human
Well, she said,
gpt
I'm sure she merits it. But to speak of something else, I'm glad you asked the Olcotts here.
human
That's another matter in which I'm indebted to you. What do you think of Olcott? He sat next to you.
gpt
A delightful man. Ethel, who was direct and fearless, looked up at her companion.
human
No one could doubt Mrs. Olcott's devotion to him, and I think it's warranted. Then she rose.
gpt
You must have a good deal to say to the others and I mustn't monopolize you.
human
I stole away and followed you, he said.
gpt
Sit down a minute and light up.
human
Cigars in that drawer, said Andrew, lighting a cigarette.
gpt
Drinks in the cupboard below.
human
It's your house, but I feel at home.
gpt
So you ought!
human
Here's to you, old friend, and may you get with full measure, as you give! I can't wish you anything better. He put down his glass and continued:
gpt
And now we'll proceed to business. As soon as I'd had a talk with Clare I paid a check into your bank.
human
Sure it's convenient?
gpt
Quite: I had my duties increased and, what was much less usual, a corresponding increase of pay. I'd rather have come over when you were alone, and I only got home yesterday, but Clare insisted on my appearing to-night. Can you guess the reason?
human
Yes. Andrew flushed but looked at his friend with steady eyes.
gpt
I got very savage about the matter, and wondered whether I'd been in any way to blame. Still, you left things pretty mixed when you went away--your wife needed somebody to straighten them out, and I'm not a tactful person.
human
I'd only a day or two's notice, and there wasn't time to arrange matters properly. But it's hard to imagine that people who knew you could be such credulous fools. I mustn't say anything stronger of your relatives.
gpt
I don't think being my relatives makes them any brighter, Andrew replied with a grin.
human
My father was the last genius in the family; talent often skips a generation. But we'll let the matter drop.
gpt
If you find gratitude hard to put up with. It seems that your sister Hilda has told Clare something about your adventures. You had some rough experiences in Canada?
human
One or two. I shouldn't imagine they were uncommon in West Africa.
gpt
You're right, returned Olcott grimly.
human
We must have a long talk; but here's the clergyman coming in search of you and he looks as if he had something important to say.
gpt
Andrew, he said,
human
I have come to express my regret at having wronged you by suspicions which I am now ashamed of.
gpt
After all, perhaps you had some excuse. I wasn't as careful as I should have been; but I'm getting tired of the subject.
human
It's painful, but I must go on. I knew what a mistake I had made as soon as I saw Olcott come in; but you don't understand yet how far my suspicions led me. I felt it my duty to see Judson about Mrs. Olcott's lease.
gpt
Ah! You mean you put the screw on him? I'm glad your plot seems to have failed.
human
So am I, said Robert.
gpt
I'll confess that I was disappointed at first and suspected Wannop of interfering. As you know, he's lax in his views.
human
It's unfortunate the laxity you complain of isn't more common. Andrew broke into a smile.
gpt
No doubt Wannop was too clever for you; but I don't bear you any grudge. I believe you meant well, and good intentions seem to excuse a good deal of harshness.
human
I did what I thought was my duty,