after three minutes of my company I've had my money's worth. I'll leave him in possession of the table; you can put me where you like.