human
I have a right to evade it, in the first place, and in the second, I am not evading it at all. He took it; I let him keep it. That is the whole situation. I don't want it--I couldn't touch it--
gpt
Well, don't decide that now. There would be no harm, I suppose, in your talking with your mother about it--even with some man in whose judgment you have confidence. You will feel differently when you have had time to think it over. Probably it--
human
Thinking it over will make not the slightest difference in the way I feel--
gpt
Perhaps it would if you stopped thinking about it from a purely selfish point of view. Other--
human
I say, he repeated dryly,
gpt
Of Mr. Surface?
human
Certainly. Suppose that in his old age he has become penitent, and wants to do what he can to right the old wrong. Would you refuse him absolution by declining to accept your own money?
gpt
I think it will be time enough to decide that when Mr. Surface asks me for absolution.
human
Undoubtedly. I have particularly asked, you remember, that you do not make up your mind to anything now.
gpt
But you, said she, looking at him steadily enough now--
human
I don't understand how you happen to be here apparently both as my counselor and Mr. Surface's agent.
gpt
I have a right to both capacities, I assure you.
human
Or--have you a habit of being--?
gpt
Of being on two sides of a fence, perhaps you were about to say?
human
That is what you were going to say, isn't it?
gpt
Yes, I started to say that, she answered,
human
I will tell you, said he,