human
Yes, she answered quietly, almost coldly,
gpt
I know I sent. This was about the last place I should have expected to run across you. I flattered myself I was safe enough here. I didn't wish to meet you one little bit. Still, when I did see you, I wanted you. You're the most plaguey impossible person to rid oneself of somehow --her voice and manner softened a little--
human
I can easily go,
gpt
No, no, no, she replied,
human
I have had an illness, Iglesias said simply;
gpt
Neither of those are good enough, Poppy answered.
human
The alteration is right inside you, in your soul. But you're well again now?
gpt
Yes, I am well again now.
human
And you're no longer unhappy?
gpt
No, he said.
human
I am sad, for life is sad; but I am no longer unhappy.
gpt
That's a nice distinction, Poppy put in, with a rather scornful inflection.
human
What's cured your unhappiness? Not an affair of the heart? Please don't tell me it's anything to do with a woman, for I warn you I'm awfully off the affections to-night.
gpt
You can make yourself quite easy on that point,
human
Ah! that's more like old times! Poppy's voice softened again, so did the expression of her face.
gpt
Suppose you sit down, dear lunatic. This wait is a long one, I know. Dot Parris told me it was. Let the freaks play about together for a little. It will do them good. And I find I wanted you rather more than I knew at first. I'm beginning to have something to say after all. Words, only words, perhaps; still it's a _soulagement_ to sit here with you like this. The corners of Poppy's mouth drooped and quivered.
human
I'm having an infernally bad time; and there's worse ahead.
gpt
I am sorry. I am grieved,
human
We won't talk about that, she put in,
gpt
She stood up.
human
Just help me on with my coat. Thanks--that's right. Oh! I say, there are the freaks on the prowl, looking for you! Poppy's tragic eyes turned naughty, malicious, gay even for a moment.
gpt
What sport! she said--
human
she cried.
gpt
I need no promises, bless you. Your face is quite enough. Wretched withered leaf! But look here, she went on, as she gathered the soft warm garment about her,
human
I'm tired of your incognito. Give me your card. I may want you again. So let me have your name and address.
gpt
I want nothing more. Don't come down with me. One of the boys will get me a hansom. I'd rather be alone; so just go back to your flabbergasted freaks, beloved and no-longer-nameless one,