human
In the name of all wit and wisdom, what is the meaning of all this?
gpt
You do not know, then, what passed last night?
human
I? I can only guess that Vavasour has had one of his rages.
gpt
Then you must know, said Campbell with an effort;
human
The wretched ape! Campbell, your first thought was the true one: you must not fight that cur. After all, it's a farce: you won't fire at him, and he can't hit you--so leave ill alone. Beside, for Scoutbush's sake, her sake, every one's sake, the thing must be hushed up. If the fellow chooses to duck under into the London mire, let him lie there, and forget him!
gpt
No, Claude; his pardon I must beg, ere I go out to the war: or I shall die with a sin upon my soul.
human
My dear, noble creature! if you must go, I go with you. I must see fair play between you and that madman; and give him a piece of my mind, too, while I am about it. He is in my power: or if not quite that, I know one in whose power he is! and to reason he shall be brought.
gpt
No; you must stay here. I cannot trust Scoutbush's head, and these poor dear souls will have no one to look to but you. I can trust you with them, I know. Me you will perhaps never see again.
human
You can trust me!
gpt
Mind one thing! If that Vavasour shows his teeth, there is a spell will turn him to stone. Use it!
human
Heaven forbid! Let him show his teeth. It is I who am in the wrong. Why should I make him more my enemy than he is?
gpt
Be it so. Only, if the worst comes to the worst, call him not Elsley Vavasour, but plain John Briggs--and see what follows.
human
The post has come in! Oh, dear Major Campbell, is there a letter?
gpt
Thank God that she did not see that I was going! One more pang on earth spared!
human
A letter? Don't be silent or I shall go mad! Tell me the worst! Is he alive?
gpt
Yes.
human
Where? Why does he not come back to me?
gpt
He has gone to London, Lucia. He will think over it all there, and be sorry for it, and then all will be well again.
human
To London! To London!
gpt
Clara! Clara! have the children had their breakfast?
human
Yes, ma'am!
gpt
Then help me to pack up, quick! Your master is gone to London on business; and we are to follow him immediately.
human
My dearest Lucia, you are not fit to travel now!
gpt
I shall die if I stay here; die if I do nothing! I must find him! whispered she.
human
Don't speak loud, or Clara will hear. I can find him, and nobody can but me! Why don't you help me to pack, Valencia?
gpt
My dearest! but what will Scoutbush say when he comes home, and finds you gone?
human
What right has he to interfere? I am Elsley's wife, am I not? and may follow my husband if I like: