human
What do you figure out that Monsieur's plans are?
gpt
How on earth should _we_ know?
human
Well, you must admit that he probably has some, or he wouldn't be dangling around here so long, replied the Imp.
gpt
Why shouldn't he tell Louis what he has to tell, and then go away or take Louis away, as the case may be?
human
What do _you_ think, Bobs? asked Carol.
gpt
I'll warrant you have worked it all out.
human
If I tell you what I think, you'll tell _me_ I'm a lunatic, declared the Imp.
gpt
It does sound rather crazy, and yet why shouldn't it be so?
human
Why shouldn't _what_ be so? I cried.
gpt
You haven't even told us yet.
human
Well, here's my notion, she said.
gpt
Suppose--well, just suppose that somebody wanted to overthrow the present government of France. Wouldn't this be a lovely chance?
human
I guess you _are_ a lunatic! I said.
gpt
But even lunatics ought to have a chance to explain themselves. Go on.
human
Oh, I know it sounds foolish, returned the Imp,
gpt
Yes, and do you remember the way that first cablegram commenced? 'Time almost ripe'! I always did think that was queer.
human
Exactly what I said, continued the Imp.
gpt
And what do you suppose Monsieur is twiddling his thumbs around Paradise Green for? Just because Louis isn't falling in with his plans as nicely as he'd hoped. I'll warrant Monsieur has been horribly disappointed from the first, because Louis was so thoroughly _American_ and didn't take a scrap of interest in his French affairs. He sees plainly that Louis isn't going to be easy to handle. And if _Louis_ won't stand for this restoration business, then 'the fat's in the fire.' _That's_ what's bothering Monsieur. And he's waiting around to see if he can't win Louis over unconsciously somehow. At least, that's how I've figured it out.