human
Why don't you laugh?
gpt
At Hilda in the pulpit? Why should I. She means well.
human
Huh! I allude to your demure listening. I do not wish to speak ill of the dead, and, after all, Jim was my brother. But are you really and truly sorry?
gpt
In a way, if you _will_ press for an answer. One can't live five years with a man without missing him at the breakfast-table.
human
Hum! Though you and I pretend otherwise, to console my father, we know that Jim was no saint.
gpt
Am I?
human
Politeness forbids my answering that question.
gpt
I don't see what politeness has to do with this interview. Have you remained to make yourself disagreeable?
human
On my honour, no. You're a clever woman, Leah, and as a scamp's wife you have conducted yourself admirably.
gpt
As I am now the scamp's widow, had that not better have been left unsaid?
human
I suppose so, since we have agreed to call black white. But I waited to say that I'll help you in any way you wish.
gpt
It is very good of you, said she, cordially,
human
Hum, he repeated, biting his forefinger;
gpt
What has that to do with you?
human
Well, you bear our family name, he reminded her,
gpt
Demetrius?
human
The man is crazy about you,
gpt
I can't help lunatics being at large, said Leah, reassured as to his meaning and at once on the defensive.
human
Have I encouraged him?
gpt
Oh no. As I said before, your conduct as Jim's wife has been admirable--truly admirable. But I should not like to see you marry Demetrius.
human
Why should you think me willing to do so?
gpt
I don't, since the man is a foreigner and poor and untitled.
human
He can be a prince and wealthy, if he chooses to be reconciled with the Russian authorities.
gpt
Even then, Leah, do you really like this man?
human
As a clever doctor and an amusing talker--yes. Well?
gpt
He is devoted to you; they talk of it at the clubs. No, no, hurriedly, as she turned crimson with indignation;
human
I certainly do not see, interrupted Leah, with conviction.
gpt
Did you offer assistance so that you might meddle?
human
Oh no, no, protested the Marquis, looking shocked;
gpt
That is the third time you have said so, and I am by no means stupid. It seems to me, she looked straight at him,
human
Yes, I do think so.
gpt
Will it ease your mind if I say that I have no intention of accepting any impertinent proposal he may make?
human
It will and it does, said Frith, bluntly.
gpt
I should not like to see you throw yourself away on that man. Should you marry again----
human
It will be entirely my own affair.
gpt
Of course, of course. All the same----
human
Quite so! Good-day, Lord Frith.
gpt
Am I to take your use of my title as an intimation that we are to be strangers?
human
To the extent of supervision, yes.
gpt
But you can't manage things unaided.
human
That also is my business. As your interference is concerned with M. Demetrius, and I have set your mind at rest on that point, there is no more to be said.
gpt
As you please. Still, this Demetrius----
human
Oh, Demetrius, she echoed, enraged by this parrot repetition.
gpt
I never wish to hear his name or set eyes on his face again.