human
Put it away. Put it away where nobody can find it. There are more robbers than honest men in the country. Once I was robbed, myself. Of an enormous sum. I have never recovered from that set-back. We should not have gotten on at all but for your mother. Your mother is a very good woman, Adrian.
gpt
Why, yes, father. Of course. The very best in the world, I believe. She has only one fault, she will make me go into society, and I dislike it. Otherwise, she's simply perfect.
human
Yes, yes. But she watches me too closely, boy. Don't let your wife be a spy upon you, lad.
gpt
No, I won't, laughed he.
human
But speaking of robberies, I wish you would tell me about that great one which happened to you. It was when I was too young to know anything about it. I have a particular reason for asking. If you are able, that is.
gpt
Why shouldn't I be able? It is never out of my mind, night nor day. There was always a mystery in it. Yet I would have trusted him as I trusted myself. More than I would dare trust anybody now, even you, my son.
human
He was a poor boy from a country farm. Your mother and the girls, were boarding at his home. I went up for Sundays, for I liked his horses. I never felt I could afford to own one---- Don't buy a horse, Adrian!
gpt
No, father. Not yet. I'm rather more anxious to buy a certain moose I know and present it to the city Zoo. King Madoc. You remember I told you about the trained animal, who would swim and tow a boat, and could be harnessed to draw a sleigh?
human
Umm. Indeed? Remarkable. Quite remarkable. But I wouldn't do it, boy. The gift would not be appreciated. Nobody ever does appreciate anything. It is a selfish world. A selfish world, and an ungrateful one.
gpt
Not wholly, father, I hope.
human
We were talking. What about? I--my memory--so much care, and the difficulty of keeping secrets. It's hard to keep everything to one's self when a man grows old, Adrian.
gpt
Yes, father dear. But I'm at home now to stay. You must trust me more and rely upon me. Believe me, I will deserve your confidence. But it was the boy from the farm you were telling me of, and the horses.