human
May I, then?
gpt
Yes, now you may go on.
human
I thank you. First, of course, for what reason do you carry the secrets of my government into the stronghold of another government? Are you the friend of America, or are you a spy upon America? Are you my friend, or are we to be enemies to-night?
gpt
That is a good beginning,
human
You must, at a guess, have come up by way of the lakes, and by batteau from La Prairie?
gpt
Of course. I have been here six days.
human
Indeed?--you have badly beaten me in our little race.
gpt
Why do you not ask me outright _why_ I am here?
human
Well, then, I do! I do ask you that. I ask you how you got access to that meeting to-night--for I doubt not you were there?
gpt
What would you have given to have been there yourself?
human
All the treasures those vaults ever held.
gpt
So much? What will you give me, then, to tell you what I know?
human
More than all that treasure, Madam. A place--
gpt
Ah! a 'place in the heart of a people!' I prefer a locality more restricted.
human
In my own heart, then; yes, of course!
gpt
Yes, she went on, as though speaking to herself,
human
How so, Madam? I expostulated.
gpt
I thought I was doing very well.
human
Yet you can not guess how to persuade me?
gpt
No; how could that be?
human
Always one gains by offering some equivalent, value for value--especially with women, Monsieur.
gpt
Come, now, I fancy him! He is handsome, he is discreet, he has courage, he is not usual, he is not curious; but ah, _mon Dieu_, what a fool!
human
Admit me to be a fool, Madam, since it is true; but tell me in my folly what equivalent I can offer one who has everything in the world--wealth, taste, culture, education, wit, learning, beauty?
gpt
Go on! Excellent!
human
Who has everything as against my nothing! _What_ value, Madam?
gpt
Why, gentle idiot, to get an answer ask a question, always.
human
I have asked it.
gpt
But you can not guess that _I_ might ask one? So, then, one answer for another, we might do--what you Americans call some business--eh? Will you answer _my_ question?
human
Ask it, then.