human
Our condition may be borne, continued Vanbrugh,
gpt
Nothing human.
human
Yet you are at war with society.
gpt
I was; but I am a free man now.
human
You have been in peril, then--plainly speaking, a gaol-bird. What matters? The world is apt to be too censorious; I find no fault with you for your misfortune. Such things happen to the best of us. But you are free now, you say, and you fear nothing in human shape. What is it, then, you do fear?
gpt
Were you ever followed by a spirit?
human
A moment, said Vanbrugh.
gpt
Your question startles me. I have about me two mouthfuls of an elixir without which life would not be worth the living. Share and share alike.
human
Your health, friend,
gpt
That is fine, that is fine! he said;
human
I wish there were more of it.
gpt
To echo your wish is the extent of my power in the direction of fulfilment. Now we can continue. Was I ever followed by a spirit? Of what kind?
human
Of a woman,
gpt
Being a spirit, necessarily a dead woman!
human
Aye, a dead woman--one who was murdered.
gpt
A young woman?
human
Aye,
gpt
Fair and beautiful?
human
Yes.
gpt
Aye--it is known to all the world.
human
One who sold flowers in the streets of Geneva--whose name was Madeline?
gpt
She is there--she is there! he muttered, in a voice of agony.
human
Will she never, never leave me?
gpt
Another winning card, he said, in a tone of triumph, and with a strange smile.
human
The man is guilty, else why should he fear? Vanbrugh, a life of ease is yours once more. Away with these rags, this money-pinch which has nipped you for years. Days of pleasure, of luxury, are yours to enjoy. You step once more into the ranks of gentlemen. What would the great Advocate in yonder study think of this chance encounter, knowing--what he has yet to learn--that I hold in my hands what he prizes most--his fame and honour?
gpt
There is but one great Advocate, the man who set me free. He lives yonder, then?
human
You know it, rogue, replied Vanbrugh.
gpt
There are the lights in his study window. Gautran, you and I must be better acquainted.