human
They were on the murdered messenger--he was killed, wasn't he, Barlow?
gpt
Yes.
human
And has any native seen these papers, Captain?
gpt
No, I cut them from the soles of the sandals the messenger wore, myself, Sir.
human
That is all then, Captain; we have them back--I may say, thank God! He stood up and holding out his hand added,
gpt
Thank you, Captain. I don't want to know anything about the matter--I'm too much machine now to measure rainbows--fancy I should wear a strip of red-tape as a tie.
human
If you will listen, Sir--there is another that I want to put right. Your daughter did see the Gulab, but because she had brought me the sandals. And you can take an officer's word for it that the Gulab is not what Elizabeth believes.
gpt
Captain, I have lived a long time in India, too long to be led away by quick impressions, as unfortunately Elizabeth was. I've outlived my prejudices. When the _mhowa_ tree blooms I can take glorious pleasure from its gorgeous fragrant flowers and not quarrel with its leafless limbs. When the pipal and the neem glisten with star flowers and sweeten the foetid night-air, it matters nothing to me that the natives believe evil gods home in the branches. I know that even a cobra tries to get out of my way if I'll let him, and I know that the natives have beauty in their natures--one gets to almost love them as children. So, my dear Captain, when you tell me that the Gulab rendered you and me and the British Raj this tremendous service, and add, quite unnecessarily, that she's a good girl, I believe it all; we need never bring it up again. Elizabeth has just made a mistake. And, Barlow, men are always forgiving the mistakes of women where their feelings are concerned--they must--that is one of the proofs of their strength. But these --and he patted the papers lovingly--