human
And you told no one, sought no help, no cure? You would not come to me?
gpt
I got as far as the schoolroom door; there my courage failed. I preferred to cushion the matter.
human
Why? What can I demand better in this world than to be of use to you?
gpt
I had no claim.
human
Monstrous! And you did nothing?
gpt
Yes. I walked straight into the laundry, where they are ironing most of the week, now that I have so many guests in the house. While the maid was busy crimping or starching, I took an Italian iron from the fire, and applied the light scarlet glowing tip to my arm. I bored it well in. It cauterized the little wound. Then I went upstairs.
human
I dare say you never once groaned?
gpt
I am sure I don't know. I was very miserable--not firm or tranquil at all, I think. There was no calm in my mind.
human
There was calm in your person. I remember listening the whole time we sat at luncheon, to hear if you moved in the room above. All was quiet.
gpt
I was sitting at the foot of the bed, wishing Phœbe had not bitten me.
human
And alone. You like solitude.
gpt
Pardon me.
human
You disdain sympathy.
gpt
Do I, Mr. Moore?
human
With your powerful mind you must feel independent of help, of advice, of society.
gpt
So be it, since it pleases you.