human
Do you know, Jack, said I presently,
gpt
Oh, said Jack,
human
It is very strange and sad,
gpt
What _do_ you mean? They oughtn't to take more than a week surely to go through the papers.
human
Oh, I wasn't talking about that, I said.
gpt
I was thinking of Mr Smith's story.
human
Why, what's up with you, Fred? You've gone daft about Mr Smith, surely. What's strange and sad?
gpt
The story of his life, Jack. He was once--
human
Stop, said Jack, firmly.
gpt
I dare say it's all you say, Fred, but I'd rather you didn't tell it me.
human
Why not?
gpt
He told it to you, but not to me. If he wants me to know it, he will tell me himself.
human
You are quite right, Jack, I said.
gpt
I know by this time that I should have no business to tell other people's secrets. But, as it happens, Mr Smith is anxious for me to tell you his story; and that is the reason, I believe, why he has insisted on leaving us together to-night.
human
Wants you to tell me his story?
gpt
Yes.
human
Why?
gpt
He has a reason. I think you had better hear it, Jack.