human
Thank heaven! exclaimed Max.
gpt
You frightened me.
human
It's nothing--to faint, she murmured.
gpt
I used to, often. And I feel so ill.
human
Have you any one on board whom I could call?
gpt
Nobody, she sighed.
human
I'm all alone. I--surely this cabin is 65?
gpt
I think it's 63. But no matter, Max answered hurriedly.
human
Don't bother about that now. I----
gpt
When I came in first this morning, I rang for a stewardess to ask if there was to be any one with me, the girl went on, a faint colour beginning to paint her white cheeks and lips with the palest rose.
human
But nobody answered the bell. There was no luggage here, and I thought I must be by myself. But afterward a stewardess or some one put my bag off this bed on to the upper one so I dared not take the lower berth. I put the door on the hook, to get air; but when I heard somebody come in, I never dreamed it might be a man.
gpt
Of course not, Max agreed.
human
And I--when I saw a form in the dim light, lying up there--I never thought of its being a woman. I can't tell you how sorry I am to have seemed such a brute. But----
gpt
After all, it's a fortunate thing for me you were here, the girl comforted him.
human
If you hadn't been, I should have fallen out of the top berth and perhaps killed myself. I should hate to die now. I want so much to see my father in Africa, and--and--somebody else. I think you must have saved my life.
gpt
I should be so happy to think that, Max answered warmly.
human
I haven't as pleasant an errand in Africa as you have. But whatever happens, I shall be thankful that I came, and on this ship. I was wondering to-day if I were glad or sorry to have been born. But if I was born to save a girl from harm, it was worth while, of course, just for that and nothing else. Now, if you're feeling pretty well again, I'd better go.