human
You suddenly changed the subject we began, she said.
gpt
Were you not going to tell me why you feel depressed?
human
Something of the kind, replied Andrew.
gpt
It didn't seem a very happy topic.
human
That was a mistake, declared Geraldine reproachfully.
gpt
You shouldn't have doubted my interest, and it lightens one's troubles to confide in a friend.
human
Well, he said,
gpt
But it's something to have proved that the lode exists.
human
I'm not sure it's worth proving. The value of the ore is the most important point, because a mine could not be worked up there unless it was very rich. Then there's a risk of Graham's being lamed for life. Mappin has beaten us badly at the beginning of the fight.
gpt
It's only a small reverse. You would not use the means he employed. They were infamous!
human
The trouble is that other opponents I shall have to meet may use similar methods, and unless I do the same, I'll be further handicapped. As it happens, I'm carrying weight enough already.
gpt
In a way, you're right. I've learned something about the situation.
human
If we had proved the lode to be rich, I should have had something to fall back on; but I've failed. Now I must attack strong vested interests, with the whole influence of my conservative relatives against me. My chief antagonist enjoys a high prestige, and has made an excellent profit on the money handed him. Andrew laughed in a rueful manner.
gpt
And I'm the fool of the family, who has lately taken to upsetting a very satisfactory state of affairs. Can you imagine the surprise and disgust of everybody concerned?
human
But your people are upright, aren't they?
gpt
Oh, yes; there's no doubt of that. But, with one or two unimportant exceptions, they're conventional and prejudiced. They believe in what they see; the prosperity of Allinson's, the dividends coming in. They distrust anything that seems out of the usual course, and they couldn't bring themselves to think there should be anything wrong with the firm. I, whom they good-naturedly look down on, have to convince them to the contrary.
human
It will be hard; one can understand that. But the feeling of helplessness that troubles you now will pass. You must remember that you have borne enough to exhaust you.
gpt
My body's tired, Andrew admitted.
human
One can get over that. The real difficulty is that my mind feels sick.
gpt
Is there no connection between the two? Geraldine smiled at him.
human
You make me think it's the first time you have had any serious difficulties.
gpt
That's true. It looks as if there were some benefit in being dull. You're saved a good deal of trouble if you don't notice things.
human
I didn't mean that, Geraldine objected.
gpt
You're not really dull, you know.
human
Then I'm something like it. But you don't think I've been foolish in starting on this campaign?
gpt
No! said Geraldine promptly.
human
I think you are doing what is fine! You must go on; I want you to win. The difficulties won't look so serious if you attack them one by one, and it must be worth something to have the right on your side. There is so much injustice everywhere and few people seem to mind. No doubt it's dangerous to interfere, but it's encouraging to find a man here and there who is not afraid.
gpt
One here and there? smiled Frobisher.
human
You're not exacting. In France, they once asked for a hundred men who knew how to die, and found them in one southern town.
gpt
I suppose I am a bit of a sentimentalist; but you're too cynical. I don't see why you should be proud of your detached and critical attitude. You look on as if the sight of people struggling amused you.
human
I don't think I really am proud of it, but perhaps there's something to be said for the intelligent spectator who knows his limitations and is content with trying to see fair play. However, I came to take Allinson away for a smoke. If I leave him to you, you'll be sending him off on some new chivalrous adventure.
gpt
What I said was rather crude, but I meant it.
human
She generally does mean things; it's a habit that has its drawbacks,
gpt
What are you going to do about Mappin?
human
Nothing. As he has only to deny what I told him to clear himself, there's no means of punishing him. I can't see any use in making a fuss that can have no result. It would simply show I was the weaker party.
gpt
You're wise, Frobisher agreed. Then his eyes twinkled.
human
Carnally, however, seems to have seen a way out of the difficulty. You haven't heard what happened at the settlement?
gpt
No; I hired a sleigh and went for a drive. After that I slept until I came here. I tried to keep out of people's way.
human
You missed a dramatic scene at the store. I'm told Carnally threw Mappin downstairs and out into the snow.
gpt
It's a pity, but I might have been prepared for something of the kind. I can hardly grudge him any satisfaction he derived from it.
human
It was a good stroke; Mappin will find it damaging.
gpt
But I understood he was a friend of yours,
human
He came to my house. I put up with him, which I think describes it best, though I fail to see much reason for doing so any longer. But what are you going to do about the lode?
gpt
Go back and investigate it thoroughly. We'll wait until the spring.
human
Then you mean to proceed with your scheme? I see trouble, but I mustn't discourage you. Now I guess the situation warrants some candor. Has it struck you that Mappin is working hand in hand with your brother-in-law?
gpt
I'm afraid it's true. Andrew's face was grave.
human
You can see how it complicates things.
gpt
But you mean to go on?
human
I must,
gpt
You have grit, Allinson. It will be a tough fight, but I feel that you'll make good.