human
I wish you would speak to me half as kindly as you do to that darky, Lucy.
gpt
He is an urbane and well-informed nobleman. At any rate, he's a man and a brother. But so am I. Miss Galbraith does not reply, and after a pause Mr. Richards resumes.
human
Talking of gentlemen: I recollect, once, coming up on the day-boat to Poughkeepsie, there was a poor devil of a tipsy man kept following a young fellow about, and annoying him to death--trying to fight him, as a tipsy man will, and insisting that the young fellow had insulted him. By-and-by he lost his balance, and went overboard, and the other jumped after him and fished him out. Sensation on the part of Miss Galbraith, who stirs uneasily in her chair, looks out of the window, then looks at Mr. Richards, and drops her head.
gpt
There was a young lady on board, who had seen the whole thing--a very charming young lady indeed, with pale blonde hair growing very thick over her forehead, and dark eye-lashes to the sweetest blue eyes in the world. Well, this young lady's papa was amongst those who came up to say civil things to the young fellow when he got aboard again, and to ask the honour--he said the _honour_--of his acquaintance. And when he came out of his state-room in dry clothes, this infatuated old gentleman was waiting for him, and took him and introduced him to his wife and daughter. And the daughter said, with tears in her eyes, and a perfectly intoxicating impulsiveness, that it was the grandest and the most heroic and the noblest thing that she had ever seen, and she should always be a better girl for having seen it. Excuse me, Miss Galbraith, for troubling you with these facts of a personal history which, as you say, is a matter of perfect indifference to you. The young fellow didn't think at the time he had done anything extraordinary; but I don't suppose he _did_ expect to live to have the same girl tell him he was no gentleman.
human
Oh, Allen, Allen! You _know_ I think you are a gentleman, and I always did!
gpt
Oh, I merely had your word for it, just now, that you didn't. Tenderly.--
human
Will you hear me, Lucy?
gpt
Yes.
human
Well, what is it I've done? Will you tell me if I guess right?
gpt
I am in no humour for jesting, Allen. And I can assure you that though I consent to hear what you have to say, or ask, _nothing_ will change my determination. All is over between us.
human
Yes, I understand that perfectly. I am now asking merely for general information. I do not expect you to relent, and in fact I should consider it rather frivolous if you did. No. What I have always admired in your character, Lucy, is a firm, logical consistency; a clearness of mental vision that leaves no side of a subject unsearched; and an unwavering constancy of purpose. You may say that these traits are characteristic of _all_ women; but they are pre-eminently characteristic of you, Lucy. Miss Galbraith looks askance at him, to make out whether he is in earnest or not; he continues, with a perfectly serious air.
gpt
And I know now that if you're offended with me, it's for no trivial cause. She stirs uncomfortably in her chair.
human
What I have done I can't imagine, but it must be something monstrous, since it has made life with me appear so impossible that you are ready to fling away your own happiness--for I know you _did_ love me, Lucy--and destroy mine. I will begin with the worst thing I can think of. Was it because I danced so much with Fanny Watervliet?
gpt
How can you insult me by supposing that I could be jealous of such a _perfect_ little goose as that? No, Allen! Whatever I think of you, I _still_ respect you too much for _that_.
human
I'm glad to hear that there are yet depths to which you think me incapable of descending, and that Miss Watervliet is one of them. I will now take a little higher ground. Perhaps you think I flirted with Mrs. Dawes. I thought, myself, that the thing might begin to have that appearance, but I give you my word of honour that as soon as the idea occurred to me, I dropped her,--rather rudely, too. The trouble was, don't you know, that I felt so perfectly safe with a _married_ friend of yours. I couldn't be hanging about you all the time, and I was afraid I might vex you if I went with the other girls; and I didn't know what to do.
gpt
I think you behaved rather silly, giggling so much with her. But
human
I own it, I know it was silly. But
gpt
It wasn't that; it wasn't that!
human
Was it my forgetting to bring you those things from your mother?
gpt
No!
human
Was it because I hadn't given up smoking yet?
gpt
You _know_ I never asked you to give up smoking. It was entirely your own proposition.
human
That's true. That's what made me so easy about it. I knew I could leave it off _any_ time. Well, I will not disturb you any longer, Miss Galbraith. He throws his overcoat across his arm, and takes up his travelling-bag.
gpt
I have failed to guess your fatal--conundrum; and I have no longer any excuse for remaining. I am going into the smoking-car. Shall I send the porter to you for anything?
human
No, thanks.
gpt
Lucy, do you send me away?
human
You were going, yourself.
gpt
Shall I come back?
human
I have no right to drive you from the car.
gpt
Lucy, dearest, tell me what's the matter.
