human
Don't say anything about it, I said.
gpt
Let it be a surprise.
human
Do you mind not asking me why I'm here? he said languidly.
gpt
I've just finished telling Jonah, and repetition always wearied me.
human
Your movements have never interested me, said I.
gpt
All the same, I thought you were in the grip of Torment.
human
I was and shall be. For the nonce---- He turned to a tall dark girl who was leaning against the chimney-piece, watching us curiously.
gpt
Let me introduce my brother-in-law. Carefully kept from me before marriage and by me ever since. Both the ablative case, I believe, but what a difference? So rich is the English tongue.
human
Name of Childe, she said in a sweet voice.
gpt
After all, we can't expect him to remember everything. Wasn't my brother in your regiment?
human
I knew I'd seen you somewhere, said I.
gpt
The last time you were on a towel, leaning against a bottle of hairwash. That was in Flanders in 1916.
human
That, said Berry,
gpt
How much did you lend him?
human
Perhaps he knew more about ferns,
gpt
Blind from birth, I suppose,
human
He was a man of singular insight and fine feeling, he said.
gpt
At the time of his outburst I was giving evidence against him for cruelty to a bullock. And now, for goodness' sake, somebody collect Jill and let's have some lunch.
human
As a matter of fact, said Miss Childe,
gpt
I've come down to get some butter and eggs. They're usually sent, but the housekeeper's ill, and, as I was going spare, father suggested I should run down and pick them up.
human
But Berry's with you, isn't he?
gpt
Yes. Your sister came to lunch yesterday and happened to mention that he wanted to go to Pistol to-day, so I offered him a lift. He's much nicer than any chauffeur.
human
But whatever did he want to come to Pistol for?
gpt
Ah. From a great distance I watched Miss Childe's brown eyes take on a look of mischief that seemed at home in its bright setting.
human
He wouldn't tell you and he didn't tell Captain Mansel the truth, so I shan't give him away. She looked at a tiny wrist-watch.
gpt
And now I must be going. We want to start back at half-past three, and I've twenty-five miles to do before then.
human
May I come with you?
gpt
Certainly. But----
human
We needn't start before half-past three, I said.
gpt
Will you wait for me?