human
Gad! I'm tremendously sorry! What must you take me for? I took you for Mrs. Damer. I beg you will forgive me.
gpt
It is of no consequence. I saw it was a mistake.
human
An idiotic mistake! he declared with emphasis.
gpt
And you are not a bit like Mrs. Damer either. Are you waiting for someone? Would you like me to clear out?
human
Certainly not. I am going myself.
gpt
Oh, but don't! he begged her very seriously.
human
I shall take it horribly to heart if you do. And really, I don't deserve such a snub as that.
gpt
I am not feeling malicious, but you are expecting your partner. And I--
human
No, I am not, he asserted.
gpt
My partner has basely deserted me for another fellow. I came in here merely because I was wandering about seeking distraction. Please don't go--unless I bore you--in which case you have only to dismiss me.
human
What are you doing with them? Is it a game?
gpt
Won't you sit down? he said,
human
Well?
gpt
It is a magician's game, he said.
human
Let me read your fortune.
gpt
You are not afraid?
human
Oh, no, not afraid--only sceptical.
gpt
Only sceptical! he echoed.
human
That is a worldwide complaint. But anyone with imagination can always pretend. You are not good at pretending?
gpt
Not particularly.
human
Perhaps you have never needed an anaesthetic?
gpt
What do you mean?
human
You know what an anaesthetic does, don't you? It cheats the senses of pain. And a little humbug does the same for the mind. Of course you don't believe anything. I don't myself. But you can't stand for ever and contemplate an abyss of utter ignorance. You must weave a little romance about it for the sake of your self-respect.
gpt
Then you are offering to weave a little romance for me?
human
If you will permit me to do so.
gpt
To relieve your boredom?
human
And yours,