human
Some weeks ago I hoped that Donaldson would get them for me. He refused, so I had to go myself. I couldn't trust any one else, though the only difficulty was getting to Central Mexico with Constitutionals raging on one side and Federals on the other. A man promised to deliver the goods to my messenger. I've been bargaining over these things for years. But, as I said, Don wouldn't go, so I had to do the job myself. You see, Mrs. Donaldson, your husband is the only honest man I ever came across.
gpt
Honest!
human
Yes. Honest is the word. I might add two others: 'true' and 'loyal.' Paul Van Vreck held her with his strange, straight look, commanding, yet amused.
gpt
That is the opinion, he added after a pause,
human
May I sit down, Mrs. Donaldson? Van Vreck asked in a tone which changed to commonplaceness--if his voice could ever be commonplace.
gpt
I'm a fugitive, and have had a run for my money, so to speak. I'm seeking sanctuary. Also I came in the hope of trying my eloquence on Donaldson. But now I've seen you, I will not do that. In future he's safe from me, I promise you.
human
Oh! Annesley faltered. And then:
gpt
Thank you! came out, grudgingly. How astonishing that _she_ should thank Paul Van Vreck, the monster of wickedness and secrecy she had pictured, for
human
Do sit down, she hurried on, hypnotized.
gpt
Forgive my not asking you. I----
human
I understand, he soothed her.
gpt
I've taken advantage of you--sprung a surprise, as Don would say, and then turned on the tortures of the Inquisition. Aren't _you_ going to sit? I can't, you know, if you don't.
human
I thought you might like something to eat, the girl stammered.
gpt
I could call our cook----
human
No, thank you, replied Van Vreck.
gpt
I'm peculiar in more ways than one. I never eat at night. I live mostly on milk, water, fruit, and nuts. That's why I feel forty at seventy-two. I give out that I'm frail--an invalid--that I spend much time in nursing homes. This is my joke on a public which has no business to be curious about my habits. While it thinks I'm recuperating in a nursing home I--but no matter! That won't interest you.