human
For a wig it's not bad. I can't say, however, that I like anything artificial,
gpt
You prefer my own hair! she cried, and the corners of her mouth began to droop in a way he had already begun to dread.
human
Oh! what shall I do? Nurse tells me it will take ages and ages for it to grow again.
gpt
There, there, my dear, it's all right. You look lovely--
human
Oh, do I? she cried, beaming with delight.
gpt
I am so glad you think so!
human
It doesn't matter what I think.
gpt
But it does,
human
I would like to ask you one thing. She hesitated a moment.
gpt
Are we very poor?
human
No, why?
gpt
Then I could afford to have some pretty clothes?
human
Certainly.
gpt
Oh, I'm so glad! I can't bear the ones I have on. I can't think why I ever bought anything so ugly. I shall throw them away as soon as I can get others. By the way, where is my box? Nurse tells me that I arrived here with nothing but a small hand-bag.
human
It has gone astray, he stammered.
gpt
It will turn up soon, no doubt, but in the meantime I have bought a few clothes for your immediate use.
human
Oh, have you? Where are they?
gpt
They are outside in a cab.
human
But I see no cab.
gpt
It is waiting a little farther down the street.
human
Farther down--why?
gpt
You trust me, don't you?
human
Yes, of course.
gpt
Then, believe me, it is necessary for you to leave this place immediately. I--you--are being pursued by some one who--who wishes to separate us.
human
Oh, no, not that! she cried.
gpt
But how can any one separate us, when God has joined us together?
human
It's a long story and I have no time to explain it now. All I ask is that you will trust me blindly for the present, and do exactly what I tell you to.
gpt
I will,
human
Thank you. Will you please call your nurse?
gpt
Good-morning, nurse. Your patient seems pretty fit to-day.
human
Mrs. Thompkins is recovering very rapidly.
gpt
Can I speak to the doctor?
human
I am sorry, but he has just left.
gpt
Too bad! Cyril knitted his brows as if the doctor's absence was an unexpected disappointment.
human
Mrs. Thompkins must leave here at once and I wanted to explain her precipitate departure to him.
gpt
You might telephone,
human
Yes, or better still, I shall call at his office. But his absence places me in a most awkward predicament.
gpt
Well, there is no help for it. As the doctor is not here, I must confide in you. Thompkins is not our real name. The doctor knows what that is and it was on his advice that we discarded it for the time being. I can't tell you our reason for this concealment nor why my wife must not only leave this house as soon as possible, but must do so unobserved. Will you help us?
human
I--I don't know, sir,
gpt
If you will dress my wife in a nurse's uniform and see that she gets out of here without being recognised, I will give you £100. Here is the money.
human
Oh, I couldn't, sir, really I couldn't. The doctor would never forgive me. Besides it seems so queer.
gpt
I promise you on my word of honour that the doctor need never know that you helped us.
human
What makes you hesitate? continued Cyril.
gpt
Do you think I am trying to bribe you to do something dishonourable? Ah, that is it, is it? He gave a short laugh.
human
Look at my wife, does she look like a criminal, I ask you?
gpt
She certainly doesn't,
human
Well, then, why not trust your instinct in the matter? My wife and I have been placed, through no fault of our own, in a very disagreeable position. You will know the whole story some day, but for the present my lips are sealed. International complications might arise if the truth leaked out prematurely. Cyril felt that the last was a neat touch, for the woman's face cleared and she repeated in an awe-struck voice:
gpt
International complications!
human
Germany! I can say no more,
gpt
Ah! The wretches! cried the nurse.
human
One never knows what they will be at next. Of course I will help you. I ought to have known at once that it was sure to be all right. Any one can see that you are a gentleman--a soldier, I dare say?
gpt
Never mind who or what I am. It is better that you should be able truthfully to plead your complete ignorance. Now as to the uniform; have you one to spare?
human
Yes, indeed. I will go and get it immediately.
gpt
All this mystery frightens me,
human
You must be brave. Now listen attentively to what I am saying. On leaving here----
gpt
Oh, aren't you going with me?
human
No, we must not be seen together, but I will join you later.
gpt
You will not leave me alone again?
human
Not for long.
gpt
Promise.
human
I promise.
gpt
Very well, now tell me what I am to do.
human
On leaving this house you are to turn to your right and walk down the street till you see a taxi with a box on it. A friend of mine, Guy Campbell, will be inside. You can easily recognise him; he has red hair. Campbell will drive you to a hotel where a lady is waiting for you and where you are to stay till I can join you. If there should be any hitch in these arrangements, go to this address and send a telegram to me at the club. I have written all this down,
gpt
Have you a thick veil?
human
There is a long one attached to the bonnet, but we never pull it over our faces, and I am afraid if Mrs. Thompkins did so, it would attract attention.
gpt
Yet something must be done to conceal her face.
human
Leave that to me, sir. I used to help in private theatricals once upon a time.
gpt
That is splendid! I will go downstairs now and wait till you have got Mrs. Thompkins ready.
human
Give me a quarter of an hour and you will be astonished at the result.