human
Yes, friction. That's the only word. You know, Ruth, I don't want to be a brute. You know what pals we were as kids, what pals we still are (he forced the words out),
gpt
Hubert!
human
For goodness' sake, he said, and it was nearly stronger,
gpt
He took a moment to calm himself and then said levelly,
human
Look here, old girl, I want to thrash this matter out once and for all. It's no use killing love in this world, is it? It's rare enough, God knows. We've been such good pals, you and I, and now we are--like this.
gpt
We don't mean it really,
human
We do, though. Anyhow, we should in time. It's just like other habits. It grows. It grows quickly, too. We never used to fight at all, you know.
gpt
she protested, very near to tears.
human
I've always given in.
gpt
Oh, damn!
human
What is it, Hugh?
gpt
Of course you've given in, he flung at her.
human
You always do. You're always in the right: you are so keen to be! You wouldn't make me cross for worlds! It's just your damned humility I can't endure. No man on earth could possibly endure it.
gpt
I can't help my nature, she sobbed into her handkerchief.
human
I do my best to please you. I try to fall into your ways, I'm sure.
gpt
I'm sorry, Ruth, he said.
human
It was my fault. I lost my temper. I was a cad to swear but somehow--oh, I don't know, and he sank down upon the chair again.
gpt
I suppose really it's just what Boyd has often said, brother and sister weren't ever made to live together. He says all relatives have a natural antipathy to one another and----
human
I'm sure _I_ haven't,
gpt
It's all so difficult, he said in a new tone, as though embarking upon an analysis.
human
I know you're wanting just to please me, Ruth; you are an awfully good sort; you'll make somebody a splendid wife some day; but just because you are my sister, I suppose, I get annoyed when you begin asking whether you can come in and saying you don't want to if----
gpt
You'd be much more annoyed if I came in without,
human
You mean it's just my nature, and not you? I'd get annoyed whichever way it was? I'm just a selfish sort of cross-grained swine?
gpt
I didn't say so, you _know_ I didn't; you're simply twisting my words round.