human
Is it really you? exclaimed Clara, as they shook hands.
gpt
I could scarcely believe my eyes! What are you doing here alone?
human
I have been posting some letters. Then, reading an expression of surprise in the other girl's eyes, she added quickly,
gpt
You wonder why I should have done so myself. For a simple reason: I did not wish the address of one of them to be seen. But Granny knows all about it.
human
I am quite sure, dear, you have some good reason for what you have done,
gpt
And you? asked May.
human
What are _you_ doing here?
gpt
I have been singing at a _matinée_ in that house. I was just about to drive off, when I caught a glimpse of you. I was not sure that it was not your ghost in the dusk!
human
I suppose you are constantly engaged now?
gpt
Yes; I have a great deal to do.
human
Oh, I hear of you. Your praises are in every one's mouth. Lady Moppett declares you are rapidly becoming the first concert singer of the day. She is as proud of you as if she had invented you! Indeed, she does say you are her 'discovery': as if you were a Polynesian island! I could find it in my heart to envy you, Clara. It must be so glorious to be independent, and earn one's own living!
gpt
I am thankful to be able to earn something, she said.
human
But I don't think I should care so much about it if it were only for myself.
gpt
No, of course, dear! I know, rejoined May quickly. She had been told that the young singer entirely supported an invalid father and sister. Then she added,
human
Your voice is a great gift. There are so few things a woman can do to earn money.
gpt
Why, one would suppose that _you_ wanted to earn money!
human
Perhaps.
gpt
You are not looking well, dear, she exclaimed.
human
You seem fagged.
gpt
I am sick of London. I want to go home to Granny and be at peace, answered May wearily. Then she went on quickly, to stave off any possible questionings as to her state of mind.
human
But I must return for the present to my aunt's house. Good-bye.
gpt
Stay! cried Clara.
human
Will you not get into the cab, and let me drive you home?
gpt
Drive! It is an affair of some two or three minutes at most.
human
Well, then, if you have half an hour to spare, let me drive you round the square, and then drop you at home. I have been wanting for three or four days past to speak to you quietly. I can't bear to lose this rare opportunity. We do not meet very often. Then seeing that her friend hesitated, she asked,
gpt
Are you thinking about the cost of the cab for me?
human
Yes,
gpt
I thought so! That is just like you. But, indeed, you need have no scruples. The cab is engaged for the afternoon. When I sing at people's houses, unless they send a carriage for me, the cab-fare is 'considered in my wages.' Do come in!
human
I wanted to tell you--I think it right to tell you--something I have learned on good authority. Your father--I hope it won't distress you--is really married.
gpt
Are you sure?
human
Yes, I think I may say so.
gpt
And how did you learn it?
human
From Valli.
gpt
Oh, from Signor Valli! But you told me he was not to be trusted.
human
In some ways not. But I do not doubt what he says on this subject. He has no motive to invent the information. He cares nothing about the matter--except that I think he rather likes La--Mrs. Cheffington than not.
gpt
Is she a foreigner?
human
Yes, an Italian. At least, she is Italian by language, if not by law; for she comes from Trieste. But she is almost Cosmopolitan; for she has travelled about the world a great deal. She is--or was--an opera-singer. Her name in the theatre is Bianca Moretti. She was rather celebrated at one time. Clara paused a moment, and then added,
gpt
I hope this news does not grieve you, dear?
human
No, answered May dreamily,
gpt
I was afraid you might feel----Of course, Captain Cheffington's family will look on it as a dreadful _mésalliance_.
human
Poor woman! I hope he is good to her!
gpt
I suppose, said Clara, rather hesitatingly,
human
Possibly, answered May. (In her heart she thought,
gpt
The reason is that he cares nothing for any of us.
human
It must be that, proceeded Clara.
gpt
For as far as I can make out there seems to be no concealment about it in Brussels.
human
Thank you, Clara, she said,
gpt
Unless when one conceals something to shield others,