human
This is bad, Mrs. Meredith, he said.
gpt
Thank God I wasn't in it.
human
Where are you taking me?
gpt
I'm taking you out to sea, said Marcus with a little smile.
human
Don't get scared, Mrs. Meredith. I want to hear that story of yours, and if it is anything like what I fear, then it would be better for you that Briggerland thinks you are dead.
gpt
Mordon dead, eh? That's bad. But how on earth are they going to explain it? I suppose, he said with a smile,
human
I did write a letter, she said slowly.
gpt
It wasn't a real letter, it was in a story which Jean was dictating.
human
How awful, she said.
gpt
I can't believe it even now.
human
Tell me about the story,
gpt
It was a story she was writing for a London magazine, and her wrist hurt, and I wrote it down as she dictated. Only about three pages, but one of the pages was a letter supposed to have been written by the heroine saying that she was going away, as she loved somebody who was beneath her socially.
human
Good God! said Marcus, genuinely shocked.
gpt
Did Jean do that?
human
I'm glad I know,
gpt
Do you really think that all this time she has been trying to kill me?
human
She has used everybody, even me, he said bitterly.
gpt
I don't want you to think badly of me, Mrs. Meredith, but I'm going to tell you the truth. I'd provisioned this little yacht to-day for a twelve hundred mile trip, and you were to be my companion.
human
I?
gpt
It was Jean's idea, really, though I think she must have altered her view, or thought I had forgotten all she suggested. I intended taking you out to sea and keeping you out there until you agreed---- he shook his head.
human
I don't think I could have done it really, he said, speaking half to himself.
gpt
I'm not really built for a conspirator. None of that rough stuff ever appealed to me. Well, I didn't try, anyway.
human
No, Mr. Stepney, she said quietly,