human
I'm trying to learn this view by heart, said Major Guthrie, in a queer, muffled voice.
gpt
I've always thought it the most beautiful view in England--the one that stands for all a man cares for, all he would fight for.
human
It _is_ a beautiful, peaceful outlook, she said quietly.
gpt
I was thinking so not long before you came in--when I was sitting here, reading the strange, dreadful news in to-day's paper.
human
Major Guthrie?
gpt
Yes? he said rather quickly.
human
Yes, Mrs. Otway?
gpt
I only want to ask if you would like me to write to you regularly with news of Mrs. Guthrie?
human
Will you really? How good of you; I didn't like to ask you to do that! I know how busy you always are.
gpt
Do you know where you will land in France?
human
I am not sure, he answered hesitatingly. And then,
gpt
Still, I have a very shrewd idea of where they are going to fix the British base. I think it will be Boulogne. But, Mrs. Otway? Perhaps I ought to tell you again that all I've told you to-day is private. I may count on your discretion, may I not?
human
Of course I won't tell any one, she said quickly.
gpt
You really do mean not any one--not even the Dean?
human
Yes, he said.
gpt
I really do mean not any one. In fact I should prefer your not telling even Miss Rose.
human
Oh, let me tell Rose, she said eagerly.
gpt
I always tell her everything. She is far more discreet than I am!
human
Well, tell Miss Rose and no one else, he said.
gpt
I don't even know myself when I am going, where I am going, or how I am going.
human
Then you don't expect to be long in London?
gpt
No. I should think I shall only be there two or three days. Of course I've got to get my kit, and to see people at the War Office, and so on. He added in a low voice,
human
There's not going to be any repetition of the things that went on at the time of the Boer War--no leave-takings, no regiments marching through the streets. It's our object, so I understand, to take the Germans by surprise. Everything is going to be done to keep the fact that the Expeditionary Force is going to France a secret for the present. I had that news by the second post; an old friend of mine at the War Office wrote to me.