human
It was only to-day they gave me father's letter, which you brought, Sanda was saying.
gpt
It was short, written in a hurry, in answer to one I sent begging him to take me away. Yet he mentioned one thing: that he didn't order you, but only asked if you were willing, to come. And he told me what you answered. I can never thank you, but I do appreciate it--_all_!
human
It was my selfishness, answered Max.
gpt
I said that the colonel was giving me the Cross of the Legion of Honour. I felt that, then. I feel it a lot more now.
human
You are the _realest_ friend! cried Sanda.
gpt
Why, do you know, now I come to think of it, unless I count my father, you are the only real friend I have in the world?
human
You forget Mr. Stanton!
gpt
No, she answered quietly.
human
I never forget him. But you understand, because I told you everything, that in my heart I can't call him my friend. _He_ doesn't care enough, and _I_--care too much.
gpt
Forgive me! Max begged.
human
All the same I know he must care. He wouldn't be human not to.
gpt
He isn't human! He's superhuman! She laughed, to cover her pain of humiliation.
human
I suppose--long ago--he has started out on his wonderful mission. I keep thinking of him travelling on and on through the desert, and I pray he may be safe, and succeed in finding the Lost Oasis he believes in. He told me in Algiers that to find it would crown his life.
gpt
He hadn't started when I left Touggourt,
human
What--he was still there? Then my father must have seen him. How strange! He didn't refer to him at all.
gpt
You mentioned that the colonel wrote in a hurry. Max hinted at this explanation to comfort her, but he guessed why DeLisle had not been in a mood to speak of Stanton to his daughter.
human
There is a reason, he had said,
gpt
Do you think Richard may be there when we get to Touggourt?
human
I think it's very likely.