human
Come! he said.
gpt
You have had enough of this. I will help you to your room.
human
Send Hudson to me,
gpt
Lean on me, he said.
human
I'll help you.
gpt
No. Send Hudson.
human
Lie down here for a minute, while I fetch him. Don't faint, man! You will be easier directly. You have been on your feet too long. There! Is that better?
gpt
Yes, I am better. Don't call Hudson for a minute. Nap!
human
Put your hand under my shoulders. Ah! That's a help. I always like your touch. Say, Boney, the words came gaspingly, the sunken eyes were heavy with pain,
gpt
Whatever you say is law.
human
Thanks! I'm duly grateful. Do you mind wiping my forehead? I'm too lazy to move. Boney, old chap, he's a well-behaved youngster on the whole. What do you want to bait him for?
gpt
Because I'm a jealous devil,
human
Oh, rats, dear fellow! We are not talking in parables. You're a bit of a savage, I know, but--
gpt
More than that,
human
No--no! You can hold yourself in if you try. And why jealous, anyway? We're all brothers. Say, Boney, I'm going to hurt you infernally. You hit the youngster below the belt. It was foul play.
gpt
What can you expect?
human
I expect--better things. If you must be a beast, be a clean beast. If you must hit out now and then, give him a chance to hit back. It's kind of shabby--the game you played today.
gpt
Are you going to make me apologise?
human
Shucks, no; He would think you were laughing at him. Clap him on the back and tell him not to be a fool. He'll understand that.
gpt
And wish him luck with the parson's daughter?
human
Why not, old chap?
gpt
You really mean to let him marry the first girl who runs after his dollars?
human
It isn't the dollars, said the millionaire gently.
gpt
And she isn't running after him either. She's running away.
human
Same thing sometimes,
gpt
Oh, don't be cynical, Boney! It's so damned cheap! There! I've done swearing at you for the present. It's wonderful how you fellows bear with me. Find Hudson, will you? And then go and tell Lady Carfax that I am afraid I can't visit her this evening as I had hoped.
human
Do you know she talks of leaving tomorrow?
gpt
Yes, I know. Guess she is quite right to go.
human
She's not fit for it, said Nap, in a fierce undertone.
gpt
It's madness. I told her so. But she wouldn't listen.
human
She is the best judge, his brother said.
gpt
Anyway, she is in an intolerable position. We can't press her to prolong it. Besides--whatever he is--her husband has first right.
human
Think so?
gpt
It is so, Lucas asserted quietly,