human
Does it date back to the handicap? You needn't tell me if you don't want to.
gpt
It does. And there is no reason why I shouldn't tell you the simple fact. When my father died he left me a debt--a debt of honor; and it must be paid. Until it is paid--but I am sure you understand.
human
Quite fully, she responded quickly, and now there was no trace of levity in the sweetly serious tone.
gpt
Is it much?--so much that you can't----
human
Yes, it is big enough to go in a class by itself--in round numbers, a hundred thousand dollars.
gpt
Horrors! she gasped.
human
And you are carrying that millstone? Must you carry it?
gpt
If you knew the circumstances you would be the first to say that I must carry it, and go on carrying it to the end of the chapter.
human
But--but you'll _never_ be free!
gpt
Not on a government salary, he admitted.
human
As a matter of fact, it takes more than half of the salary to pay the premiums on--pshaw! I'm boring you shamelessly for the sake of proving up on my definition of the eternal ego. You ought not to have encouraged me. It's quite hopeless--the handicap business--unless some good angel should come along with a miracle or two. Let's drop it.
gpt
If you could drop it--but you can't. And it changes everything for you, distorts everything, colors your entire life. It's heart-breaking!