human
Haven't you noticed, he said, slowly, choosing his words with care,
gpt
I see that, she admitted, going on with her work,
human
You mean that if they needed anything you'd offer them the best you had.
gpt
I wonder if you'd understand that I'm not speaking ungraciously if I said that--I shouldn't offer them anything at all?
human
No, Miss Guion, he answered then;
gpt
I don't understand that point of view.
human
I'm sorry. I hoped you would.
gpt
Why?
human
Need I explain?
gpt
Not at all, Miss Guion. You've a right to your own judgments. I don't ask to know them.
human
But I think you ought. When you enter into what is distinctly our private family affair, I've a right to give my opinion.
gpt
You don't think I question that?
human
I'm afraid I do. I imagine you're capable of carrying your point, regardless of what I feel.
gpt
But I've no point to carry. I find Mr. Guion wanting to borrow a sum of money that I'm prepared to lend. It's a common situation in business.
human
Ah, but this is not business. It's charity.
gpt
Did Mr. Guion tell you so?
human
He did. He told me all about it. My father has no secrets from me.
gpt
Did he use the word--charity?
human
Almost. He said you offered him a loan, but that it really was a gift.
gpt
Well, he said, slowly,
human
There wouldn't be any harm, perhaps; there would only be an--impossibility. She worked very busily, and spoke in a low voice, without looking up.
gpt
A gift implies two conditions--on the one side the right to offer, and on the other the freedom to take.
human
But I should say that those conditions existed--between Mr. Guion and me.
gpt
But not between you and me. Don't you see? That's the point. To any such transaction as this I have to be, in many ways, the most important party.