human
I walked up here with Mr. Dane, he observed, after a thoughtful interval.
gpt
What an American he is!
human
American?
gpt
Yes. No other country but yours can produce such people. France tries it, and fails. A Frenchman takes his frivolity in earnest. Mr. Dane is like that little _Scherzo_ by Faulkes, the one that frisks on and on, and all of a sudden comes to an end with a loud _Ha ha_ over its own absurdity. Mr. Dane delights in his own talk, just as you delight in your singing.
human
He is not self-conscious,
gpt
Neither are you. Each of you has a gift, and you each delight in using it. That is not saying that you either of you regard it as the only gift in the world. Instead, having it, you make the most of it, to let it grow and to put it in the way of giving pleasure to other people.
human
To paraphrase you, Arlt, what a German you are! Nobody else would attempt to philosophize concerning Bobby Dane.
gpt
Why not? He is worth it, for he has other gifts than his wit.
human
Did he say anything about Lorimer?
gpt
He spoke of him once or twice.
human
Anything especial?
gpt
N-o.
human
Is anything wrong with Lorimer?
gpt
What should there be?
human
Nothing should be. I asked if anything is.
gpt
Mr. Dane would hardly discuss his friends with me.
human
Now, see here, Arlt, don't get obstinate. We both know Lorimer's failing. Have you heard anything new about him?
gpt
Mr. Lorimer was very good to the mother and Katarina,
human
That may be. Mr. Lorimer has been good to a great many people, and we aren't going to forget it. That doesn't keep us from knowing his weakness.
gpt
No, Arlt said simply;
human
It might; but it does not. We both know it, and there is no harm in our talking it over. Lorimer is weak and foolish; he isn't nearly so bad as many men we know. The taint is in his blood, and he is too easy-going to fight it out.
gpt
But he did fight, last summer,