human
I beg your pardon, Professor Silex, he said;
gpt
(the professor bowed gravely),
human
But you told me it was ten cents, and that people sometimes cheated you, and that you were here in that poor old man's place, and--oh, I can't _think_ of all the--things you told me.
gpt
I told you no untruths, Miss May. My boat was, literally speaking, in the place of that which the old man actually keeps here: I knew it must be, because there was only one stake. I have been cheated, frequently and egregiously: few men of my age, I imagine, have not. And I have great faith in physiognomy. You _were_ my first fare; and I meant to accept the ten cents,--I assure you I did. If you can think of any of the other 'things,' I shall be happy to explain them.
human
It's all sophistry,
gpt
Let us not judge a kind action harshly. Mr. Symington meant only to relieve you from an annoying dilemma, and he naturally concluded that this would be impossible should he disclose his real name and position. It seems that he merely allowed your inferences to go uncontradicted, and was, practically, most kind. An introduction between you is now scarcely necessary; but I am glad that you have met. But for the fact that a selection would have looked invidious, I should have asked you ere this to permit me to bring Mr. Symington to see you.
human
And will you--may I?
gpt
That must be as Miss May says,
human
I was very rude just now, and unjust besides: will you forgive me and come with the professor to see me?
gpt
With pleasure,--with the greatest pleasure, he answered eagerly.
human
And you will let me row you across? You will not make me miserable by refusing?
gpt
To be sure we will, he said cheerfully.
human
I shall be glad of the opportunity for a little conversation with you while Miss May is executing her errand.
gpt
I am glad, dear, that this opportunity of presenting young Symington to you without apparent favoritism has arisen. He is a most promising young man, but a little inclined, I fear, from what I hear of him in his social capacity, to be frivolous. We may together exercise a restraining influence over him.
human
I thought he talked most dreadfully sensibly, said Rosamond, laughing;