human
To you, madame, I always speak the truth.
gpt
I take you at your word, said Lady Jim, smartly.
human
Why did you leave Russia, Monsieur Demetrius?
gpt
Madame, I come of a princely family, but for the sake of humanity I practised my profession in Moscow. A dear friend of mine foolishly joined the Anarchists, and an order was issued for his arrest. Fortunately, the official who signed the warrant was my patient, and I chanced to be with him when the paper was brought for his signature. He laid it aside for the moment, and I saw my friend's name. I therefore gave my patient a drug, which made him sleep for twenty-four hours, so that he could not sign. Meanwhile, my friend escaped--it matters not how--but he escaped, with my help. Through a rival doctor, my use of the drug to aid my friend became known, and I was accused of conspiring also. The governor of Moscow was enraged, and ordered my arrest in my friend's place. The prospect of Siberia was not pleasant, so I crossed the frontier after many delightful adventures, with the recital of which I shall not trouble you. Behold me, therefore, in your free country, madame, no longer a subject of the Czar, but your devoted slave.
human
And if you go back to Russia?
gpt
I fear I shall never go back, madame.
human
Who knows? Mademoiselle Aksakoff might----
gpt
Precisely, madame. She might, and, with small encouragement, she would. But her gaining of my pardon would assuredly lead to a marriage of gratitude.
human
That would be no sacrifice.
gpt
To many--no. To myself--madame, it is impossible!
human
Can you not make your peace without her influence?
gpt
Alas, no, madame. The Grand Duke was furious at my share in my friend's escape. He would give much to capture me, and should I set foot on the Continent --he shrugged his shoulders significantly;
human
The Third Section?
gpt
If it pleases madame better, the secret police. No; unless I marry Mademoiselle Aksakoff, of whom I admit my unworthiness, I must remain in exile--but it has many compensations,
human
Quite so, she assented, scarcely heeding the compliment; then added thoughtfully,
gpt
You are a daring man, Monsieur Demetrius.
human
Daring, when necessary, madame. But I confess to a love of ease.
gpt
It is not probable that any one will invite you to leave your lotus-eating, monsieur. Thank you for the story.
human
It is at your service, madame.
gpt
You do not ask me why I requested you to relate it,
human
Your wish is a command. A command is never questioned.
gpt
I might wish you to do something that you might question.
human
Ah, no--believe me!
gpt
Don't jump in the dark, said Leah, with a hard little laugh;
human
It was a man, madame.
gpt
David and Jonathan in Crim Tartary, I suppose. They say, she gave a conscious laugh,
human
Madame, one does some things for friendship, but all things for love.
gpt
You are romantic.
human
As is every man, when he loves, madame.
gpt
I understand--Mademoiselle Aksakoff.
human
You penetrate my thoughts admirably.