human
Thank heaven, she said, earnestly, as they drove toward Canal Street,
gpt
Yes, answered Gramont, soberly, reading her thought.
human
I can realize my own folly now. If this affair were to be laid at my door, some kind of a case might be made up against me, and it would seem plausible. But, fortunately, I was out of it in time. Were we merely characters in a standardized detective story, I suppose I'd be arrested and deluged with suspense and clues and so forth.
gpt
Your escape was too narrow to joke over, Henry,
human
I'm not joking, my dear Lucie. I learned nothing about the tragedy until late last night. From what I can find in the papers, it seems agreed that Bob was not the real Masquer, but had assumed that guise for a joke. A tragic joke! Since he was undoubtedly drunk at the time, his story can't be relied upon as very convincing. And yet, it's frightfully hard to believe that, even by accident, a son should have shot down his own father----
gpt
Don't! Lucie winced a little.
human
In spite of all the evidence against him, in spite of the way he was found with that aviation uniform, it's still awful to believe. I can't realize that it has actually happened.
gpt
According to the papers, poor Mrs. Maillard has gone to pieces. No wonder.
human
Yes. I was there with her all day yesterday, and shall go again to-day. They say Bob is terribly broken up. He sent for his mother, and she refused to see him. I don't know how it is all going to end! Do you think his story might be true--that somebody else might have acted as the Masquer that night?
gpt
It's possible, he said, reluctantly,
human
What do you mean? About the oil----
gpt
No. It's too long a story to tell you now; here we are at the Maison Blanche. Just remember my words, please. It's something that I can't go into now.
human
Very well. Henry! Do you think that it's possible your chauffeur, Hammond, could have learned about the drinking party, and could have----
gpt
Hammond? No. I'll answer for him beyond any question, Lucie. By the way, does Fell know anything about Hammond having been the first Masquer?
human
Not from me,
gpt
Very well. Hammond got into a bit of trouble at Houma, and I had to leave him there. It was none of his fault, and he'll get out of it all right. Well, come along up to our oil meeting! Forget your troubles, and don't let my croakings about a new shock cause you any worry just yet.