human
Hum--haw--Wells, tell me about that girl. How's she getting on?
gpt
If by 'that girl,' Allison, you mean Miss Wallen, she's not getting on at all. A lady who is robbed of her mother, her health, her good name, and threatened with the loss of her means of livelihood, at one fell swoop, cannot be expected to get on.
human
Mr. Wells, I don't like the tone which you assume towards me.
gpt
Mr. Allison, I shouldn't like it if you did.
human
By God! Mr. Wells, you're the only man in this city who dares treat me with disrespect, and I won't have it!
gpt
By gad, Mr. Allison, it's because I'm probably the only one who thoroughly knows you. Wait till I tell all about your demands regarding Miss Wallen, and you'll find others in plenty.
human
You can't, without looking elsewhere for a position.
gpt
I can, for the position is looking for me, and the only reason I haven't accepted it is that I mean to stay right here until full justice has been done my stenographer,--full justice, sir. If that young lady were to place this case in the hands of even a tolerable lawyer, yours wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
human
You don't mean she's going to law!
gpt
It's what my wife says would serve you right; and I agree with her. Just let this community know that solely on the statements of a cur you kicked out of your own employ you had defamed that brave, honest girl, and there'd be a tempest about your head compared to which this riot was a zephyr.
human
Where is that (gulp)
gpt
Elmendorf?
human
In jail, I hope; in the gutter, the last time I heard of him, being pommelled by her brother. Major Cranston and Mr. Forrest are looking for him.
gpt
What do they want?
human
Several things; one is to find out how much he will admit having told you, and how much to hold you solely responsible for.
gpt
You mean to tell me that you think she's entirely good and honest and all that, do you?
human
No. I told you I knew she was.
gpt
Well, then, what does it mean that Forrest is trying to hunt up or run down my witnesses?
human
It simply means that he's a gentleman who intends to defend the girl whose name you have coupled with his.
gpt
Why don't he come to me? He hasn't been near my house since he came back, said Allison, in a tone of complaint.
human
He hasn't given me a chance to--fix things. Who was fool enough to tell him?
gpt
You, principally, by your reception of him. He knew all about it before he came here to me. Of course he hasn't been to your house, and probably never will go there again. I wouldn't in his place.
human
Well, I suppose this thing is beginning to get around the neighborhood?--people are talking about it?
gpt
Beginning? was the answer.
human
Lord, no! It began the day you shouted the whole business so that everybody in the library could hear. Of course people are talking, but not as loud as you did.
gpt
And you say she's down sick and can't see people. Of course if I've been--made a victim of in this matter by that fellow Elmendorf--why, damn him, he's been trying to make up to my own daughter! she had to order him out of the house,--of course I want to straighten things out. I withdraw my demand for her discharge, under the circumstances; and if I might send her a check--or something, in reason----
human
You might, if you wanted to see how quick it would come back.
gpt
Why, hang it, Wells, what _should_ a man do? What can a man do?
human
Sit down and write her that you have made a consummate ass of yourself. That might not be a delicate way out of it, but it would be telling the truth. Anyhow, you've got to do something, and that right soon. My wife tells me that her one idea is to get well enough to come over here for one day, just to confront her accusers. Then where'll you be, and your invaluable witnesses?