human
A new admirer, Annabel? But what has that to do with your going to England?
gpt
Everything! He is Sir John Ferringhall--very stupid, very respectable, very egotistical. But, after all, what does that matter? He is very much taken with me. He tries hard to conceal it, but he cannot.
human
Then why, Anna asked quietly,
gpt
How unkind! she exclaimed.
human
Still, since it is better to tell you, Sir John is very much in earnest, but his respectability is something altogether too overpowering. Of course I knew all about him years ago, and he is exactly like everybody's description of him. I am afraid, Anna, just a little afraid, that in Paris I and my friends here might seem a trifle advanced. Besides, he might hear things. That is why I called myself Anna.
gpt
You--you did what?
human
Called myself Anna, the girl repeated coolly.
gpt
It can't make any difference to you, and there are not half a dozen people in Paris who could tell us apart.
human
You little wretch! she exclaimed weakly.
gpt
Why should I bear the burden of your wickedness? Who knows what might come of it? I shall permit nothing of the sort.
human
Too late, my dear girl, she exclaimed.
gpt
I gave your name. I called myself Anna. After all, what can it matter? It was just to make sure. Three little letters can't make a bit of difference.
human
But it may matter very much indeed, Anna declared.
gpt
Perhaps for myself I do not mind, but this man is sure to find out some day, and he will not like having been deceived. Tell him the truth, Annabel.
human
The truth!
gpt
The truth!