human
Now what might that represent?
gpt
A line, Mr. Hillard. The moment you cross that line, that moment you leave this house. On guard!
human
Come, that is not brave. You can retreat till your shoulders touch the mat, but I must stand this side of the line, unable to reach you. And you have the advantage of the mask besides. You are not a fair fencer.
gpt
The odds should be in my favor. I am a woman. My wrist is not so strong as yours.
human
Physically, of course, I may pass the line; to reach the salt, for instance. Will that be against the rules?
gpt
To a certain extent, no.
human
You make it very hard. You have put temptation in my path.
gpt
Bid Satan get behind thee.
human
But supposing he should take it into his head to--shoulder me forward?
gpt
In that case, under the new rules, I should referee the matter.
human
I wish I knew the color of your eyes. Behind those holes I see nothing but points of fire, no color. Are they blue, brown, grey?
gpt
They are blue. But supposing I wear this mask because my face is dreadfully scarred, and that I have some vanity?
human
Vanity, yes; but scars, never; at least never so deep as you yourself can make. You do not wear that mask to cover defects, but out of mercy to me.