human
Oh, yes, sir.
gpt
May I go upstairs?
human
Come in!
gpt
The young gentleman, sir,
human
Ah, how do you do—how do you do? old George Bethune (who was alone) called out, and he pushed aside his book and came forward with extended hand.
gpt
Nothing like being neighbourly; solitary units in the great sea of London life have naturally some interest in each other: you would gather that I looked in on you last night—
human
Yes, said the young man, as he took the proffered chair.
gpt
I am very sorry I happened to be out—I had to dine at home last evening—
human
At home?
gpt
Oh, yes, said his visitor, rather nervously.
human
Perhaps I didn’t explain. I don’t _live_ over there, you know. I only have the rooms for purposes of study; the place is so quiet I can get on better than at home; there are no interruptions—
gpt
Except a little violin-playing?
human
I wish there were more of that, sir, Vincent observed, respectfully.
gpt
That was only in the evenings; and I used to wait for it, to tell you the truth, as a kind of unintentional reward after my day’s work. But of late I have heard nothing; I hope that Miss Bethune was not offended that I ventured to—to open my piano at the same time—
human
Oh, not at all—I can hardly think so, her grandfather said, airily.
gpt
She also has been busy with her books of late—it is Dante, I believe, at present—and as I insist on her always reading aloud, whatever the language is, she goes upstairs to her own room; so that I haven’t seen much of her in the evenings. Now may I offer you a cigar?
human
No, thank you.
gpt
Or a glass of claret?
human
No, thanks.
gpt
Then tell me what your studies are, that we may become better acquainted.