human
I ain't going, though, Jared was whining in his semi-religious tone,
gpt
Oh, yes, I see! Joyce shivered in the hot room;
human
I see what you think, but _why_ do you suppose I'd marry Mr. Gaston if he _did_ want me? Sometimes girls don't--marry--men even when they are asked. Books are full of such things.
gpt
Oh! that's your dodge, eh? Jared laughed comfortably from the secure position he had gained for himself from this misery.
human
Trying to shield him, eh? It won't do, Joyce. Your daddy's too much a man of the world for that. Now here it is in a nutshell: The boys at the tavern are back of me. How do I know? You leave that to me. Now I calculate that Gaston don't want any of the dust of his past stirred up by us. If he's been playing with you, it's for _you_ to say whether you'd rather have him forced to marry you, or have him pan out money enough to hush the matter up. I'm willing to sacrifice something for you, Joyce. I'm willing to go so far as to say I don't want the dust of _my_ past raised--I'm actually willing to sacrifice--anything.
gpt
Even me!
human
Sure! Jared did not catch the point.
gpt
This is an opportunity that don't come often. Retribution for Myst., by thunder, and clear gain for me and you! Out beyond the high trees, girl, there's better diggings for us. God! how I've smothered, these long years. The end justifies the means--you will say so, too, when you see what lies down to the south.