human
I'm glad you came when you did. I wanted you to meet Colonel Ashley. You'll like him when you know him better. Just at first he was a little embarrassed. We'd been talking of things--
gpt
I didn't notice anything--that is, anything different from any other Englishman.
human
Yes; that's it, isn't it? Meeting an Englishman is often like the first plunge into a cold bath--chilling at first, but delightful afterward.
gpt
Yes; I dare say. But my experience is limited. I've never got to the--afterward.
human
Oh, well, you will, she said, encouragingly,
gpt
I've heard of men plunging into a cold bath and finding it so icy that they've popped out again.
human
Yes; thin-blooded men, who are sensitive to chills. Not men like you.
gpt
Fortunately, he tried to say, lightly,
human
Oh, but it does. I want you two to be friends.
gpt
What for?
human
On Colonel Ashley's side, for what he'll gain in knowing you; on yours--for something more.
gpt
May I ask--just what you mean by that?
human
It's something that a tactful person wouldn't tell. If I do, it's only because I want you to consider me as--your friend. I know you haven't hitherto, she hurried on, as he flushed and tried to speak.
gpt
I haven't deserved it. But after what's happened--and after all you've done for us--
human
I could consider you my friend without asking Colonel Ashley to think of me as his.
gpt
Hardly--if I marry him; and besides--when you know him--You see, she began again,
human
Then, Miss Guion, he laughed,
gpt
Still, she persisted,
human
Come and--what?