human
I wouldn't give it up, Mrs. Maitland, if I had a million dollars! he said, with a convincing exaggeration that was like the old David.
gpt
But it's mighty kind in you. Please believe I do appreciate your kindness.
human
No kindness about it, she said impatiently;
gpt
Well, she said; and was silent for awhile, biting her finger and looking down at her boots. Suddenly, with a grunt of satisfaction, she began to hit the arm of her chair softly with her closed fist.
human
I've got it! she said.
gpt
I suppose you wouldn't refuse the trusteeship of a fund, one of these days, to build a hospital? Near my Works, maybe? I'm all the time having accidents. I remember once getting a filing in my eye, and--and somebody suggested a doctor to take it out. A doctor for a filing! I guess _you'd_ have been equal to that job--young as you are? Still, it wouldn't be bad to have a doctor round, even if he was young, if anything serious happened. Yes, a hospital near the Works--first for my men and then for outsiders. It is a good idea! I suppose you wouldn't refuse to run such a hospital, and draw your wages, like a man?
human
Well, no, I wouldn't refuse that, he said, smiling. It was many weeks since David had smiled so frankly. A strange thing had happened in that moment when he had forgotten himself in trying to comfort Blair's mother--his corroding suspicion of Elizabeth seemed to melt away! In its place was to come, a little later, the dreadful but far more bearable pain of enduring remorse for his own responsibility for Elizabeth's act. But just then, when he tried to comfort that poor mother, there was only a breaking of the ice about his own heart in a warm gush of pity for her....
gpt
I don't see that there's much chance of funds for hospitals coming my way,
human
You never can tell,
gpt
Mrs. Richie wrote me that I must come and see you. I told her I would have nothing to do with you.
human
I don't see what good it does to come, he said, staring at the tragic face.
gpt
Of course you know my opinion of you. She nodded.
human
So why should I come?
gpt
I don't know.
human
Well, I--I'm here. And you may come home sometimes, if you want to. Miss White is willing to see you, I believe.
gpt
Thank you, Uncle Robert.
human
Mr. Ferguson, he said, quietly, but reddening to his temples,
gpt
OF COURSE YOU KNOW MY OPINION OF YOU
human
I believe, said Elizabeth's uncle,
gpt
He took up his hat and began to smooth the nap on his arm; then he turned to Elizabeth--and in his heart he damned Blair Maitland more vigorously than before: the lovely color had all been washed away by tears, the amber eyes were dull, even the brightness of her hair seemed dimmed. It was as if something had breathed upon the sparkle and clearness; it was like seeing her through a mist. So, barking fiercely to keep his lip from shaking, he said:
human
And I hope you understand, Elizabeth, I have no respect for you, either.
gpt
Why, of course not.
human
I insist, Blair said, peremptorily,
gpt
Well, upon my word! he said.
human
Do you think I need _you_ to instruct me in my duty to my niece? Then, with sudden, cruel insight, he added,
gpt
David Richie's mother has done that.