human
Are you turning your back upon the problem of your old friend, Mr. Thayer?
gpt
No, he answered;
human
Yes; but I--we all--think it is time--think it may be a mistake.
gpt
And we thought perhaps you could say something.
human
To--?
gpt
To Mr. Lorimer.
human
What could I say?
gpt
Something to break it off.
human
Would you advise threats or bribery, Miss Gannion? I really can't imagine any argument that would lead Lorimer to give up Miss Dane of his own accord.
gpt
Couldn't you put it to him strongly that he has no moral right to hold her to her promise?
human
I could; but he would probably put it to me just as strongly that I have no moral right to interfere in his concerns.
gpt
Mr. Thayer, have you any idea that Mr. Lorimer will ever give up drinking, drinking more than is good for him?
human
I have not.
gpt
Have you any idea that Beatrix, if she marries him, can escape years of anxiety and wretchedness?
human
I have not,
gpt
Oh, how cold you are! she cried, in passionate revolt against his even tone.
human
Don't you care anything at all for Beatrix?
gpt
I would do anything in my power to protect Miss Dane; but this is a case where I have no right to speak to her. I have spoken to Lorimer again and again, urging him to control himself for her sake. Beyond that, I have no right to go.
human
But you said once that you thought she ought to be told.
gpt
That was months ago. She found out, without being told.
human
Not all.
gpt
Enough.
human
But, if she knew all about it, all that you know, Beatrix Dane would never marry Sidney Lorimer.
gpt
Very likely not.
human
Then you ought to tell her. What right have you to suppress facts that would change her whole point of view? You have it in your power to save Beatrix Dane. Once you were willing to do it.