human
Who comes this way?
gpt
A friend,
human
That is easily said, cried Vanbrugh.
gpt
I am not in a trustful mood. Hold off a bit, or I may do you mischief.
human
Do you not know me?
gpt
What, Gautran!
human
Yes, Gautran.
gpt
Welcome, friend, welcome, said Vanbrugh, with a laugh.
human
Give me your hand. Veritable flesh and blood. You have a powerful grip, Gautran. I thought we should meet again. What caused you to make yourself scarce so suddenly last night? You vanished like a cloud.
gpt
I had business to do. Have you got any more of that brandy about you?
human
I am not sure whether you deserve it. After emptying my flask, you may make off again. A poor return for hospitality, my friend.
gpt
I promise to remain with you--it is what I came for--if you give me brandy.
human
I take your word, said Vanbrugh, producing a flask.
gpt
Drink, but not too greedily.
human
You have no food, I suppose?
gpt
Why, yes, I have. Warned by previous experiences I supplied myself liberally for this night's watch. I'll not refuse you, though I spent my last franc on it.
human
Ah, said Gautran, with some eagerness, for an amicable exchange of clothing would render the more villainous part of his task easier of accomplishment,
gpt
Poor? Yes, but not for long, Gautran. The days of full purses are coming. Here is the food. Eat, rogue, eat. It is honest bread and meat, bought and paid for; but none the sweeter for that. We know which fruit is the sweetest. So you had business to do when you took French leave of me! How runs the matter? I had just pointed out the Advocate's window to you--your own special Advocate, my friend, to whom you have so much reason to be grateful--when you disappeared like an arrow from a bow. What follows then? That, leaving me so abruptly, your business was important, and that it concerned the Advocate. Right or wrong, rogue?
human
Right,
gpt
Come, that's candid of you, and spoken like a friend. You did not know, before I informed you, that he lived in the villa yonder?
human
I did not.
gpt
I begin to have hopes of you. And learning it from me, you made up your mind on the spur of the moment--your business being so important--to pay him a friendly visit, despite the strangeness of the hour for a familiar call?
human
You've hit it,