human
That's the best of travelling officially, he said pleasantly as he settled himself in the seat opposite me, while the train ran out of the station.
gpt
Now, you asked me a question at the hospital which I did not answer--whether I'm sure you're Lassen. Frankly, I'm not; and the more I look at you the more I'm puzzled.
human
It's a bit awkward. I don't wish to be somebody else.
gpt
Do you feel fit to talk? The doctor warned me against worrying you; but there are things I should enormously like to know.
human
You're not half so keen as I am, I told him truthfully.
gpt
If I am Lassen, what am I; where do I live; have I any friends anywhere; isn't there any one who knows me anywhere? It's such a devil of a mess.
human
There's one thing certain, my friend, you're a German; and as for the rest you'll find plenty of people in Berlin who'll know you. The von Reblings, for instance. Which reminds me I have the Countess's letter;
gpt
Will you read it to me?
human
My dear Johann, wrote in the familiar thee and thou, said how anxious she and Rosa--especially Rosa, it seemed--had been about me; urged me to hurry to Berlin as soon as possible, where, of course, I should be the most welcome guest in the world, and signed herself
gpt
Your affectionate aunt, Olga von Rebling.
human
Doesn't that remind you of anything?
gpt
Not in the faintest. Who is Rosa?
human
Did the Countess send you to fetch me?
gpt
Oh, no. I came officially. I'll tell you about that directly; but it is because of what she told us about you that I was sent. She received a letter from you from England saying that you were crossing in the _Burgen_, and when the newspapers reported the loss of the steamer and that you were the only survivor, she told me about it. I reported it at Headquarters, and--well, here I am in consequence.
human
And you've never seen me, or Lassen, or whoever I am, before?
gpt
Never. I have seen a photograph of you, but it was taken some long time ago; and while you answer to the likeness in some respects, you certainly do not in others, although I can see that you may be Lassen, allowing for the difference of time.
human
Well, anyway, these von Reblings will know, thank Heaven.
gpt
I'm not so sure. You see, it's a good many years since you were in Berlin. The family arrangement dates back many more years than that, moreover--since you were children.
human
What family arrangement?
gpt
Your betrothal to Miss Rosa.
human
The devil! I exclaimed.
gpt
Do you mean to tell me I'm engaged to marry this Rosa von Rebling?
human
Certainly I do, and a very charming girl she is, and very rich too,