human
What do you mean?
gpt
It is very like being dead, he answered thoughtfully.
human
I cannot feel anything. I cannot understand why any one else should. Everything is the same to me. The world is a white blank to me, and one place is exactly like any other place.
gpt
But why? What has happened to you?
human
You know. You sent me those letters.
gpt
What letters?
human
The package Reanda gave you before he died.
gpt
Yes. What was in it? I told you that I did not know, when I wrote to you. I remember every word I wrote.
human
I know. But I thought that you at least guessed. They were Gloria's letters to her husband.
gpt
Her old letters, before--
human
No, he answered, with the same unnatural quiet.
gpt
All the letters she wrote him afterwards--when we were together.
human
All those letters? cried Francesca, suddenly understanding.
gpt
Oh no--no! It is not possible! He could not, he would not, have done anything so horrible.
human
He did, said Griggs, calmly.
gpt
I had supposed that she loved me. He had his vengeance. He proved to me that she did not. I hope he is satisfied with the result. Yes, he continued, after a moment's pause,
human
Oh, how could he do it? How could he!
gpt
I suppose it was natural, said Griggs.
human
I loved the woman, and he knew it. I fancy few men have loved much more sincerely than I loved her, even after she was dead. I was not always saying so. I am not that kind of man. Besides, men who live by stringing words together for money do not value them much in their own lives. But I worked for her. I did the best I could. Even she must have known that I loved her.
gpt
I know you did. I cannot understand how you can speak of her at all.
human
She? She is no more to me than Queen Christina, over there in her tomb in the dark! For that matter, nothing else has any meaning, either.