human
Now you can see why it's impossible for your father to save Gerald by paying the money. It explains why he has been forced to ask help from Brand.
gpt
Blow after blow! How has he borne it all? And yet he is very brave.
human
You are his daughter, said Mrs. Mowbray meaningly, though she felt that what she was doing was cruel.
gpt
You must be brave, too. I think you see how you can make things easier for him.
human
Oh! The girl drew a quick breath. Then she rose with a hot face, burning with fierce rebellion.
gpt
The fault is Gerald's, and he must suffer for it! Why should I! He has always brought us trouble; everything has been given up for the sake of the boys. Don't I know how you have had to deny yourself because of their extravagance? It's unjust! Not even my father has the right to ask this sacrifice from me!
human
Gerald cannot suffer alone. If he is arrested for forgery, it will crush your father and be a stain on Lance's name as long as he lives. Lance has been very steady since his accident, and I dare not think of his being thrown back into his reckless ways. Then the disgrace will reflect even more seriously on you--a girl is condemned for the sins of her relatives. I do not speak of myself, because the worst that could happen to me was to learn that my son had done this thing.
gpt
It's true! I feel as if I were in a trap and could not get out. It's horrible!
human
Let us face the matter quietly, she said.
gpt
Brand is our friend; he cannot be so ungenerous as to ask a price for his help.
human
He is a hard man, and very determined.
gpt
Yes; I know. I have been afraid of him. He made me feel he was waiting until his opportunity came. But, for all that, I can't believe----
human
Even if Brand does not claim his reward, we know what would persuade him to do us the great service your father must ask. Can we take this favor from him, and then deny him what he longs for? There is nobody else who can help us, and our need is pressing.
gpt
But I am not asking the favor! Beatrice urged in desperation.
human
The debt is not mine! It would be different if I were in Gerald's place.
gpt
You must see that you are using a false argument, Mrs. Mowbray answered gently.
human
A girl cannot separate herself in this way from her father and brother: the family responsibilities are hers. It may sound very harsh, but you cannot repudiate the liability Gerald has incurred. When he did wrong, he made us all accountable.