human
Oh, what a cowardly--subterfuge!
gpt
Cowardly? You've no idea how much courage it took. Miss Galbraith puts her handkerchief to her face and sobs.
human
Oh, don't cry! Bless my heart--I'm sorry I did it! But you know how dearly I love you, Lucy, though I do think you've been cruelly unjust. I told you I never should love anyone else, and I never shall. I couldn't help it, upon my soul I couldn't. Nobody could. Don't let it vex you, my
gpt
Please not touch me, sir! You have no longer any right whatever to do so.
human
You misinterpret a very inoffensive gesture. I have no idea of touching you, but I hope I may be allowed, as a special favour, to--pick up my hat, which you are in the act of stepping on. Miss Galbraith hastily turns, and strikes the hat with her whirling skirts; it rolls to the other side of the parlour, and Mr. Richards, who goes after it, utters an ironical
gpt
Thanks! He brushes it and puts it on, looking at her where she has again seated herself at the window with her back to him, and continues,
human
As for any further molestation from me
gpt
If you _will_ talk to me
human
Excuse me, I am not talking to you.
gpt
What were you doing?
human
I was beginning to think aloud. I--I was soliloquising. I suppose I may be allowed to soliloquise?
gpt
You can do what you like.
human
Unfortunately that's just what I can't do. If I could do as I liked, I should ask you a single question.
gpt
Well, sir, you may ask your question.