human
I realize that my presence may be distasteful to you, he began, not without some minor agitation. It was the first time in days that he had stood so near to her or had spoken while alone with her.
gpt
But I have something to say to you upon which your future welfare largely depends.
human
I believed that we had settled that.
gpt
I am not making any declaration of love, madame,
human
I am listening.
gpt
There has been a tremendous wonder, as I understand, about this ball.
human
In what way?
gpt
In regard to the strange manner in which the invitations were issued.
human
Have you found out who did it?
gpt
Yes.
human
Who was it?
gpt
I issued those invitations--with a definite purpose.
human
You?
gpt
I!
human
It is you who have done this thing?
gpt
Yes. I am the guilty man. I did the work well, considering the difficulties. The list was the main obstacle, but I overcame that. I represented myself as secretary to her Highness, which, when all is said, was the very thing agreed upon in Venice. I am the guilty man;
human
And you have the effrontery to confess your crime to me?
gpt
Call it what you please, the fact remains.
human
What purpose had you in mind when you did this cowardly thing? And I had trusted you and treated you as an equal! And so it was you who perpetrated this forgery, this miserable jest?
gpt
Forgery, yes; jest, no.
human
Why did you do it?
gpt
I did it as a man who has but a single throw left. One chance in a thousand; I took that chance and won.
human
I do not understand you at all.
gpt
As I said, I had a definite purpose. An imposture like this is a prison offense. I asked you to marry me. I do so again.
human
You are hiding a threat!
gpt
I shall hide it no longer. Marry me, or I shall disclose the imposture to the police.
human
Oh! She shot him a glance, insolent and piercing. Then she laughed, but neither hysterically nor mirthfully. It was the laughter of one in deadly anger.
gpt
I had believed you to be a man of some reason, Mr. Worth. Do you suppose, even had I entertained some sentiment toward you, that it would survive a circumstance like this?
human
I am waiting for your answer.
gpt
You shall have it. Why, this is scarcely on the level with cheap melodrama. Threats? How short-sighted you have been! Did you dream that any woman could be won in this absurd fashion? You thought nothing of your companions, either, or the trouble you were bringing about their heads.
human
Yes or no?
gpt
No!
human
Take care!
gpt
I am perfectly capable of taking care. And heed what I have to say to you, Mr. Worth. You will leave this villa at once; and if you do not go quietly, I shall order the servants to put you forth. That is my answer.
human
You speak as though you were the princess,
gpt
Till Thursday morning I _am_!
human
I shall inform the police.
gpt
Do so. Now, as there is nothing more to be said, be gone!