human
God in Heaven, Annabel! he cried.
gpt
What were you doing?
human
It was poison--why not? she answered.
gpt
Who is there to care and--John.
human
You poor little girl! he cried.
gpt
Forgive you, indeed. There isn't a husband breathing, Annabel, who wouldn't have blessed that pistol in your hands, and prayed God that the bullet might go straight. It is no crime, none at all. It is one of God's laws that a woman may defend her honour, even with the shedding of blood. While you talked I was only making our plans. It was necessary to think, and think quickly.
human
But I--I went to Nigel Ennison for help. I asked him--to take me away.
gpt
Perhaps, he said,
human
I have been to blame. It must be my fault that you have not learnt that your husband is the man to come to--at such a time as this. Oh, I think I understand, Annabel. You were afraid of me, afraid that I should have been shocked, afraid of the scandal. Bah. Little woman, you have been brave enough before. Pull yourself together now. Drink this!
gpt
Good, he said, as he watched the colour come back to her cheeks.
human
Now listen. You go to your room and ring for your maid. I received a telegram, as you know, during dinner. It contains news of the serious illness of a near relation at Paris. Your maid has twenty minutes to pack your dressing case for one night, and you have the same time to change into a travelling dress. In twenty minutes we meet in the hall, remember. I will tell you our plans on the way to the station.
gpt
But you, she exclaimed,
human
Election be hanged! he exclaimed.
gpt
Don't be childish, Annabel. We are off for a second honeymoon. Just one thing more. We may be stopped. Don't look so frightened. You called yourself a murderess. You are nothing of the sort. What you did is called manslaughter, and at the worst there is only a very slight penalty, nothing to be frightened about in the least. Remember that.