human
Why not here? said Jean coolly,
gpt
Not since I was a baby--and then I believe the operation was not a success.
human
Anyway, the child is isolated in the cottage and they are taking him to Nice to-night, said Jean.
gpt
Poor little fellow! Even his own mother has deserted him. Are you going to the Casino?
human
I don't know, replied Lydia.
gpt
I'm very tired but I should love to go.
human
Take her, father--and you go, Margaret. By the time you return the infection will be removed.
gpt
Won't you come too?
human
No, I'll stay at home to-night. I turned my ankle to-day and it is rather stiff. Father!
gpt
Cer--certainly, my dear--I shall be delighted--er--delighted.
human
Why didn't you tell me there was smallpox in Cap Martin?
gpt
Because I didn't know till Margaret relieved her mind at our expense, said his daughter coolly.
human
I had to say something. Besides, I'd heard one of the maids say that somebody's mother had deserted him--I fitted it in. What a funk you are, father!
gpt
I hate the very thought of disease, he growled.
human
Why aren't you coming with us--there is nothing the matter with your ankle?
gpt
Because I prefer to stay at home.
human
Jean, he said in a milder voice,
gpt
We can't afford to 'let up' as you call it, for a single hour. Do you realise that any day her lawyer may persuade her to make a will leaving her money to a--a home for cats, or something equally untouchable? If there was no Jack Glover we could afford to wait months. And I'm less troubled about him than I am about the man Jaggs. Father, you will be glad to learn that I am almost afraid of that freakish old man.
human
Neither of them are here--
gpt
Exactly, said Jean,
human
My dear, you look lovely,