human
I mean it, Foster was saying vehemently.
gpt
I hope this boat does go to the bottom.
human
Why, Mr. Foster! cried the girl.
gpt
What a sentiment!
human
I tell you I mean it. You have made life unbearable.
gpt
I make your life unbearable?
human
Yes, you, Irene. You know I have loved you from the beginning. And you have coquetted with me, played with me--as a cat plays with a mouse. When I have endeavored to escape, you have drawn me back by smiles and favor, and given me hope. Then it is coldness and disdain. I am tired of it.
gpt
I am sorry, Mr. Foster, if anything in my attitude has caused such an impression. I have given you no special smiles or favors, no special coldness or disdain.
human
But I love you. I want you. I cannot live without you.
gpt
You lived a long time without me, before we met.
human
Yes, before we met. Before I fell under the spell of your personality. You have hypnotized me, made yourself necessary to me. I am heartsick all the time, thinking of you.
gpt
Then you must get over it, Mr. Foster. I must think of myself.
human
Then you do not care for me, at all?
gpt
I do, but only as an acquaintance.
human
Not even as a friend?
gpt
I do not like to answer such pointed questions, sir; but, since you ask, I will tell you. I do not like you, even as a friend. You demand so much. You are very selfish, never considering my feelings at all, and you often annoy me with your moods. Frankly, I am happier away from you.
human
My moods! Foster repeated, bitterly.
gpt
You cause my moods. But I know what the real trouble is. I was all right until Ross came along.
human
You have no right, Mr. Foster, said the girl, angrily,
gpt
Oh, I understand. Do you think he can marry you on his pay?
human
Mr. Ross' pay would not influence him, nor me.
gpt
Well, I'll tell you this --and Foster's voice became a snarl--
human
Whew! whistled Ross, softly, while he smiled sweetly, and danced a mental jig in the air. Then he danced a few steps of a real jig, to apprise them of his coming.
gpt
Time to end this, he said; then called out, cheerily:
human
Look out below,
gpt
Got a bad habit, he said, as he descended,