human
You are Achille Lestrange?
gpt
Your father--yes.
human
I don't admit that, monsieur.
gpt
Why do you call me 'monsieur'?
human
You are French, are you not?
gpt
French by descent, if you will, but I am a British subject. Also, I am a Roman Catholic. You are of the same faith?
human
Yes, I am of the true Faith.
gpt
I am glad of that, said Lestrange indolently; he was as indolent as graceful, and reminded Sophy of a full-fed tiger.
human
I am pleased to hear that Marlow allowed you to retain your faith since he took from you your father and your name.
gpt
Do you know that my father is dead?
human
Pardon me, he is alive, and sitting before you.
gpt
Do you know that Mr. Marlow is dead?
human
Ah! now you speak as you should. Yes, I heard something about his death. The fact is, I have only just landed from a Royal Mail steamer at Southampton--two days ago, in fact--so I know very little. But I have heard of the disappearance of his body. It is town talk in London. One cannot open a newspaper without coming across theories of how it happened.
gpt
And the murder of Dr. Warrender? Do you know of that also?
human
Of course. The two things go together, as I understand. Marlow's body is lost; Warrender was stabbed. How unfortunate that two people I knew should be out of the way when I come to claim you!
gpt
Did you know Dr. Warrender?
human
As I know myself, was the answer.
gpt
Twenty years ago, when you were a child, a mere infant, he practised in the town of Falmouth, Jamaica. He left after certain events which happened there, and, I believe, practised again in New Orleans. He married there, too, it was said.
human
Yes; his wife lives at Heathton.
gpt
Ah! I shall be glad to see her. Has the man who murdered her husband been discovered?
human
No; he cannot be found.
gpt
Nor ever will be, I suspect, said Captain Lestrange coolly.
human
From what I read, the whole criminal business was conducted in the most skilful manner. I wonder why they stole poor Dick's body.
gpt
Poor Dick! retorted the girl indignantly.
human
Are you speaking of my father?
gpt
Of the man who passed as your father--yes, Marie, I am.
human
Pray don't call me Marie! I am Sophia Marlow.
gpt
As you please. Temper again! Oh, how you remind me of Zelia!
human
but to
gpt
Sophia Marlow,