human
Well, what have you to say for yourself? he drawled at last.
gpt
You pretty little blackmailer!
human
You needn't insult me!
gpt
Insult you! he cried.
human
I like that! What have you been doing to me lately?
gpt
If you were capable of thinking, you would see that I could not have acted otherwise!
human
You have me there, said Evan coolly.
gpt
For I don't see the necessity of being a blackmailer.
human
Don't you dare to use that word to me again, you fool!
gpt
Why shy at the word and commit the deed?
human
You know nothing of the circumstances! she stormed.
gpt
You have neither sense nor feeling! You take all your ideas ready made from others. You are as empty as a drum!
human
Bravo! he cried.
gpt
Keep it up if it makes you feel any better!
human
If it is a crime to extort money from a foul old robber and give it to the poor, all right, I'm a criminal! I glory in it! I would do it all over again!
gpt
I don't deny one has a sneaking sympathy with a life of crime, Evan said, affecting a judicial air.
human
But after all, law is law. You have to make your choice. I chose to stay inside the law, and naturally I have to uphold it like everybody on my side.
gpt
You're a nice upholder of the law! she cried.
human
You're just trying to get back at me!
gpt
You're so frank, Corinna. But after all, being on the side of the law gives me an advantage now, doesn't it?
human
Yes, if you want to take the pay of a scoundrel like Deaves.
gpt
Oh, I was fired some days ago. I'm working on my own now.
human
You're just angry and jealous!
gpt
I dare say. I admit I don't mind your blackmailing operations half as much as the other thing.
human
What other thing?
gpt
Those fellows on the _Ernestina_; to take advantage of their wanting you, and use them for your own ends.
human
Everything was understood between us. Everything was open and aboveboard.
gpt
Of course. But they were already enslaved, you see. And you forced them to serve your pride and arrogance. You queened it over them. That makes me more indignant than blackmailing a usurer, for the other thing's a crime against a man's best feelings, and I'm a man myself.
human
You're only jealous!
gpt
Why should I be. _I_ wouldn't stand for the brotherhood. I know you gave me--or I took--more than you ever gave them.
human
You're a brute!
gpt
Why sure!