human
Well, my friend's words drove me back upon myself. There was nothing for me to do.
gpt
Why?
human
The hearts were all mended--after a fashion, without my aid.
gpt
Your mother?
human
She had died soon after I went away.
gpt
And your--brother--he surely--
human
Oh! he had gone booming ahead like a rocket. The tide turned a bit too late for me--but it carried him to a safe harbour. In a generous and highly moral way he stood ready to repay me--but conditions had changed; I must accept certain terms.
gpt
The--the--girl?
human
She'd married my brother. She it was who changed the conditions, you see. It had been a noble sacrifice for her to marry into _such_ a family--so, of course, due consideration must be shown her. Would I live abroad on an ample allowance?
gpt
No! by God, I would not live abroad. I chose my own place of hiding. He paid, though--I saw to that--he named no allowance, it was I; but he paid and paid and paid all that _I_ thought he should. He bought me off at my price--not his. I left all in the hands of the only friend I had on earth--I never wanted to hear of the others again until I was ready to go back--and I haven't. I wanted time to think out my way. I wanted strength to go back, take my name and fortune, ask nothing of the world--but a chance to defy it. I got as far as that--