human
You can go now, Tawny, the elder Errol drawled at last.
gpt
I will ring when I want you. Now, Boney, what is it? I wish you would sit down.
human
You are not so well to-night?
gpt
Sit down, his brother repeated gently.
human
How is Lady Carfax?
gpt
She is still unconscious, and likely to remain so. The doctor thinks very seriously of her.
human
Her husband has been informed?
gpt
Her husband, said Nap from between his teeth,
human
It is just as well perhaps. I hear he is never sober after a day's sport. And I believe she hates the sight of him if the truth were told--and small wonder!
gpt
You know her rather well?
human
Yes.
gpt
You have known her for long?
human
I don't know, he said curtly.
gpt
I don't estimate friendships by time.
human
We are friends, he said,
gpt
He spoke with exceeding bitterness.
human
But in this case you are wrong. I repeat--we are friends.
gpt
I have never thought you a blackguard, Boney,
human
You have never said it.
gpt
I have never thought it. There was no contradicting the calm assertion. It was not the way of the world to contradict Lucas Errol.
human
And I know you better than a good many,
gpt
What does the doctor say about her?
human
He says very little. After the manner of his tribe, he is afraid to commit himself; thinks there may be this injury or there may be that, but says definitely nothing. I shall get someone down from town to-morrow. I'd go tonight, only-- he broke off, hammering impotently with his clenched fist on the arm of his chair.
gpt
I must be at hand to-night, he said, after a moment, controlling himself.
human
The mater has promised to call me if there is any change. You see, he spoke half-apologetically,