human
Yes, he said quietly,
gpt
We'll be more quiet in here,
human
I'd sooner go outside, if you don't mind. Will you join me in a glass at the tavern?
gpt
Now, began Groener, with perfect simplicity and friendliness,
human
I'll explain the trouble between Alice and me. I've had a hard time with that girl, M. Matthieu, a very hard time. If it wasn't for her mother, I'd have washed my hands of her long ago; but her mother was a fine woman, a noble woman. It's true she made one mistake that ruined her life and practically killed her, still----
gpt
What mistake was that?
human
Why, she married an American who was--the less we say about him the better. The point is, Alice is half American, and ever since she has been old enough to take notice, she has been crazy about American men. He leaned closer and, lowering his voice, added:
gpt
That's why I had to send her to Paris five years ago.
human
You don't say!
gpt
She was only thirteen then, but well developed and very pretty and--M. Matthieu, she got gone on an American who was spending the winter in Brussels, a married man. I had to break it up somehow, so I sent her away. Yes, sir.
human
And now it's another American, a man in prison, charged with a horrible crime. Think of that! As soon as Mother Bonneton wrote me about it, I saw I'd have to take the girl away again. I told her this morning she must pack up her things and go back to Brussels with me, and that made the trouble.
gpt
Ah! exclaimed Matthieu with an understanding nod.
human
Then she knew at luncheon that you would take her back to Brussels?
gpt
Of course she did. You know how she acted; she had made up her mind she wouldn't go. Only she was tricky about it. She knew I had my eye on her, so she got this priest to help her.
human
Why--was the priest in it?
gpt
Was he in it? Of course he was in it. He was the whole thing. This Father Anselm has been encouraging the girl for months, filling her up with nonsense about how it's right for a young girl to choose her own husband. Mother Bonneton told me.
human
You mean that Father Anselm helped her to run away?
gpt
Of course he did. You saw him come out of the confessional, didn't you?
human
I was too far away to see his face, replied the other, studying the wood carver closely.
gpt
Did _you_ see his face?
human
Certainly I did. He passed within ten feet of me. I saw his face distinctly.
gpt
Are you sure it was he? I don't doubt you, M. Groener, but I'm a sort of official here and this is a serious charge, so I ask if you are _sure_ it was Father Anselm?
human
I'm absolutely sure it was Father Anselm,