human
Then you wish me to go to Stammars to-morrow?
gpt
I do. Miss Lloyd is there at present. I had a letter from Sir Thomas this morning, in which he casually mentions that fact. You had better start early--not later than ten or half-past, by which means you will get your business over by luncheon time. Of course, you will seek a private interview with Miss Lloyd, and not say a word to either Sir Thomas or Lady Dudgeon about your errand. Eleanor must be left to break the news to them in her own way and at her own time.
human
It will be a bitter task to have to do so.
gpt
It will, indeed, poor girl! Cannot you understand, Olive, my chief reason for wanting you to go to Stammars?
human
You have told me already, have you not?
gpt
I have told you one reason, but not the only one. You are a woman, Olive, and I want you to break this news to Eleanor, to whom, in any case, it must come as a terrible shock. You do not like her, I know--at least, I judge so from what you have said at different times. But this is not a question of likes or dislikes. It is a question of one woman being overwhelmed by a great trouble, and of another woman smoothing away the sharp edges of that trouble with a little sympathy and kindness--articles which cost so little, but, at such seasons, mean so much. This is all I ask you to do, Olive; this is my other reason for sending you to Stammars. Am I asking more than you care to perform?
human
Certainly not, Matthew. It is not much that you ask me to do.
gpt
But it means a great deal.
human
How little men understand about us women! thought Olive.
gpt
None of my own sex, who knew the circumstances of the case, would ever have dreamed of asking me to do what Matthew has asked me to do, and believes I will do.
human
Think what a revelation my letter will be! continued the lawyer.
gpt
At one fell blow she will be robbed of name, wealth, and position. Think, and pity her.
human
What can I give you? asked Olive.
gpt
Will you not have your arrowroot?
human
No: I will take that later on. A little weak brandy-and-water is all I need at present.
gpt
And now I must bid you good night,
human
I should like you to start about ten in the morning,
gpt
Whitaker's suspicion is nothing but a horrible nightmare, he said to himself, as Olive left the room.
human
He is wrong--utterly wrong.
gpt
If it be requisite to deliver the letter, I can put it into another envelope, and no one will be any the wiser, she said to herself.
human
If I decide not to deliver it, then another envelope will not be needed.
gpt
A thoroughly business-like document, she said to herself, as she folded up the letter,
human
You will try your best to soften the blow, won't you, Olive?
gpt
You know that I will do my best,