human
I have come over, sir, the man continued,
gpt
Dear me! Tallente exclaimed.
human
I had no idea that the young man's temporary absence from polite society would be turned into a melodramatic disappearance.
gpt
The Honourable Anthony Palliser disappeared from here, sir, on Tuesday night last, the night of your return from London, he said.
human
I have come to ask you certain questions with reference to that disappearance.
gpt
Go ahead, Tallente begged.
human
Care to smoke a cigar?
gpt
Not whilst on duty, thank you, sir,
human
You will forgive my cigarette, Tallente observed, lighting one.
gpt
Now you can go ahead as fast as you like.
human
Question number one is this, sir. I wish to know whether Mr. Palliser's abrupt departure from the Manor was due to any disagreement with you?
gpt
In a sense I suppose it was, the other acknowledged.
human
I turned him out of the house.
gpt
Am I to conclude, then, that there was a quarrel?
human
I do not quarrel with people to whom I pay a salary,
gpt
When you say that you turned him out of the house, that rather implies a quarrel, doesn't it? It might even imply--blows.
human
You can put your own construction upon it,
gpt
Had you any idea where the honourable Anthony Palliser was going to?
human
I suggested the devil, Tallente confided blandly.
gpt
I expect he will get there some time. I put up with him because I knew his father, but he is not a young man to make a fuss about.
human
I am to conclude, then, he said,
gpt
Absolutely, was the firm reply.
human
You have no idea what a mess he was liable to make of things if he was left alone.
gpt
Mr. Tallente, sir, he said,
human
I suppose it is the duty of Scotland Yard to be inquisitive in cases of this sort, Tallente observed.
gpt
You can report to them the whole of the valuable information with which I have already furnished you, and you can add that I absolutely refuse to give any information respecting the--er--difference of opinion between the young man and myself.
human
I shall ask, you, sir, he said with dignity,
gpt
As soon as any criminal case arises from Anthony Palliser's disappearance, Tallente pointed out,
human
Being your private secretary, sir, he said,
gpt
Naturally,
human
There might be amongst them papers of importance, papers whose possession by parties in the other camp of politics--
gpt
Stop! Tallente interrupted.
human
Inspector Gillan, you are an astute man. Excuse me.