human
I'm sorry,
gpt
You know that it costs me something to say this to you,
human
Yes, I know----
gpt
But it must be. It's a question of principle--a question that cuts to the bone of a fellow's life and character. A man must be true to what he believes to be right, mustn't he?
human
Yes, Ned.
gpt
I couldn't be a real man and do less, could I?
human
No--but I'm sorry --she paused and suddenly asked,
gpt
Your brother agrees with you?
human
Why do you ask that question?
gpt
Because I was sure that he was on our side----
human
Is that all?
gpt
And I've always supposed he was a sort of guardian----
human
Only because he has always been my big brother and I've loved and admired him very much. I cried my eyes out the day he left home out in Missouri and came East to college.
gpt
And you're going to fight him?
human
It's possible.
gpt
It's horrible!
human
And yet, men who are not savages could only do such things drawn by the mightiest forces that move a human soul--you must know that, Miss Betty.
gpt
Yes.
human
There's only one thing in life that's bigger----
gpt
And that?
human
Is love. I've held it too high and holy a word to speak lightly. I shall tell but one woman that I love her----
gpt
You glorious, foolish boy!
human
I love you, Betty! he gasped.
gpt
I've loved you from the moment we met, tenderly, madly, reverently. I've been afraid to touch your hand lately lest you feel the pounding of my heart and know. And now it's come--this hour when I must say I love you and good-bye in the same breath! Be gentle and sweet to me. I'm afraid to ask if you love me. It's too good to be true. I'm not worthy to even touch your little hand--and yet I'm daring to hold it in mine----
human
I'm proud of your love, Ned. It's very beautiful----
gpt
But you don't love me?
human
Not as you love me.
gpt
Is it John?
human
No.
gpt
And it's no one else?
human
No.
gpt
Then I won't take that answer! he cried with desperate earnestness.
human
I'm going to win you. I'll love you with a love so big and true I'll make you love me. Everything's against me now. Your father's against me. I'm going to fight your country and your people. You admire the new President. I despise him. The passions of war have separated us, that's all. But I won't give up. The war can't last long. You'll see things in a different way when it ends.
gpt
How little you know me, Boy! Nothing on this earth could separate me from the man I love---- she paused and breathed quickly
human
Then you're worth fighting for. And I'm going to fight--fight for what I believe to be right and fight for you----
gpt
I'm coming back to you, Betty! he said with clear ringing emphasis.
human
I'm coming back to Washington. I'll be with an army conquering, triumphant, because they are right. There'll be a new President in the White House and I'll win!
gpt
You glorious boy! she sighed.
human
It's beautiful to be loved like that! I'm proud of it--I'll hold my head a little higher with every thought of you----
gpt
And you'll think of me sometimes when war has separated us?
human
I'll never forget!
gpt
And remember that I'm fighting my way back to your side?
human
I'll remember.