human
Feeling very bad, old boy?
gpt
I have spent more cheerful moments,
human
It must be trying--the pause before the battle! But you'll shake off the sinking feeling when you get into action. Don't let them bully you, Andrew. They can look very wise, but there's none of them you need be afraid of, unless it's Leonard. Antony, of course, will back you all he can.
gpt
Thanks for the encouragement; but I'm not sure you have any right to talk about these things.
human
Oh, don't be silly! Can't you realize that I've grown up? And if I hadn't as much sense as Robert and Mrs. Fenwood, I'd feel very sorry for myself. But we had better be practical--I suppose you see what you ought to do?
gpt
No, Andrew admitted,
human
Then what troubles the others is that they can't think for themselves. They must have a lead, as Leonard knows, and he has cleverly given them one. So far, they have followed him docilely; now you must make them follow you.
gpt
Can you tell me how it should be done?
human
I'll admit that it's easier to sketch out a general plan than to fit in the details; but that's your business, said Hilda. Then her tone changed and grew tinged with haughtiness.
gpt
First of all, remember that you're fighting for Allinson's! I'm glad the others are nearly as proud of the name as we are. It's unthinkable that Leonard should drag it down and sell it for what he can gain. You stand for what we hold precious; you must beat him.
human
I'll try,