human
I pity you--God knows I do. You are only human, and I will try and help you out of this trouble, for I recognize you have claims upon me.
gpt
Thank you; perhaps I spoke hastily just now, but answer me--do you think I am guilty?
human
The evidence is very strong against you.
gpt
But have you never thought another might have desired to get me out of the way?
human
To whom do you refer?
gpt
The man who once went back on _you_.
human
No, I cannot believe that--for he pities you, and to him you owe the fact that no one knows of your crime but him and myself.
gpt
My crime? Stop! do not call it that.
human
Calm yourself, George, and let us talk of the future. Of course, it is impossible for you to remain in the bank. No one but Sargent and myself knows of the affair. You are without means to make good the missing sum. I have suffered great anguish of mind since I learned of this matter, and am not indifferent to the existing relations between you and my family, which makes my course toward you far different than it would be were our relations otherwise. Beside this, your brave act of last fall entitles you to consideration, therefore I will befriend and help you, if I can.
gpt
Thank you, sir! thank you. I--I am so bewildered, I scarcely know what to do. I cannot realize that I am awake. I know I am innocent of any crime; but I have no adviser.
human
Listen a moment, replied the president.
gpt
I can and will help you. I will replace the money, and thus make good the defalcation--advance you five hundred dollars beside, and you can quietly leave Cleverdale.
human
I leave Cleverdale like a criminal! Confessing by flight that I am a thief! No, sir, I cannot do that.
gpt
You do not realize your situation. At present no one knows of this affair. If you remain in town an excuse must be given for discharging you from the bank, for it will be impossible for you to retain your position here. Reflect a moment. If you desire to remain and face the evidence, I am powerless to prevent you. I am your friend so far as I can be, but should you remain here it will be necessary for me to report this matter to the board of directors. I wish I might do otherwise, but I cannot be placed in the attitude of sacrificing my own honor. I know that warm affection exists between you and my daughter; as the father of her whom you love and respect, I will help you if you will help yourself, but I cannot go beyond those limits and make myself the shielder of an openly apparent criminal. Ah! I know what you would say, but facts exist that we must look at squarely. I offer to help you, but you must leave Cleverdale at once.