human
My questions were prompted solely by curiosity, he explained, evidently not wholly at ease.
gpt
I was expecting a young woman, and thought this new arrival might prove to be my friend.
human
Hardly, returned Westcott dryly.
gpt
As the landlord informed you, Miss Donovan is a lady.
human
Ah, a good joke; a very good joke, indeed. But you misunderstand; this is altogether a business matter. This young woman whom I expect is coming here on a mining deal--it is not a love affair at all, I assure you.
gpt
Quite pleased to be so assured, he answered carelessly.
human
In what manner can I satisfy your curiosity? You have already been informed, I believe, that the person relative to whom you inquire is a Miss Stella Donovan, of New York; that she has the appearance and manners of a lady, and possesses brown hair and grey eyes. Is there anything more?
gpt
Why, no--certainly not.
human
I thought possibly you might care to question me regarding my acquaintance with the young woman? Westcott went on, his voice hardening slightly.
gpt
If so, I have not the slightest objection to telling you that it consists entirely of acting as her escort from the station to the hotel. I do not know why she is here, how long she intends staying, or what her purpose may be. Indeed, there is only one fact I do know which may be of interest to you.
human
It is this, my friend--who she is, what she is, and why she happens to be here, is none of your damn business, and if you so much as mention her name again in my presence you are going to regret it to your dying day. That's all.