human
What is this? she began, with a rush as of the liberated whirlwind.
gpt
What does this letter mean, Lawrence?
human
Exactly what it says, Mrs. Cassilis. May I ask, is it customary for married ladies to visit single gentlemen in their chambers, and at night?
gpt
It is not usual for--married--ladies--to visit--single--gentlemen, Lawrence. Do not ask foolish questions. Tell me what this means, I say.
human
It means that my visits to your house have been too frequent, and that they will be discontinued. In other words, Mrs. Cassilis, the thing has gone too far, and I shall cease to be seen with you. I suppose you know that people will talk.
gpt
Let them talk. What do I care how people talk? Lawrence, if you think that I am going to let you go like this, you are mistaken.
human
I believe this poor lady has gone mad,
gpt
You think you are going to play fast and loose with me twice in my life, and you are mistaken. You shall not. Years ago you showed me what you are--cold, treacherous, and crafty----
human
Go on, Victoria; I like that kind of thing, because now I know that you are not mad. Quite in your best style.
gpt
And I forgave you when you returned, and allowed you once more to visit me. What other woman would have acted so to such a man?
human
Yet she must be mad, said Lawrence.
gpt
How else could she talk such frightful rubbish?
human
Once more we have been friends. Again you have drawn me on, until I have learned to look to you, for the second time, for the appreciation denied to me by my--Mr. Cassilis. No, sir; this second desertion must not and shall not be.
gpt
One would think, said Lawrence helplessly,
human
Then I will know the reason why?
gpt
I have told you the reason why. Don't be a fool, Mrs. Cassilis. Ask yourself what you want. Do you want me to run away with you? I am a lazy man, I know, and I generally do what people ask me to do; but as for that thing, I am damned if I do it!
human
Insult me, Lawrence! she cried, sinking into a chair.
gpt
Swear at me, as you will.
human
Do you wish me to philander about your house like a ridiculous tame cat, till all the world cries out?
gpt
No! she cried.
human
I care nothing about your coming and going. But I know why--Oh, I know why!--you make up this lame excuse about my good name--_my_ good name! As if you cared about that!
gpt
More than you cared about it yourself, he retorted,
human
But pray go on.
gpt
It is Phillis Fleming; I saw it from the very first. You began by taking her away from me and placing her with your cousin, where you could have her completely under your own influence. You let Jack Dunquerque hang about her at first, just to show the ignorant creature what was meant by flirtation, and then you send him about his business. Lawrence, you are more wicked than I thought you.
human
Jealousy, by Gad! he cried.
gpt
Did ever mortal man hear of such a thing? Jealousy! And after all that she has done----
human
I warn you. You may do a good many things. You may deceive and insult me in any way except one. But you shall never, never marry Phillis Fleming!