human
Of course you'll go and call on this worm now,
gpt
Yes, that is what I meant to do. Got anything for me to say?
human
Toby, can you lie?
gpt
Like the devil, in a good cause.
human
Well, tell the Comber man that you are coming to stay at the Links Hotel with your sister-in-law by her invitation. Do the thing properly, and be prodigal of details. It's a pity you have such a despicable imagination. Say that she wrote to you in despair because she would be bored to death with no one there to speak to, but that Conybeare insisted on her going. Nasty for the worm that? Eh?
gpt
That's not up to much, Buck, he said.
human
It wouldn't drive the man away unless he went simply from pique. And supposing he tells me Kit didn't write to me? Perhaps he has had a letter from her saying what fun they'll have.
gpt
Oh, of course, if he says you lie,
human
Do you know the man? asked Toby with rapture.
gpt
He is quite beautiful, with curly hair, rings, and scent, and I expect, if we knew all, stays.
human
Yes, I know him, he said.
gpt
Hell is full of such. By the way, I haven't seen you since you were engaged to be married. What an idiotic thing to do!
human
That happens to be your opinion, does it?
gpt
Yes. I'm delighted, really. Congratulations. But the plan doesn't seem to suit you.
human
No; it's rotten, said Toby.
gpt
I want something certain. This easily might not come off.
human
He's a real worm, is he? asked Buck.
gpt
I only know him by sight.
human
Genuine, hall-marked,
gpt
Well, then give him a chance. Oh, not a chance of getting off. I mean, give him a chance of lying to you. Tell him as news that Lady Conybeare is coming here to-morrow, and perhaps he may appear surprised to hear it. That will give you an opportunity. You can say things to him then.
human
Yes, there's more sense in that, said Toby.
gpt
Oh! come and dine to-night.
human
All right. Is the She there?
gpt
Yes; you'll like her.
human
What infernal good luck you have, Toby!
gpt
Oh, I know I have, said Toby.
human
Lily----
gpt
Don't know her yet. But about the worm. Probably there will be a row. You've got to frighten him away, remember that. Worms are always nervous.
human
There'll be a row afterwards with Kit, I'm afraid,
gpt
Oh, certainly. But it's all for her good. Introduce me when she comes, and I'll say I have been her guardian angel.
human
You'd look nice with wings and a night-shirt, he remarked.
gpt
Pity Raphael or one of those Johnnies isn't alive.
human
If by Johnnies you refer to the Italian school of painters, said Buck,
gpt
I know; that's why I didn't say so. Good-bye; I'm off to the Links Hotel. Dinner at eight.