human
Felix, she said,
gpt
Mention what? Oh! about that woman, Mrs. Hurtle? Indeed I shall. A man who does that kind of thing ought to be crushed;--and, by heavens, if he does it to you, he shall be crushed.
human
I want to tell you, Felix. If it is so, I will see him no more.
gpt
If it is so! I tell you I know it.
human
Mamma has written to Roger. At least I feel sure she has.
gpt
What has she written to him for? What has Roger Carbury to do with our affairs?
human
Only you said he knew! If he says so, that is, if you and he both say that he is to marry that woman,--I will not see Mr. Montague again. Pray do not go to him. If such a misfortune does come, it is better to bear it and to be silent. What good can be done?
gpt
Leave that to me, said Sir Felix, walking out of the room with much fraternal bluster. Then he went forth, and at once had himself driven to Paul Montague's lodgings. Had Hetta not been foolish enough to remind him of his duty, he would not now have undertaken the task. He too, no doubt, remembered as he went that duels were things of the past, and that even fists and sticks are considered to be out of fashion.
human
Montague, he said, assuming all the dignity of demeanour that his late sorrows had left to him,
gpt
I believe I am right in saying that you are engaged to marry that American lady, Mrs. Hurtle.
human
Then let me tell you that you were never more wrong in your life. What business have you with Mrs. Hurtle?
gpt
When a man proposes to my sister, I think I've a great deal of business,
human
Well;--yes; I admit that fully. If I answered you roughly, I beg your pardon. Now as to the facts. I am not going to marry Mrs. Hurtle. I suppose I know how you have heard her name;--but as you have heard it, I have no hesitation in telling you so much. As you know where she is to be found you can go and ask her if you please. On the other hand, it is the dearest wish of my heart to marry your sister. I trust that will be enough for you.
gpt
You were engaged to Mrs. Hurtle?
human
My dear Carbury, I don't think I'm bound to tell you all the details of my past life. At any rate, I don't feel inclined to do so in answer to hostile questions. I dare say you have heard enough of Mrs. Hurtle to justify you, as your sister's brother, in asking me whether I am in any way entangled by a connection with her. I tell you that I am not. If you still doubt, I refer you to the lady herself. Beyond that, I do not think I am called on to go; and beyond that I won't go,--at any rate, at present. Sir Felix still blustered, and made what capital he could out of his position as a brother; but he took no steps towards positive revenge.
gpt
Of course, Carbury, said the other,
human
I wish to regard you as a brother; and if I am rough to you, it is only because you are rough to me.
gpt
What the deuce is Vossner about? said he, pulling out his watch. It was nearly five o'clock. He rang the bell, and knocked at the door, feeling that this was an occasion for courage. One of the servants, in what we may call private clothes, after some delay, drew back the bolts, and told him the astounding news;--The club was shut up!
human
Do you mean to say I can't come in?