human
Why? Because of Amy. When she first came to New York, you remember, it was on a visit to me. I had known her back in boarding school. Well, the visit lengthened out. I saw how crazy she was for the town, and I was fairly well off then, so I let her stay and gave her a home--let her meet my friends, Joe included. I had a husband at the time who was in the real estate business. He knew Joe. So I took Joe and handed him over to Amy. And though she would have been glad enough to forget the debt, Joe wasn't that kind. So that's my hold on him--perfectly clean and above-board. And I need him in my business. There are times when I'm down and need his money, other times when I need his name. But that is all. And if he has been fool enough to marry a giddy young girl like you, that's his own look-out--I won't interfere. I mean I won't interfere with you so long as you don't interfere with me. You let me go on with Joe as before, and he'll never see these papers.
gpt
Don't be a fool, said Fanny.
human
They're only copies. Give them back. Ethel did so, mechanically.
gpt
Now what will you do? Which way will you have it? He may be here any minute now.
human
What's the use of being so solemn and scared? she impatiently asked.
gpt
You're running no more risk than before. So far as I'm concerned, my dear, you can go right on with Dwight if you wish. All I'm asking is a square deal.
human
But she'll ask and ask, thought Ethel.
gpt
She'll ask of me anything she wants. And she'll get me so tangled in other lies that then I wouldn't have even a chance of making Joe see how things really are.
human
No, she said.
gpt
You can tell him.
human
What!
gpt
Tell him.
human
You're sure of that?
gpt
Very well!
human
She's uneasy, thought Ethel,