human
Thank you; I mean it sincerely, he said.
gpt
It's a very fine song.
human
It's stirring, she replied.
gpt
I dare say it's true--one would like to think so.
human
That kind of thing appeals more to young folk. When one gets to my age, one would rather be soothed. We've had enough of the rough-and-tumble scuffle; it's time to retire from the ring and sit comfortably in a front seat, looking on.
gpt
It would soon get tiresome, declared Geraldine.
human
You would want to take a side and instruct the combatants, she added with an affectionate smile.
gpt
The temptation would be irresistible if somebody whom you thought didn't deserve it were getting badly hurt.
human
I don't know. Interfering is a dangerous habit, and people aren't always grateful. Frobisher's glance rested for a moment on his guest.
gpt
However, I might still step into the ring if the provocation were very strong.
human
I'm grateful to you for keeping me here. I'll go back feeling brighter than when I came.
gpt
That young man has chosen a hard row to hoe, though I don't think he quite sees all he's up against. It's safer to take a bone from a hungry dog than to do a business man out of the pickings he thinks he's entitled to, especially if he's engaged in floating companies.
human
But that is part of your business.
gpt
Sure! said Frobisher.
human
It's wiser to speak of the things you know. I've picked up one or two good bones.
gpt
But you had a right to them,
human
I believe there was a difference of opinion on the point, but I'd got my teeth in first. However, I'll admit that unless Allinson was convinced the bone belonged to him he'd let it go. That's the kind of man he is, and he's not likely to grow more prudent if you let him see that you agree with him.
gpt
Do you think I've done so?
human
I don't know, Frobisher smiled.
gpt
It seems possible; but I've no doubt your intentions were excellent. You're a bit of an idealist. However, the fellow will do you credit. He has sense and grit, though he's what one might perhaps call superfluously honest.
human
How could his virtues reflect any credit on me? Geraldine retorted.
gpt
Besides, your cynicism is assumed. I don't believe you ever took a dollar you were not entitled to. Why do you always make a joke of things?
human
It's true that my ventures have generally paid a dividend, but I've a suspicion that it was a lucky accident that one or two of them did so. When I was young, I was as serious as Mr. Allinson, but people sometimes grow more humorous as they get older. They don't expect so much and they learn to make allowances.
gpt
That's a mistake, said Geraldine.
human
I should never be content with the mediocre.