human
Oh, Allen, your not _knowing_ makes it all the more hopeless and killing. It shows me that we _must_ part; that you would go on, breaking my heart, and grinding me into the dust as long as we lived. She sobs.
gpt
It shows me that you never understood me, and you never will. I know you're good and kind and all that, but that only makes your not understanding me so much the worse. I do it quite as much for your sake as my own, Allen.
human
I'd much rather you wouldn't put yourself out on my account.
gpt
If you could mortify me before a whole roomful of people as you did last night, what could I expect after marriage but continual insult?
human
O, you were _attentive_ enough, Allen; nobody denies that. Attentive enough in non-essentials. O yes!
gpt
Well, what vital matters did I fail in? I'm sure I can't remember.
human
I dare say! I dare say they won't appear vital to you, Allen. Nothing does. And if I had told you, I should have been met with ridicule, I suppose. But I knew _better_ than to tell; I respected myself too _much_.
gpt
But now you mustn't respect yourself _quite_ so much, dearest. And I promise you I won't laugh at the most serious thing. I'm in no humour for it. If it were a matter of life and death, even, I can assure you that it wouldn't bring a smile to my countenance. No, indeed! If you expect me to laugh, _now_, you must say something particularly funny.
human
I was not going to say anything _funny_; as you call it, and I will say nothing at all, if you talk in that way.
gpt
Well, I won't, then. But do you know what I suspect, Lucy? I wouldn't mention it to everybody, but I will to you--in strict confidence: I suspect that you're rather ashamed of your grievance, if you have any. I suspect it's nothing at all.
human
Nothing, Allen! Do you call it _nothing_, to have Mrs. Dawes come out with all that about your accident on your way up the river, and ask me if it didn't frighten me terribly to hear of it, even after it was all over; and I had to say you hadn't told me a word of it? 'Why, Lucy!' --angrily mimicking Mrs. Dawes--
gpt
Why, my dear Lucy--
human
I saw just how it was going to be, and I'm thankful, _thankful_ that it happened. I saw that you didn't care enough for me to take me into your whole life; that you despised and distrusted me, and that it would get worse and worse to the end of our days; that we should grow further and further apart, and I should be left moping at home, while you ran about making confidantes of other women whom you considered _worthy_ of your confidence. It all _flashed_ upon me in an _instant_; and I resolved to break with you, then and there; and I did, just as soon as ever I could go to my room for your things, and I'm glad,--yes,--O hu, hu, hu, hu, hu!--_so_ glad I did it!
gpt
Your joy is obvious. May I ask--
human
Oh, it wasn't the _first_ proof you had given me how little you really cared for me, but I was determined it should be the last. I dare say you've forgotten them! I dare say you don't remember telling Mamie Morris that you didn't like crocheted cigar-cases, when you'd just _told_ me that you did, and let me be such a fool as to commence one for you; but I'm thankful to say _that_ went into the fire,--O yes, _instantly_! And I dare say you've forgotten that you didn't tell me your brother's engagement was to be kept, and let me come out with it that night at the Rudges' and then looked perfectly aghast, so that everybody thought I had been blabbing! Time and again, Allen, you have made me suffer agonies, yes, _agonies_; but your power to do so is at an end. I am free and happy at last.
gpt
Yes, I _had_ forgotten those crimes, and I suppose many similar atrocities. I own it, I _am_ forgetful and careless. I was wrong about those things. I ought to have told you why I said that to Miss Morris; I was afraid she was going to work me one. As to that accident I told Mrs. Dawes of, it wasn't worth mentioning. Our boat simply walked over a sloop in the night, and nobody was hurt. I shouldn't have thought twice about it, if she hadn't happened to brag of their passing close to an iceberg on their way home from Europe; then I trotted out _my_ pretty-near disaster as a match for hers,--confound her! I wish the iceberg had sunk them! Only it wouldn't have sunk her,--she's so light! she'd have gone bobbing all over the Atlantic Ocean, like a cork; she's got a perfect life-preserver in that mind of hers. Miss Galbraith gives a little laugh, and then a little moan.
human
But since you are happy, I will not repine, Miss Galbraith. I don't pretend to be very happy myself, but then, I don't deserve it. Since you are ready to let an absolutely unconscious offence on my part cancel all the past; since you let my devoted love weigh as nothing against the momentary pique that a malicious little rattle-pate--she was vexed at my leaving her--could make you feel, and choose to gratify a wicked resentment at the cost of any suffering to me, why, _I_ can be glad and happy, too. With rising anger,
gpt
Yes, Miss Galbraith. All _is_ over between us. You can go! I renounce you!
human
Go, indeed! Renounce me! Be so good as to remember that you haven't got me _to_ renounce!
