human
You're quite wrong about me,
gpt
Even if you're right about other Englishmen--which I don't admit--you're wrong about me, by Jove! If I had to give up everything I had in the world I should have all the compensation a man could desire if I got you.
human
You couldn't get me that way. You must understand--I must make it as plain to you as I can--that I couldn't go to you except as an equal. I couldn't go to any man--
gpt
But you _came_ to me as an equal, he cried, in tones of exasperation.
human
That's all over and done with. It's too late to reconsider the step we've taken--too late for me--much too late!--and equally too late for you.
gpt
I can't admit that, Rupert. I've still the right to draw back.
human
The legal right--yes; whether or not you've the moral right would depend on your sense of honor.
gpt
Of honor?
human
Certainly. There's an honor for you as well as for me. When I'm so true to you it wouldn't be the square thing to play me false.
gpt
Do you call that a fair way of putting it--to say that I play you false because I refuse to involve you in our family disasters? I don't think any one could blame me for that.
human
What they could blame you for is this--for backing out of what is practically a marriage, and for deserting me in a way that will make it seem as if I had deserted you. Quite apart from the fact that life won't be worth anything to me without you, it will mean ruin as a man of honor if I go home alone. Every one will say--_every one_--that I funked the thing because your father--
gpt
That's a very urgent reason. I admit its force--