human
You are not the man I used to talk nonsense with, Harford, said his companion, who had in the meanwhile been watching him.
gpt
This country has made you quiet and a little grim. Why don't you go back again?
human
I am afraid they have too many men with no ostensible income in England.
gpt
Still you could make it up with the old man.
human
I scarcely think I could. Rather more was said by both of us than could be very well rubbed off one's memory. Besides, I think you know what kind of man he is?
gpt
Harford, she said,
human
What did he say?
gpt
Nothing that had any particular meaning by itself, but for all that he conveyed an impression, and I think if you were to go back----
human
Empty-handed! said Brooke.
gpt
There are circumstances under which the desire for reconciliation with a wealthy relative is liable to misconception. If I had prospered it would have been easier.
human
Perhaps I did use you rather badly, and it might be possible for me to do you a trifling kindness now. Shall I talk to the old man when I go home again? I see him often.
gpt
I shall never go back a poor man, he said.
human
What are you doing here?
gpt
Everybody travels nowadays, and Shafton is never happy unless he is going somewhere. We started for Japan, and decided to see the Rockies and look at the British Columbian mines. That is, of course, Shafton did. He has money in some of them, and is interested in the colonies. I have to sit on platforms and listen while he abuses the Government for neglecting them. In fact, I don't know when I shall be able to get him out of the country now. Of course, I never expected to meet you here--and almost wonder if there is any reason beyond the one you mentioned that has kept you here so long.
human
I can't quite think of any other, beyond the fact that I have a few dollars at stake,
gpt
There is nothing else?
human
No, said Brooke, a trifle too decisively.
gpt
What could there be?
human
Well, she said,
gpt
I fancied there might have been a Canadian. They are not all very good style, but some of them are almost pretty, and--when one has been a good while away----
human
I scarcely think there is one of them who would spare a thought for me. I should not be considered especially eligible even in this country.
gpt
And you have a good memory!
human
I don't know that it is of any benefit to me. You see, I really haven't anything very pleasant to remember.
gpt
Harford, she said, dropping her voice a trifle,