human
Now there are two nominal heirs--Boris and Ulick. Each deems himself the chosen successor to his great-grandfather, and each is incompetent to play the part. In the past the reins of power have been held by the man who stands between them. I am that third man.
gpt
As everybody knows now.
human
Dom Gillian will formally nominate one of his grandsons as his heir. It makes no difference whether Boris or Ulick succeeds--the outcome must be the same. Both have personal followings, and that of the disappointed one will form a minority insignificant in numerical strength, but capable of being kneaded by strong hands into a compact mass.
gpt
A revolution, then?
human
By no means. I accept the situation as it is and simply turn it to my own advantage--as third man. This makes it necessary that the disappointed one should become my absolute property. Now I hold the price that he will demand for the surrender of his rights and freedom--nothing less than yourself.
gpt
I shall not affect to be surprised, said the girl, coolly.
human
But are you quite sure that I am valued at so high a figure? It would be mortifying for you to go into the market and find that your currency had depreciated on your hands.
gpt
I am not afraid, he answered.
human
The passion with Boris and Ulick alike is genuine enough, albeit of somewhat different sort. As you care for neither, it should be a matter of indifference whose property you become.
gpt
No one but a woman could know how unforgivable is that insult,
human
But why a bargain at all? You have the strength, the courage, the brains--why chaffer when you have but to strike once to win all? You stand between Boris and Ulick; crush them both in a single embrace and take their birthright of power.
gpt
Bah! said the Doomsman, contemptuously.
human
Do you think that the mere possession of the wolf-skin is the object of the hunt? It is the game that amuses me and not the final distribution of the stakes. The game, I say, and it happens to suit my humor to play it in this particular way. You are simply a piece on the board, and I may win with you or lose with you, or conclude to throw you back in the box without playing you at all--just as it pleases me.
gpt
The means are at least nobler than the end, retorted the girl.
human
A lofty ambition, truly, to stand behind a screen and pull the strings of a puppet, who in turn lords it over a handful of rick burners and cattle reivers. Even my uncle Hugolin, Councillor Primus of Croye, cuts a better figure when, clad in his state robe of silver-fox fur, he presides over his parliament of shopkeepers.
gpt
Granted, returned Quinton Edge,
human
I am beginning to comprehend, she said, slowly.
gpt
An ambition that confessedly overleaps all bounds is at least not an ignoble one.
human
You will play the game with me?
gpt
No.
human
Yet a moment ago you were considering it--the possibility, I mean.
gpt
For the moment--yes. After three months of Arcadia House dulness almost any amusement would seem worth while. But, frankly speaking, it is the nature of the risk that appalls me. I cannot afford to lose my stake nor even to adventure it.
human
To speak plainly?
gpt
Well, then, you contribute to the common capital but one thing--your brains. Later on, if the play goes against us, you may have to throw on the table your liberty, and, in the last extremity, your life. But that is the utmost limit of your losses. I, on the contrary, must contribute myself to the hazard, and no man understands what that means to a woman.
human
How long is it since the woman has understood?
gpt
Well, then, if I cannot have you with me I want you actively against me--the more balls in the air, the better sport for the juggler. And at least we understand each other.
human
There is just the one question--perhaps an obvious one.
gpt
Yes.
human
Boris or Ulick? For of course you know which of them is to be the old Dom's heir.
gpt
I do.
human
I am to be informed of my purchaser's name--after the bargaining is over? And only then?
gpt
Since you choose to put it in that way--yes.
human
Good-night,