human
Claudie, she said,
gpt
Jernington?
human
Yes, old Jernington.
gpt
Of course he's an excellent fellow. What about him?
human
Well, I'm beginning almost to hate him!
gpt
What do you mean, Charmian?
human
If I tell you are you going to get angry?
gpt
Why should I get angry?
human
You are looking very fierce.
gpt
It's the work, he muttered.
human
When one grinds as I do one does feel fierce.
gpt
That's why I'm beginning to--well, love Mr. Jernington a little less than I used to. He's almost killing you.
human
Jernington!
gpt
Yes. It's got to stop.
human
What?
gpt
The work, Claude. I've seen for some time that unless you take a short holiday you are going to break down.
human
Well, but you have always encouraged me to work!
gpt
I know. I've been too eager, too keen on the opera. I haven't realized what a strain you are going through. But--it's just like a woman, I'm afraid!--now I see another urging you on, I see plainly. It may be jealousy--
human
You jealous of old Jernington!
gpt
I believe I am a tiny bit. But, apart really from that, you are looking dreadful these last few days. When you asked Jernington to prolong his visit I was horrified. You see, he's come to it all fresh. And then he's not creating. That's the tiring work. It's all very well helping and criticising.
human
That's very true,
gpt
It is a great strain,
human
It has got to stop, Claude.
gpt
These extra months have made a great difference, haven't they?
human
Enormous.
gpt
You've got on very far?
human
Farther than I had thought would be possible.
gpt
There's a boat to Marseilles the day after to-morrow. Old Jernington is going by it.
human
Oh, but Charmian, we can't pack the dear old fellow--
gpt
The dear old fellow is going by that boat, Claudie.
human
But what a tyrant you are!
gpt
I've been selfish. My keenness about your work has blinded me. Jernington has made me see. We've been two slave-drivers. It can't go on. If he could stay and be different--but he can't. He's a marvel of learning, but he has only one subject--orchestration. You've got to forget that for a little. So Jernington must go. Dear old boy! When I see your pale cheeks and your burning eyes I--I--