human
Will it be a visit, or do you think of staying there?
gpt
I can't tell, said Andrew moodily.
human
If I can get things straightened up, I may come back to the new mine; but I shall not know until I arrive.
gpt
Do you wish to come back?
human
Yes, he answered emphatically,
gpt
Then you will no doubt find an excuse for doing so. It shouldn't be difficult to a fertile mind.
human
Unfortunately, mine often seems to suffer from sterility. It has been subjected to stimulating influences here, and I'll miss them on the other side.
gpt
If needful, couldn't you take Carnally with you?
human
Carnally's useful, as far as he goes, but I'm not sure that he'd be much help in England; and he's not the only person I've, so to speak, come to lean on.
gpt
Then perhaps it's better that all outside support should be withdrawn and you learned to stand on your own feet. Don't you think you could do so, if you made an effort?
human
It's possible; I've no doubt I'll have to try. But when it's been generously given, one gets into a habit of looking for help and applause.
gpt
That's unfortunate. Criticism's much more bracing. I'm afraid you haven't had enough of it.
human
Haven't I? said Andrew.
gpt
I got nothing else at home, and it's damping to have somebody always ready to point out how much better you might have managed things. If I do any good when I get back it will be because of the encouragement I've had here.
human
That's a very poor reason. You ought to do what you intend because you feel it's right.
gpt
No doubt, said Andrew with a stern smile.
human
Still, you see, it needs a good deal of nerve.