human
What you need is change of scene, if not of society. Now there is Paris, which you probably know well.
gpt
I do not know it at all,
human
What a neglected education! I must teach you Paris. Will you be ready for your first lesson early next week?
gpt
I do not quite understand.
human
Which proves that 'our future' is now split into 'your future' and 'my future.'
gpt
I am more in the dark than ever,
human
You men need so much explanation, said she; then, meaningly,
gpt
I can still retain you as a friend, I hope.
human
What do you--that is--on what grounds----? You do not comprehend!
gpt
Ah, but I do comprehend--very clearly, too. When did the change come?
human
The--change?
gpt
Of heart, if you wish me to enter into details.
human
There is no change in me,
gpt
And no truth either, when you make such a statement! With a light laugh she recalled his fierce wooing:
human
I am very, very sorry, that I was rough with yon.
gpt
Quite so, and cannot you see that such sorrow explains everything?
human
Not to me,
gpt
How very badly you do it! Do not go on the stage, I beg of you. Well! she kissed her hand to him,
human
Who will be happy?
gpt
The other woman.
human
There is no---- He caught her derisive eyes, and broke down with an uneasy laugh.
gpt
I suppose we have made a mistake.
human
Ah! His pride was wounded by the implied indifference.
gpt
Then you knew it would come to this?
human
Of course, because I did not choose that it should end otherwise. If I had chosen, you would still have been---- She glanced smilingly at her slim feet, then handled the teapot with ostentatious liveliness.
gpt
You can have some cold tea, if you like.
human
You never loved me,
gpt
Did I ever say that I did?
human
Well, no; all the same----
gpt
All the same, you are unwise to explain, so we will change the subject, Mr. Askew.
human
Ah! Not even Harry?
gpt
Not even Leah, she mocked.
human
Still, you can call me Lady Jim.
gpt
Till you change the name.
human
Certainly not for that of Askew. Señorita Fajardo may think differently, when you propose.
gpt
How do you know I shall?
human
Because you are a shuttle-cock between two battledores. She sent you flying to me; I shall speed you back to her.
gpt
What a light, vain fool you make me out to be!
human
No. You are merely a man in the hands of two women--clay in the hands of accomplished potters. Now, she laid a caressing hand on his arm,
gpt
No!