human
Do you think it's possible Norty could have lighted that lamp?
gpt
It looks rather black against her certainly. What was she doing up in the Observatory?
human
She put something inside a box.
gpt
Did you see what it was?
human
No.
gpt
It might have been a bicycle lamp?
human
It might have been anything as far as I can tell.
gpt
Did she strike a match as if lighting a lamp?
human
No, but of course she might have put the lamp inside the box and then come up at dusk to light it.
gpt
Ought I to tell the Empress?
human
Not unless you want to get yourself into the very biggest row you've ever had in your life!
gpt
Why?
human
Why? Don't you see, you silly child, that Norty would deny everything and throw all the blame upon you? Naturally the Empress would ask: 'What were you doing in the Observatory?' Even if she didn't suspect you of putting the light there yourself--which it is quite possible she might--she'd punish you for breaking bounds; and when you've only just been in trouble already----
gpt
It's not to be thought of, interrupted Marjorie quickly.
human
You're quite right, Chrissie. The Empress would be sure to side with Norty and blame me. I'd thought of going and telling her, and I even walked as far as the study door, but I was too frightened to knock. I'm glad I asked you about it first.
gpt
Of course the whole business may be a rag. It's the kind of wild thing some of those silly Juniors would do.
human
It may; but, on the other hand, the light may have been a signal. It seems very mysterious.
gpt
Don't tell anybody else what you've told me.
human
Rather not. It's a secret to be kept even from the S.S.O.P. I shan't breathe a word to a single soul.