human
D'you intend offering a reward for the monkey's recovery?
gpt
Certainly!
human
Isn't it unwise? You'll only have people talking.
gpt
What about? There's no reason why a man can't keep a monkey if he wants to. Nothing very startling in that.
human
Perhaps not. But you must know that this theory of the interstitial glands is in all the papers. Everyone is talking about it. They'd immediately associate your extreme age with . . .
gpt
George!
human
Yes?
gpt
Are you trying to be funny at my expense?
human
Of course I'm not, Gran'pa. I'm merely pointing out the ordinary, everyday view which people will take. You're so carried away by your enthusiasm that I think you don't realize some of the dangers incurred.
gpt
Danger? What danger?
human
Over-excitement is one of them. Public ridicule another.
gpt
Suppose the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals steps in?
human
Society of Fiddlesticks. My life is worth more than a wretched little monkey's.
gpt
I quite agree. But will everyone hold the same opinion if you go through with this--butchery of defenceless apes?
human
George! he said.
gpt
I want a quiet talk with you. It's about time, too! I seem to have been sitting in that chair for years without making a murmur. And you've thought my brains were dead. It must be this confounded climate of yours. But I'll show you.
human
I'm going to have a word with your father, he said.
gpt
Run in to Nanny for a few minutes, my dear.