human
Yes, said Barbara, quickly,
gpt
Ah! that bank! Yes, a very disagreeable place, he assented, looking up at the stranger.
human
I am really very sorry that you should have received such---- he hesitated for a word, and then finished,
gpt
The bank is nothing. I was clumsy,
human
I think, Barbara, we must be going home,
gpt
I beg your pardon, he said, abruptly,
human
About a mile and a half. Were you going to Mitchelhurst?
gpt
Yes, but if you know it----
human
We live there,
gpt
Perhaps you could tell me what I want to know. I would just as soon not go on this afternoon. Is there a decent inn, or, better still, could one be tolerably sure of getting lodgings in the place, without securing them beforehand?
human
You want lodgings there?
gpt
Only for a few days. I came by train a couple of hours ago --he named a neighbouring town--
human
I do not think that I can recommend the inn, said the other, doubtfully.
gpt
I fear you would find it beery, and smoky, and noisy--the village alehouse, you understand. Sanded floors, and rustics with long clay pipes--that's the kind of thing at the 'Rothwell Arms.'
human
Ah! the 'Rothwell Arms'!
gpt
And as for lodgings, the old man continued, with something alert and watchful in his manner,
human
Indeed?
gpt
Nothing whatever, he affirmed.
human
A little, out-of-the-way, uninteresting village--but you are anxious to stay here?
gpt
For a few days--yes,
human
Uncle, said Barbara, with timid eagerness,
gpt
Perhaps. But I don't think Mrs. Simmonds will do on this occasion.
human
Why not? the other demanded.
gpt
I don't suppose I'm more particular than the man who came surveying. If the place is decently clean, why not?
human
Because your name is Harding. I don't know what his might happen to be.
gpt
Yes, he said,
human
My dear sir, he replied, looking critically at Harding's scratched face,
gpt
I knew the Rothwells well. I recognise the Rothwell features.
human
You must be a keen observer,
gpt
Voice too, the little man continued.
human
Especially when you repeated the name of the inn--the Rothwell Arms.
gpt
Upon my word! The Rothwells have left me more of the family property than I was aware of.
human
Then there was your destination. Who but a Rothwell would ever want to stay at Mitchelhurst?
gpt
I see. I appear to have betrayed myself in a variety of ways. The discovery of his name seemed to have given him a little more ease of manner of a defiant and half-mocking kind.
human
What, is there something more? he inquired, as his new acquaintance recommenced,
gpt
And then----
human
Yes, enough to make me very sure. You wear a ring on your little finger which your mother gave you. She used to wear it thirty years ago.
gpt
True! said Harding, in a tone of surprise.
human
You knew my mother then?
gpt
As I say--thirty years ago. She is still living, is she not? And in good health, I trust?
human
Yes. The young man looked at his ring.
gpt
You have a good memory,