human
An ugly story, my boy, very ugly; although I'm not much surprised, knowing the man. But why have you told me?
gpt
Because I wish you to be prepared if he still tries to carry out his infernal scheme.
human
And because you're naturally indignant, eh?
gpt
I am. For my cousin's sake. The two are very old friends.
human
I see. Then it's not for the girl's own sake?
gpt
Partly for her sake, of course. That sort of beastliness always makes me wild.
human
I can understand that, my boy, and am glad to hear it. Just what I should expect of you. Is she pretty?
gpt
I suppose she is in an English way,
human
It's not because she _is_ English that you feel like this?
gpt
I hope I should feel much the same if she was a Hottentot, sir.
human
I wish all our young fellows were the same. Well, for your sake, I'll see that she comes to no harm. I presume, however, that you are quite sure she is not really a spy? Very serious, just now, you know.
gpt
My cousin is, and she has known her many years.
human
Then why doesn't the girl go home?
gpt
It's her one absorbing wish, sir. She has been trying for months to get permission, but von Erstein has managed to stop it.
human
Time's up. I must get back. I make a point of being back always to the tick. It's a hobby of mine. I'll think over all you've told me, for I'm interested in it; far more so than you may imagine. I'll make an inquiry or two about this Miss Caldicott, and if it's all right, she shall go home. You can tell your cousin so. But it's a long way and a bad time for her to travel alone.
gpt
I don't think she would mind that a bit, sir.
human
You make a very earnest champion, my boy; but let me give you a hint. Don't let any one else get the same idea. I mustn't take you away with me now, unless you wish to make an enemy of my wife. You must stay and be heroized for a while. Now mind, don't fail to come to me, if you're in any sort of difficulty,
gpt
I certainly will come, sir.
human
By the way, I've had the doctor's report about you; and Gorlitz is very strong about our sending you to England to see if the environment would bring your memory back. What think you?
gpt
I'm quite in your hands, sir.
human
Perhaps we could kill two birds with one stone, then. How would it do for you to take this Miss Caldicott there with you?