gpt
Well, it's all the same thing. I'd renounce you if I had. Good evening, Miss Galbraith. I will send back your presents as soon as I get to town; it won't be necessary to acknowledge them. I hope we may never meet again. He goes out of the door towards the front of the car, but returns directly, and glances uneasily at Miss Galbraith, who remains with her handkerchief pressed to her eyes.
human
Ah--a--that is--I shall be obliged to intrude upon you again. The fact is--
gpt
Why, the cars have stopped! Are we at Schenectady?
human
Well, no; not _exactly_; not exactly at _Schenectady_
gpt
Then what station is this? Have they carried me by? Observing his embarrassment,
human
Allen, what is the matter? What has happened? Tell me instantly! Are we off the track? Have we run into another train? Have we broken through a bridge? Shall we be burnt alive? Tell me, Allen, tell me,--I can bear it!--are we telescoped?
gpt
Nothing of the kind has happened. This car has simply come uncoupled, and the rest of the train has gone on ahead, and left us standing on the track nowhere in particular.
human
Well?
gpt
Well, until they miss us, and run back to pick us up, I shall be obliged to ask your indulgence. I will try not to disturb you; I would go out and stand on the platform, but it's raining.
human
Why, so it is! Timidly,
gpt
Did you notice when the car stopped?
human
No.
gpt
Will you please tell me why you went out just now?
human
Yes. I went to see if the rear signal was out.
gpt
Why?
human
Because, if it wasn't out, some train might run into us from that direction.
gpt
Oh! And was it?
human
Yes.
gpt
And there's no danger from the front?
human
No.
gpt
Of course, I never meant to imply that you were _intentionally_ careless or forgetful.
human
Thank you.
gpt
I always did justice to your good-heartedness, Allen; you're perfectly lovely that way; and I know that you would be sorry if you _knew_ you had wounded my feelings, however accidentally. She droops her head so as to catch a sidelong glimpse of his face, and sighs, while she nervously pinches the top of her parasol, resting the point on the floor. Mr. R. makes no answer.
human
That about the cigar-case might have been a mistake; I saw that myself, and, as you explain it, why, it was certainly very kind and very creditable to--to your thoughtfulness. It _was_ thoughtful.
gpt
I am grateful for your good opinion.
human
But do you think it was exactly--it was quite--nice, not to tell me that your brother's engagement was to be kept, when you know, Allen, I can't bear to blunder in such things? Tenderly,
gpt
I never said it was.
human
No, Allen. That's what I always admired in your character. You always owned up. Don't you think it's easier for men to own up than it is for women?
gpt
I don't know. I never knew any woman to do it.
human
O yes, Allen! You know I _often_ own up.
gpt
No, I don't.
human
Oh, how can you bear to say so? When I'm rash, or anything of that kind, you know I acknowledge it.
gpt
Do you acknowledge it now?
human
Why, how can I, when I haven't _been_ rash? _What_ have I been rash about?
gpt
About the cigar-case, for example.
human
Oh! _That!_ That was a great while ago! I thought you meant something quite recent. A sound as of the approaching train is heard in the distance. She gives a start, and then leaves her chair again for one a little nearer his.
gpt
I thought perhaps you meant about--last night.
human
Well?
gpt
I don't think it was _rash_ exactly. No, not _rash_. It might not have been very _kind_ not to--to--trust you more, when I knew that you didn't mean anything; but-- No, I took the only course I could. _No_body could have done differently under the circumstances. But if I caused you any pain, I'm very sorry; O yes, very sorry indeed. But I was not precipitate, and I know I did right. At least I _tried_ to act for the best. Don't you believe I did?
human
Why, if you have no doubt upon the subject, my opinion is of no consequence.
gpt
Yes. But what do you think? If you think differently, and can make me see it differently, oughtn't you to do so?
human
I don't see why. As you say, all is over between us.
gpt
Yes. After a pause,
human
I should suppose you would care enough for _yourself_ to wish me to look at the matter from the right point of view.
gpt
I don't.
human
I think _you_ have been very quick with _me_ at times, quite as quick as I could have been with you last night. The noise is more distinctly heard.
gpt
I'm sure that if I could once see it as you do, _no_ one would be more willing to do anything in their power to atone for their rashness. Of course I know that everything is over.
human
As to that, I have your word; and, in view of the fact, perhaps this analysis of motive, of character, however interesting on general grounds, is a little
gpt
Say it, and take your revenge! I have put myself at your feet, and you do right to trample on me! O, this is what women may expect when they trust to men's generosity! Well, it is over now, and I'm thankful, thankful! Cruel, suspicious, vindictive, you're all alike, and I'm glad that I'm no longer subject to your heartless caprices. And I don't care what happens after this, I shall always--Oh! You're sure it's from the front, Allen? Are you sure the rear signal is out?
