human
It would hit him hard if I went under, but he wouldn't feel so badly if you were there. The mother too--she wants someone to lean on. There's Lady Carfax, but she has her own burden. And there'd be a lot for Bertie to see to, Nap being away. Besides--
gpt
Oh, Luke, Dot broke in, her eyes full of tears,
human
I--I can't imagine this place without you.
gpt
No? Well, you mustn't let it distress you any. We've all got to go, sooner or later. There isn't anything in that. The main thing is to get it over, when it comes, with as little fuss as possible. Life isn't long enough for grieving. It's just a mortal waste of time. And what is Death anyway? He raised his eyes with what seemed an effort.
human
You won't blame me, he said,
gpt
Don't let us talk about it any more now, she besought him.
human
Oh, Lucas--I do want you to live, more--more than anything.
gpt
That's real kind of you, he said.
human
I'll do my best, you may be sure. I can hear Lady Carfax talking in the drawing-room. Won't you go and bring her out?