human
Did you want me, sir?
gpt
I ventured, Miss Keeldar, to send for you--that is, to ask an interview of a few minutes.
human
Well, sir (not lifting her eyes),
gpt
Be seated first. The subject I would broach is one of some moment. Perhaps I have hardly a right to approach it. It is possible I ought to frame an apology; it is possible no apology can excuse me. The liberty I have taken arises from a conversation with Henry. The boy is unhappy about your health; all your friends are unhappy on that subject. It is of your health I would speak.
human
I am quite well,
gpt
Yet changed.
human
That matters to none but myself. We all change.
gpt
Will you sit down? Formerly, Miss Keeldar, I had some influence with you: have I any now? May I feel that what I am saying is not accounted positive presumption?
human
Let me read some French, Mr. Moore, or I will even take a spell at the Latin grammar, and let us proclaim a truce to all sanitary discussions.
gpt
No, no. It is time there were discussions.
human
Discuss away, then, but do not choose me for your text. I am a healthy subject.
gpt
Do you not think it wrong to affirm and reaffirm what is substantially untrue?
human
I say I am well. I have neither cough, pain, nor fever.
gpt
Is there no equivocation in that assertion? Is it the direct truth?
human
The direct truth.
gpt
I can myself, he said,
human
We will try. We will seek a proof.
gpt
How?
human
I ask, in the first place, do you sleep as you used to?
gpt
I do not; but it is not because I am ill.
human
Have you the appetite you once had?
gpt
No; but it is not because I am ill.
human
You remember this little ring fastened to my watch-chain? It was my mother's, and is too small to pass the joint of my little finger. You have many a time sportively purloined it. It fitted your fore-finger. Try now.
gpt
It is not because I am ill.
human
Not only have you lost sleep, appetite, and flesh, proceeded Moore,
gpt
Mr. Moore, we will pause here. You have exactly hit it. I am nervous. Now, talk of something else. What wet weather we have--steady, pouring rain!
human
Not at all. It is nothing so dignified--merely nervous. Oh! dismiss the topic.
gpt
When it is exhausted; not till then. Nervous alarms should always be communicated, that they may be dissipated. I wish I had the gift of persuasion, and could incline you to speak willingly. I believe confession, in your case, would be half equivalent to cure.
human
No, said Shirley abruptly.
gpt
I wish that were at all probable; but I am afraid it is not.