human
My name is Keene, said the detective, introducing himself.
gpt
I called to see your son.
human
My son is not in.
gpt
When will he return.
human
Not until late. His business requires him to keep late hours sometimes.
gpt
Which is unpleasant for you.
human
Somewhat, but it won't long be so.
gpt
Indeed?
human
When they are married, he will bring Rose here, and then he'll keep better hours.
gpt
Rose?
human
Rose Alstine. They've been keepin' company a long time.
gpt
The young lady is wealthy?
human
How do you know? Have you seen 'em?
gpt
No, but I've heard of the Alstines,
human
Well, I suppose Rose is quite an heiress, especially if the old man's mine turns out well, he's been buying out in Colorado. He's out there now looking after it.
gpt
Yes.
human
I expect August'll be married as soon's he gets home.
gpt
And that will be when?
human
Can't tell. It may be a month and it may be a year.
gpt
Quite an uncertainty, indeed.
human
Yes, heaving a deep sigh,
gpt
I'll be proper glad when they are settled.
human
I should think so. You have friends in Ridgewood.
gpt
None to speak of.
human
The Vanes--
gpt
Oh, yes, I know. They wan't my friends in petic'lar. Victoria was a pretty girl, and some folks called her smart, but I never could see it. Poor thing, it was an awful end she came to at last,
human
It was, indeed, agreed the detective.
gpt
Your son thought much of the girl?
human
Of Victoria Vane?
gpt
Yes.
human
Law, no. Didn't I tell you that August was keepin' company with the Alstine girl?
gpt
Yes; but young men sometimes have more strings than one, you know.
human
But August ain't that kind.
gpt
Artless, old mother! thought Keene.
human
She knows nothing of the doings of this son of her's. Then, thinking of the forger whom he had come so near capturing that evening, Keene said:
gpt
You are from New York, I believe, Mrs. Bordine?
human
Formerly, yes.
gpt
From the neighborhood of Rochester?
human
Yes.
gpt
Do you know a family by the name of Barkswell?
human
Never heard of 'em.
gpt
Are you sure?
human
Well, I'm not given to telling wrong stories, Mr. Keene. Why should I? Our family was never ashamed of its name--
gpt
No, certainly not; but I knew the Barkswells, and I thought you might have forgotten. I am from York State myself.
human
Glad to hear it. I think I heard August speak of you. He met you down to Ridgewood?
gpt
Yes. I am quite anxious to see your son on important business.
human
Come in to-morrow, then. I expect he'll be to home.