human
I hope I do not interrupt, he said pleasantly.
gpt
I had reason to suppose you were unacquainted with Mr. Beaton here.
human
What reason?
gpt
I believe the gentleman so informed me. It chanced that we had a slight controversy last night.
human
Over me?
gpt
Over his curiosity regarding you--who you were; your presence here.
human
A natural curiosity enough, surely. And you felt important enough to rebuke him on my behalf? Is that what I am to understand?
gpt
Why, he explained, startled by her strange manner,
human
I informed him that it was none of his business, and that if he mentioned your name in my presence again there was liable to be trouble. We scrapped it out.
gpt
You--you scrapped it out? You mean there was a fight over me--a barroom squabble over me?
human
Not in the barroom; in the hotel office. Beaton drew a gun, and I had to slug him.
gpt
But the affair originated over me--my name was brought into it? she insisted.
human
You actually threatened him because he asked about me?
gpt
I reckon that was about how it started, he admitted slowly.
human
You see, I rather thought I was a sorter friend of yours, and that I ought to stand up for you.
gpt
Did--did this man say anything against me?
human
No--not exactly; he--he just asked questions.
gpt
Indeed! Well, permit me to say, Mr. Westcott, that I choose my own friends, and am perfectly competent to defend my own character. This closes our acquaintanceship.
human
Would you escort me to the foot of the stairs? she asked, her voice softening.
gpt
We will leave this belligerent individual to his own company.