human
It is rather contrary to custom to be accompanied by the star of the evening, Arlt. I suppose I ought to have hunted up somebody else; but these other fellows make frightful work of my accompaniments. They hurry till they get me out of breath, and then they take advantage of the moment to drown me out. I'd like a baton, only I should beat the accompanist with it, before I was half through a programme.
gpt
When another man accompanies you, I shall be dead, or incapable, he returned briefly.
human
I do not forget.
gpt
Nor I. But do you also remember the last time we did this in Germany?
human
At my home? To Katarina?
gpt
It is my song, you know. I am superstitious about it.
human
Mr. Lorimer was there, that night.
gpt
Oh, that reminds me, Arlt, I heard, to-night, that Lorimer was engaged.
human
Mr. Lorimer?
gpt
Yes, to a Miss Dane. It is only just announced, to-day. I was dining with her cousin and he told me.
human
She must be good. I hope she is also strong of character, the boy said, with a curiously deliberate accent which seemed characteristic of him.
gpt
He is a good man and a kind one; but he needs a steadying hand. I shall write to the mother and Katarina.
human
Will they like the news?
gpt
Why not? Mr. Lorimer is their friend, and they will be glad of any happiness which shall come to him. To the mother, he is like a son, for she is simple-hearted and knows nothing of the world. To Katarina, he is like a god.
human
But gods don't usually marry,
gpt
Zeus did, and Homer tells us how he quarrelled with his wife.'
human
Lorimer never will quarrel; he is too easy-going. By the way, you met Miss Dane at the Stanley recital. Do you remember her?
gpt
A tall lady in brown furs, who knew how to praise without making a fool of herself?
human
That is the one. I should judge that Lorimer has been making a systematic campaign ever since he met her, three months ago, and that, after all, it came suddenly in the end. Dane was noncommittal; but I think he doesn't like Lorimer any too well. Good-night, Arlt. We'll rehearse again, Wednesday morning; meanwhile, stick to your Haydn.