human
And it seems just as true of any other laws, even if he did mean the Jewish, Dick,
gpt
Don't lots of husbands, tied up just as tight as anything or anybody can tie them, cut loose and run away just the same?
human
And wives,
gpt
It's like the old dispute about the franchise and the agricultural labourer. I remember my father telling me about it somewhere in the eighties--when I was quite a small boy. One side said the labourer oughtn't to have the vote till he was fit for it, the other said he'd never be fit for it till he had it.
human
Oh, well, that's to some extent like the woman question,
gpt
Are we to change the law first or people first? Hope a better law will make better people, or tell the people they can't have a better law till they're better themselves?
human
Stephen, you've a glimmer of sense in you this afternoon.
gpt
Well, Dick, we don't want to end by merely making things easier for brutes and curs--male or female.
human
I think you're a little wanting in the broad view to-day, Stephen. You're too much affected by Winnie's particular case. Isn't it better to get rid of brutes and curs anyhow? The quicker and easier, the better.
gpt
Everybody seems to put a good point. That's the puzzle,
human
Oh, ye're not even logical to-day, Tora, Dennehy complained,
gpt
It's our own showing that we're now engaged in examining, if you'll permit us, Dick, Stephen rejoined imperturbably.
human
When a man's considering whether he's been wrong, it's a pity to scold him; because the practice is both rare and laudable.
gpt
Oh, you mustn't even consider whether I've been wrong, Stephen, Winnie cried.
human
Wrong in principle, I mean. As to the particular person--but I don't want to abuse him, poor fellow. His environment----
gpt
That's a damnable word, saving your presence, Dennehy interrupted.
human
Nowadays whenever a scoundrel does a dirty trick, he lays it to the account of his environment.
gpt
But that's just what I meant, Dick.
human
Say the devil, and ye're nearer the mark, Winnie.
gpt
Environment's more hopeful, Stephen suggested.
human
You see, we may be able to change that. Over your _protégé_ we have no jurisdiction.
gpt
He may have over you, though, some day! Oh, I'll go for a walk, and clear my head of all your nonsense.
human
Don't forget you promised to take me to the station after tea,
gpt
Forget it! exclaimed Dick Dennehy in scorn indescribable.
human
Now will I forget it--is it likely, Winnie?