human
How are things going with you? Are you happier than you were at Mustapha?
gpt
You mean--about that?
human
I'm afraid you have been worrying.
gpt
Do I look uglier?
human
I hardly know. People say my ideas about looks are all crazy. I can't admire many so-called beauties, you see. There's more expression in your face, I think. But I don't know that I should call it happy expression.
gpt
I wish I were like you. I wish I could feel indifferent to happiness!
human
I don't suppose I am indifferent. Only I don't feel that every small thing of to-day has power over me, any more than I feel that a grain of dust which I can flick from my dress makes me unclean. It's a long journey we are making. And I always think it's a great mistake to fuss on a journey.
gpt
I don't know anyone who can give me what you do,
human
It's a long journey up the Ray,
gpt
The Ray?
human
The bridge that leads from the personal which perishes to the immortal which endures.
gpt
I can't help loving the personal. I'm not like you. I do love the feeling of definite personality, separated from everything, mine, me. It's no use pretending.
human
Pretence is always disgusting.
gpt
Yes, of course. But still--never mind, I was only going to say something you wouldn't agree with.
human
I want you to meet--him.
gpt
I have met him,
human
What!
gpt
I met him last night.
human
How could you? Where? He never goes to anything!
gpt
I went with Adelaide to the Elgar Concert at Queen's Hall. He was there with a musical critic, and happened to be next to us.
human
Mrs. Shiffney--and you talked to him?
gpt
Oh, yes. Adelaide introduced us.
human
I don't suppose he was his real self--with Adelaide Shiffney. But did you like him?
gpt
I did. I thought him genuine. And one sees the spirit clearly in his face.
human
I'm sure he liked you.
gpt
I really don't know.
human
I do. Did he--did you--either of you say anything about me?
gpt
Certainly we did.
human
Did he--did he seem--did you notice whether he was at all--? Caroline, be quiet!