human
Is this Mr. Hotchkiss?
gpt
That is my name,
human
Are you going out to Butts's to-night?
gpt
Now, that is a queer question, remarked Hotchkiss, after a pause--
human
Tolliver--Gabriel Tolliver.
gpt
Gabriel Tolliver--h'm--yes. Well, Mr. Tolliver, why are you so desirous of knowing whether I go to Butts's to-night?
human
Honestly, replied Gabriel, a little nettled at the man's airs,
gpt
I don't want to know at all. I simply wanted to advise you not to go there to-night.
human
Oh, you wanted to _advise_ me not to go. Now, then, let's go a little further into the matter. _Why_ do you want to advise me? Hotchkiss was a man who was not only ripe for a discussion at all times, and upon any subject, but made it a point to emphasise all the most trifling details.
gpt
Have you any special interest in my welfare?
human
I think not, replied Gabriel, bluntly.
gpt
I simply wanted to drop you a hint. You can take it or not, just as you choose.