human
Well, Mary, she said,
gpt
Well, yes--as a matter of fact the poor woman was quite drunk this morning! But I've really come to know if you can spare me to-morrow afternoon. I want to go to London on business. I was also wondering if you know of any nice quiet hotel or lodging near Piccadilly--I should prefer a lodging--where I could spent two nights?
human
Near Piccadilly? Yes, of course I do--in Half-Moon Street. I'll engage two rooms for you. And as for to-morrow, I can spare you quite well. In fact I shall probably manage better alone. Can't you go up by that nice early morning train, my dear?
gpt
No, I can't possibly get away before the afternoon. You see I must look after Mrs. Purlock. She got into rather bad trouble this morning. And oh, Miss Forsyth, I'm so _sorry_ for her! She believes her two boys are being starved to death in Germany. Unfortunately she knows that woman whose husband signed his letter 'Your loving Jack Starving.' It's thoroughly upset Mrs. Purlock, and if, as they all say, drink drowns thought and makes one feel happy, can we wonder at all the drinking that goes on just now? But I'm going to try to-morrow morning to arrange for her to go away to a sister--a very sensible, nice woman she seems, who certainly won't let her do anything of the sort.
human
Surely you're rather inconsistent? said Miss Forsyth briskly.
gpt
You spoke only a minute ago as if you almost approved of drunkenness,
human
You know quite well, dear Miss Forsyth, that I didn't mean _that_! Of course I don't approve, I only meant that--that I understand. She waited a moment, and then added, quietly, and with a little sigh,
gpt
So you see I can't go up to town to-morrow morning. What I want to do there will wait quite well till the afternoon.