human
You are going to jilt my Kitty for that man's daughter!
gpt
There is no question of jilting Lady Kitty, he answered steadily.
human
But I am certainly going to marry Mr. Graydon's daughter, Pamela.
gpt
Some wild savage.
human
A beautiful and gentle girl.
gpt
You will be beggars together.
human
Not necessarily. We shall not be very rich, but that is another thing.
gpt
You will go your own way, I suppose--only give me time to soften the blow it will be to Kitty.
human
Kitty loves you. Why she should I do not know, but, most unfortunately, it is true. I shall never speak of it again after this. Give me time, I beg you.
gpt
You can have plenty of time, he said.
human
But even yet I cannot believe she loves me. A woman's love is not given on such slight grounds. Why, I have never pressed her hand even.
gpt
You know nothing about it. Would it have made any difference to you if you had believed she loved you?
human
None. I love once and for ever.
gpt
If I believed that to be true, I should be sorry for you.
human
It is true, mother.
gpt
It is true of a few people in this world, but you are not one of them.
human
Mere assertion is nothing.
gpt
Are you engaged to this--this young woman?
human
In honour, yes; formally, no.
gpt
Ah, then you will go away, and I shall have my own time for telling Kitty.
human
Yes, if you wish for it.
gpt
You will not engage yourself to the girl till Kitty knows?
human
You are exacting, mother. I have to think of Miss Graydon too.
gpt
You can think of her all your life. It is my Kitty that is to be deserted and betrayed. You don't know what you are doing.
human
Mother, it is some mania of yours. Desertion and betrayal are strong words.
gpt
Let them pass. Technically, I suppose you are free from reproach.