human
Yes, but if it will ease your mind, I'll go and look again.
gpt
O no! Don't go! I can't bear to be left alone! The sound of the approaching train continually increases in volume.
human
O, isn't it coming very, very, _very_ fast?
gpt
No, no! Don't be frightened.
human
O, I _must_ get out! It will kill me, I know it will. Come with me! Do, do! He runs after her, and her voice is heard at the rear of the car.
gpt
O, the outside door is locked, and we are trapped, trapped, trapped! O, quick! Let's try the door at the other end. They re-enter the parlour, and the roar of the train announces that it is upon them.
human
No, no! It's too late, it's too late! I'm a wicked, wicked girl, and this is all to punish me! O, it's coming, it's coming at full speed! He remains bewildered, confronting her. She utters a wild cry, and, as the train strikes the car with a violent concussion, she flings herself into his arms.
gpt
There, there! Forgive me, Allen! Let us die together, my own, own love!
human
Rather more of a jah than we meant to give you, sah! We had to run down pretty quick after we missed you, and the rain made the track a little slippery. Lady much frightened?
gpt
O, not at all! Not in the least. We thought it was a train coming from behind, and going to run into us, and so--we--I--
human
Not quite so bad as that. We'll be into Schenectady in a few minutes, miss. I'll come for your things.
gpt
Allen! What will he ever think of us? I'm sure he saw us!
human
I don't know what he'll think _now._ He _did_ think you were frightened; but you told him you were not. However, it isn't important what he thinks. Probably he thinks I'm your long lost brother. It had a kind of familiar look.
gpt
Ridiculous!
human
Why, he'd never suppose that I was a jilted lover of yours!
gpt
No.
human
Come, Lucy, --taking her hand,--
gpt
Allen, where are you going?
human
Going? Upon my soul, I haven't the least idea.
gpt
Where _were_ you going?
human
O, I _was_ going to Albany.
gpt
Well, don't! Aunt Mary is expecting me here at Schenectady,--I telegraphed her,--and I want you to stop here, too, and we'll refer the whole matter to her. She's such a wise old head. I'm not sure
human
What?
gpt
That I'm good enough for you.
human
Lucy! how came you on this train when you left Syracuse on the morning express?
gpt
I waited over a train at Utica.
human
May I ask why?
gpt
I don't like to tell. I
human
Look me in the eye, Lucy! She drops her veil over her face, and looks up at him.
gpt
Did you--did you expect to find _me_ on this train?
human
I was afraid it never _would_ get along,--it was so late!
gpt
Don't--tergiversate.
human
Don't _what_?
gpt
Fib.
human
Not for worlds!
gpt
How did you know I was in this car?
human
Must I? I thought I saw you through the window; and then I made sure it was you when I went to pin my veil on,--I saw you in the mirror.
gpt
Miss Galbraith, do you want to know what _you_ are?
human
Yes, Allen.
gpt
You're a humbug!
human
So are you! You pretended to be asleep!
gpt
I--I--I was taken by surprise. I had to take time to think.
human
So did I.
gpt
And you thought it would be a good plan to get your polonaise caught in the window?
human
No, no, Allen! That I never _will_ admit. _No_ woman would!
gpt
O, I dare say! After a pause:
human
Well, I am a poor, weak, helpless man, with no one to advise me or counsel me, and I have been cruelly deceived. How could you, Lucy, how could you? I can never get over this.
gpt
Allen, I have an idea! Do you suppose Mr. Pullman could be induced to _sell_ this car?
human
Why?
gpt
Why, because I think it's perfectly lovely, and I should like to live in it always. It could be fitted up for a sort of summer-house, don't you know, and we could have it in the garden, and you could smoke in it.
human
Admirable! It would look just like a travelling photographic saloon. No, Lucy, we won't buy it; we will simply keep it as a precious souvenir, a sacred memory, a beautiful dream,--and let it go on fulfilling its destiny all the same.
gpt
Be at Schenectady in half a minute, miss. Won't have much time.
human
O, I do _hate_ to leave it. Farewell, you dear, kind, good, lovely car! May you never have another accident!
gpt
Good-bye, sweet chariot! May you never carry any but bridal couples!
human
Or engaged ones!
gpt
Or husbands going home to their wives!
human
Or wives hastening to their husbands.
gpt
Or young ladies who have waited one train over, so as to be with the young men they hate.
human
Or young men who are so indifferent that they pretend to be asleep when the young ladies come in! They pause at the door and look back again.
gpt
They both kiss their hands to the car again, and their faces being very close together, they impulsively kiss each other. Then Miss Galbraith throws back her head, and solemnly confronts him.
human
Only think, Allen! If this car hadn't broken _its_ engagement, we might never have mended ours.