human
It's a terrible thing to have to say, but really his death--poor fellow!--ended a situation which had become almost unendurable to any woman of fine feelings. He was never rude or unkind to me, but one's pride! And the solitude of the soul, Mr. Maxon!
gpt
Still you endured it bravely.
human
I wonder if I could have gone on! I should shock Mr. Attlebury, I suppose, but I thought more than once of divorce. Our home--when we were at home--had always been in Scotland. That would have made it easier, and it needn't have hurt his career anything like so much. He could just have left me and stayed away the necessary time, you see. After the last--the last trouble--he offered me that, if I wished it.
gpt
You must have been under a considerable temptation.
human
Yes. But then his health began to fail, and--and things were different. I had to stay and look after him; and so we became better friends at the end. I really don't bear malice now.
gpt
I think with Attlebury on that question, you know.
human
Yes, I suppose you do. But then, isn't there--room for doubt?
gpt
I scarcely think so, Lady Rosaline.
human
Oh, but it is hard sometimes, then! she murmured, looking into the fire.
gpt
Do you think there's nothing in the view that the offence itself is a dissolution?--That it's the offender himself--or herself--who puts asunder, not the judge, who merely deals with the legal consequences?
human
No, I can't see that. He paused, frowning, then went on:
gpt
I can understand a man maintaining that it's given as a counsel of perfection, rather than an absolutely binding rule--I mean, that a man should try, but, if it proves beyond his strength, he might not be absolutely condemned.
human
Does it hurt you to talk about it?
gpt
Not to people who understand.
human
How strange she didn't understand you better! Do you mind my saying that?
gpt
If I'd ever had any doubts about the substantial rights of the matter, her subsequent proceedings would have dispelled them completely.
human
Yes, they throw a light back, don't they?