human
I am curious to learn what you brought for dinner.
gpt
You have evidently studied your Lucullus,
human
What is it?
gpt
Your hair, with a simplicity which silenced her.
human
You have the most beautiful hair I have ever seen.
gpt
Thank you. And yet, for all you know, it may be a fine wig.
human
If it is, I shall never be sure of anything again. Am I in prosaic New York? Have you not, by some carpet-magic, transported me to old Europe? If a dozen conspirators came in in cowls to render me the oath, I should not be at all surprised.
gpt
There is no magic; only a mask.
human
And there is no way of seeing behind that?
gpt
None, absolutely none. I am told that you are a gentleman; so I am confident that you will not stoop to use force.
human
Only the force of eloquence, if ever I may lay claim to that again.
gpt
You are beginning well. For I tell you, Mr. Hillard, I shall expect but the most brilliant wit from you to-night. As for me, I shall only interpolate occasionally. Now, begin.
human
I am not used to dancing without the pole.
gpt
You must learn. Dance!
human
Upon what--nothing? And how shall I know that my dancing pleases you?
gpt
I agree to tell you. I wear this mask to-night because I am taking a surreptitious leaf out of my book of cares.
human
Cares? Have you any?
gpt
If I were without cares it would not be necessary to seek diversions of this equivocal character.
human
You are, then, seeking a diversion?
gpt
Nothing more or less. Do not flatter yourself that there is anything personal or romantic on my side. I am bored.
human
I am wholly in your hands, he said;
gpt
Is there anything more beautiful than a cat's paw, when the claws are hidden? Never judge a woman by her hands.
human
I promise to remember. Your letters--