human
You cur! There was intense bitterness in his tone.
gpt
I can't trust myself to speak of what I feel. And I know, to my sorrow, how little it would affect you. But, having done this thing, why do you slink home to bring disgrace on your mother and sister? Could you not hide your shame across the frontier?
human
If you will think for a moment, sir, you will see the reason. I don't want to hide here, but it's plain that, for all our sakes, I must meet this note. If it's dishonored, the holder will come to you; and, although I might escape to the boundary, you would be forced to find the money. Gerald hesitated before he added:
gpt
It would be the only way to save the family honor.
human
Stop! cried Mowbray.
gpt
Our honor is a subject you have lost all right to speak about!
human
Still, there is some reason in what you urge. It shows the selfish cunning that has been your ruin.
gpt
Let me finish, sir, Gerald begged hoarsely.
human
The note must be met. If I take it up on presentation, the matter ends there; but you can see the consequences if it's dishonored.
gpt
They include your arrest and imprisonment. It's unthinkable that your mother and sister should be branded with this taint! Mowbray clenched his hand.
human
The trouble is that I cannot find the money. You have already brought me to ruin.