human
Yes, Lucas said very wearily.
gpt
It has come to that. I can't have you here disturbing the public peace. I won't have my own brother arraigned as a murderer. Nor will I have Anne Carfax pilloried by you for all England to throw mud at. I've stood a good deal from you, Boney, but I'm damned if I'm going to stand this.
human
The only question is, Can you prevent it?
gpt
I am going to prevent it.
human
If you can.
gpt
I am going to prevent it, Lucas repeated.
human
Before we go any further, give me that shooter of yours.
gpt
Now, I want you to tell me something, he said.
human
I seem to remember your saying to me once in this very room that you and Lady Carfax were friends, no more, no less. You were mighty anxious that I shouldn't misunderstand. Remember that episode?
gpt
Perfectly,
human
I surmised that you told me that because you honestly cared for her as a friend. Was that so?
gpt
You may say so if you wish,
human
Meaning that things have changed since then?
gpt
You can put it how you like. You can say--if you like--that I am a bigger blackguard now than I was then. It makes no difference how you put it.
human
But I want to know, said Lucas quietly.
gpt
Are you a blackguard, Boney?