human
I don't know how to thank you,
gpt
I don't want you to thank me. And Mrs. Otway? I can say now what I've never had the opportunity of saying, that is, how much I've felt honoured by your friendship--what a lot it's meant to me.
human
And it's been a very, very great thing for me, too, Major Guthrie. Do please believe that!
gpt
Well, I must be going now, he said, a little heavily and sadly.
human
Oh, and one thing more--I should be very grateful if you'd go and see my mother sometimes. During the last few days hardly a soul's been near her. Of course I know how different you are the one from the other, but all the same---- he hesitated a moment.
gpt
My mother has fine qualities, once you get under that--well, shall I call it that London veneer? She saw a great deal of the world after she became a widow, while she was keeping house for a brother--when I was in India. She'd like to see Rose, too --unconsciously he dropped the
human
Miss.
gpt
She likes young people, especially pretty girls.
human
Of course I'll go and see her, and so will Rose! You know I've always liked Mrs. Guthrie better than she liked me. I'm not 'smart' enough for her. Mrs. Otway laughed without a trace of bitterness. And then with sudden seriousness she asked him a curious question:
gpt
How long d'you think you'll be away?
human
D'you mean how long do I think the War will last?
gpt
Yes: I suppose that is what I do mean.
human
I think it will be a long war. It will certainly last a year--perhaps a good deal longer.