human
Well, you know my feelings about this dance. I do not approve. I distinctly disapprove. I do not consider your going to the ball in good taste, or, as you would put it, in good form. Poor young Hattersley----
gpt
Oh, dear aunt, do let us put young Hattersley aside. He was buried with the regular forms, I suppose?
human
Yes, Julia.
gpt
Then the rector accepted the verdict of the jury at the inquest. Why should not we? A man who is unsound in his mind is not responsible for his actions.
human
I suppose not.
gpt
Much less, then, I who live ten miles away.
human
I do not say that you are responsible for his death, but for the condition of mind that led him to do the dreadful deed. Really, Julia, you are one of those into whose head or heart only by a surgical operation could the thought be introduced that you could be in the wrong. A hypodermic syringe would be too weak an instrument to effect such a radical change in you. Everyone else may be in the wrong, you--never. As for me, I cannot get young Hattersley out of my head.
gpt
And I, retorted Julia with asperity, for her aunt's words had stung her--
human
I, for my part, do not give him a thought.
gpt
Auntie! is the glass down on your side?
human
No, Julia; why do you ask?
gpt
There is such a draught.
human
Draught!--I do not feel one; perhaps the window on your side hitches.
gpt
Indeed, that is all right. It is blowing harder and is deadly cold. Can one of the front panes be broken?
human
No. Rogers would have told me had that been the case. Besides, I can see that they are sound.
gpt
Oh! Phillips, bring the lamp. Something has happened to Miss Demant.