human
Why, of course! exclaimed Pound, with affected sympathy with the wife and indignation against the husband.
gpt
To be sure you see how the wind lies, missis?
human
What do you mean?
gpt
Can't you see? pursued Pound in the same tone, adding a strong dash of vulgar familiarity;
human
You liar! she shrieked.
gpt
Tell him, Ned! Give him the lie yourself! Quickly--speak, or I shall go mad!
human
He can't, you see, sneered Pound.
gpt
Why, if you'd only come in with me into the garden, you'd have seen the two together sweethearting in the starlight!
human
If I had, said Mrs. Ryan, trembling violently,
gpt
I pity both. But no, I don't believe it! O Ned! Ned! answer, unless you want to break my heart!
human
Well, well, what does it matter? put in Pound hastily, speaking to her in a fatherly, protective tone, which hit the mark aimed at.
gpt
Liz, my dear, you and I have been good friends all this time; then why not let him go his ways?--after we've got our rights, I mean.
human
My good woman, why not be frank? What's the use of acting a part to me? Anyway, it's a bit too thin this time. Only let me alone, and you two can go on--as you are. Come now, I don't think I'm hard on you; considering everything I might be a deal harder.
gpt
Edward Ryan, you shall answer for these foul, cruel words before Him who knows them to be false. What do you think me, I wonder? That vile thing there--can't you see how I have used him?--he has been the bridge between me and you, yet you make him the barrier! Oh, you know me better than that, Ned Ryan! You know me for the woman who sacrificed all for you--who stood by you through thick and thin, and good and bad, while you would let her--who would not have forsaken you for twenty murders!--who loved you better than life--God help me! cried the poor woman, wildly,
human
But love and hate lie close together; take care, and do not make me hate you, for if you do I shall be pitiless as I have been pitiful, cruel as I have been fond. I, who have been ready all these years to shield you with my life--I shall be the first to betray you to the laws you have cheated, if you turn my love to hate. Ned! Ned! stop and think before it is too late!