human
Have you noticed how quiet and reserved our chap Fellows has been lately?
gpt
Yes, I have, Bess; it seems difficult to get a word out of him.
human
What do you suppose to be the cause?
gpt
Well, I have thought at times he was in love with that girl of Russell’s.
human
And if he is, I can’t see the reason for his going about moping as he appears to be doing.
gpt
Nor can I; although I know how hard it is to understand the goings on of two people in love.
human
I’m sure it’s not because there is any difficulty on her side. She is quite as much in love with him as ever he is with her. It’s a case where the man has only got to ask to have.
gpt
I wonder whether he has said anything yet to Jessie on the subject?
human
Well, you need not wonder long, for I can tell you that he has not.
gpt
How do you know that, Bess?
human
Why, of course, from the girl herself. Having a women’s natural curiosity, and exercising that privilege which my age gives me, I asked her if there was anything between them, and she assured me there was not.
gpt
Well then, I’ll tell you what my opinion is, wife; the chap has got something else on his mind which troubles him.
human
What makes you think that?
gpt
Little things I have noticed from time to time; but more especially the few words dropped when he first came here, to the effect that his had been a wasted life. He said, if I remember right, that he had disgraced a good name, and now wanted to hide and escape recognition.
human
Have you ever tried to gain his confidence?
gpt
No, Bess, for I have always felt a delicacy about it. In my opinion, the confidence that is worth the name, should be given willingly, and not forced.
human
A little encouragement might not be thrown away,—natures, you know, are so different.
gpt
Well, the very next opportunity that offers I will endeavour to draw him out.