human
I suppose we shall meet for dinner about eight, won't we, no matter what we may all choose to do meanwhile?
gpt
Well--er--no, I mumbled, feeling a little foolish.
human
I have--er--a sort of engagement for to-night. I think I mentioned it before.
gpt
What, to meet that missing Boy of yours? asked Jack, in a chaffing tone, so tactlessly loud that it must have been distinctly audible to the ladies in the adjoining room, the door of which was open.
human
Isn't that rather a mad idea? You were vaguely engaged to meet your pal, I believe you said, on the night after your arrival, at the Hôtel de Paris, for dinner. But considering the fact that, if you'd walked down as you then intended, instead of motoring, you would have been a fortnight on the way, isn't it fantastic to expect that he'll turn up?
gpt
Not quite as fantastic as you think, I retorted, remembering the terms of the Boy's letter, which had not been confided to Jack, in their exactness.
human
Anyhow, I'm going on the off chance.
gpt
You apparently credit the youth with clairvoyance, my dear chap. Supposing he has come down here, how could he know that you'd arrived?
human
I wired him from Digne, telegraphing to the Poste Restante at Monte Carlo, where he would certainly think of enquiring, if he took much interest in my movements. In that message I made it very clear that I should expect him to stick to our bargain, and I have an impression that he will.
gpt
He may. But, look here, my dear fellow, --Jack now had the decency to lower his voice,--
human
Second opportunities, like second thoughts, are better than first, said I.
gpt
I shall he delighted to take the second opportunity of meeting Miss Mercédès--by the way, what _is_ her other name? You always seemed to take it for granted that I knew; but if it was ever mentioned in the summer, I've forgotten.
human
You should be ashamed to admit that you could deliberately and stoically forget a charming young lady's name, and you don't deserve to have your memory jogged. You shall be told the heiress's name when you meet her, and not before.
gpt
I must possess my soul in patience until to-morrow, then, I replied,
human
Which means the Casino, no doubt.
gpt
I shall stroll in, when I've got rid of the dust. The Rooms are the place to come across people.
human
All right, gang your ain gait, my son, and I suppose I must wish you luck. Daresay we shall see each other before bedtime.