human
It's relief, he said, nodding with understanding toward the room up-stairs.
gpt
I've seen men do that before--after they'd been facing some danger or other with tremendous pluck.
human
It's a relief to me, too, she said, simply.
gpt
You can't imagine what it's been the last few days--seeing things go to pieces like that. Now, I suppose, they'll hold together somehow, though it can't be very well. I dare say you think me all wrong--
human
I couldn't see any other way. When you've done wrong as we've done it, you'd rather be punished. You don't want to go scot-free. It's something like the kind of impulse that made the hermits and ascetics submit to scourging. But it's quite possible that I shouldn't have had the courage to go through with it--especially if papa had broken down. As you said from the first, I didn't see what was truly vital.
gpt
I shouldn't blame myself too much for that, Miss Guion. It often happens that one only finds the right way by making two or three plunges into wrong ones.
human
Do you think I've found it now?
gpt
I'm very sure of it.
human
And you? she asked.
gpt
Is it the right way for you?
human
Yes; and it's the first time I've ever struck it.
gpt
I don't know. I'm a little bewildered. This morning everything seemed so clear, and now--I understand, she went on,
human
Who told you that?
gpt
It doesn't matter who told me; but it's very important if we are. _Are_ we?
human
No; because I've still got my credit. When a man has that--
gpt
But you'll have to begin all over again, sha'n't you?
human
Only as a man who has won one battle begins all over again when he fights another. It's nothing but fun when you're fond of war.
gpt
Didn't I do something very rude to you--once--a long time ago?