human
I can guess what you've been discussing, he said rather awkwardly.
gpt
Look here, Everest. Sybil has told me everything, and I really do think you ought to do something about it.
human
What would you propose my doing?
gpt
Well, marry her, or promise to marry her when we all meet again in Europe, because I suppose we'll have to break up now. She's had such a shock she wants to get out of this, and I imagine you'll be tied here some time yet; but I'd like some understanding as to what you're going to do before we leave.
human
I have already told your sister I can do nothing.
gpt
But you know, it's all very well, remonstrated Merton hotly;
human
You believed that--of me?
gpt
I don't know what to believe,
human
Will you repeat that accusation, Sybil, in my presence?
gpt
No, no, she faltered hurriedly,
human
I never said exactly that. Merton must have misunderstood.
gpt
You see what a liar she is.
human
Will you admit your relations with her?
gpt
If Sybil wishes me to, yes, I admit that, otherwise I should never have admitted it to anyone.
human
Then you owe her some reparation.
gpt
I owe her _nothing_, rejoined Everest, with some heat.
human
It was a mutual amusement, and she understood perfectly from the very first it was not, and could not be, anything more. I decline to discuss the matter any further. It is done, over. As far as I am concerned it is effaced from my mind. What do you want, Merton? Do you want a duel with me over it, or what?
gpt
No, oh no, of course not, Merton replied hastily;
human
I refuse absolutely. You must be made of stone if you can talk of my marrying your sister when the woman I love is between life and death because of her devotion and self-sacrifice. Sybil would not be here at all to make her mad charges and demands but for her. She is my wife, or will be as soon as I can make her so. It is useless to go on talking. Let me pass.