human
Yes, and the worst thing is that I am to blame.
gpt
But how can that be possible?
human
Mr. Fosdyke arrived here last Saturday, and of course I was introduced to him as Mrs. Carmac's niece. The necessity for any such pretense is rather hateful, and he did not render it more acceptable by claiming me as a cousin. Really, Dad, with the slightest encouragement on my part, he would have kissed me!
gpt
Shocking!
human
Father dear, don't make fun of me. His cousinly kiss would have burnt my cheek.
gpt
I can't profess fierce indignation because a young man tried to seize a good opportunity to kiss a pretty young woman.
human
Well, he didn't dare make the attempt, declared Yvonne spiritedly.
gpt
He realized at once that I would have slapped his face soundly for his pains.
human
But are you serious about Madeleine? I mean, rather, do you think she is really enamored of him, or merely showing off for Peridot's benefit?
gpt
So serious that I am profoundly thankful the settled weather has kept Peridot at sea.
human
Do they meet frequently?
gpt
I hate suspecting people, Dad; so I can only say that I don't know. Let us get away from all this worry for a day. Send Barbe for Lorry, and ask him to _déjeuner_. Then the three of us will walk by the Belon road to Moëlan, and have tea at the inn. It will do us a heap of good.