human
But, and a shudder ran through her,
gpt
Alone! for a wonder, he said, warmly.
human
Leave the gas alone, Thomas, the firelight is sufficient.
gpt
And thinking of me, and wishing for me, he said, as the servant left the room.
human
Yes, I can tell by your eyes.
gpt
There Philip, that will do, I am actually afraid to have you in my house. Remember that woman last night! if looks could kill, then would I have been slain,
human
She can't harm you, and I'll put a stop to her tricks. You see, Elaine, she is so infatuated with me, she can't keep away,
gpt
But, that's just what I want you to see, Philip; it would be running too great a risk to marry you.
human
You did not seem to exert yourself last night. When I looked over my shoulder to speak to you in the crowd, coming out, she had her hand on your arm; and you were bending down listening to her.
gpt
I know; and when you looked, she clutched her hold of my arm all the tighter,
human
What did she say?
gpt
She said, you _shan't_ go home with her to-night.
human
Exactly the same words she used that Sunday evening. Words and an act that will ever be stamped on my memory. That act came between my heart and yours, Philip, for all time, she said, sadly thinking of his foolish flightiness in allowing anything of the kind to break up their friendship, if no more.
gpt
You must see, Philip, that you should set me free.
human
No, no; don't talk like that; you should want me all the more when you witness her infatuation,
gpt
No, Philip; I cannot let you come near me with the occurrence of last evening so fresh in my memory.
human
Oh, nonsense; when I am your husband you will be just as infatuated about me as she is.
gpt
Do you know, Philip, you are as vain as a girl.
human
Well, yes; I suppose I am vain; but so would any man be who was as successful with the fair sex as I am,
gpt
I can assure you, Philip, I felt anything but vain at the Pavilion, or coming out of church, with the spiteful eyes of that tall, common-looking, over-dressed Mrs. Snob full upon me, as social astronomer; she took in the situation at once.
human
A fig for what such like see or think; I thought you were above valuing the opinion of our wealthy plebeians.
gpt
But we were so conspicuously placed; I shrink from giving such women food for gossip.
human
Hang them all; our east-ender, Mrs. Snob, Ragsel, and the whole tribe, or anyone that bothers you, Elaine.
gpt
But, Philip, do be rational; release me from my oath; give me my freedom; we will never be happy married, or with our engagement still on; for she will grow bolder, and more persistent with each advance; do, for pity's sake, free me.
human
No, no; you ask too much,
gpt
But see how you left me for her last night; you _must_ be fond of her.
human
I am _not_, so help me God; but I could not shake her off without making a scene.
gpt
But just fancy, Philip; if we were married she would prowl about the place even more than she does at present.
human
It is all your own fault, Elaine, that she gives you those scares in the evening; for she only comes when she knows I am about; if you lived more to yourself, and did not have all these women about you, I would come in the afternoon, like to-day; and she would be none the wiser, for she is at work in the day and can't come.
gpt
It is a fearful life for me.
human
Be reasonable, Elaine: any man as fascinating to your sex as I am must, of necessity, have women breaking their necks for them.
gpt
How you amuse me,
human
I don't see why; you know I speak truth, he said, innocently;
gpt
But just think what a proposition you are making; she is to control our actions.
human
Yes; but only for a time, pet; she will, perhaps, tire of pursuing me; if she had me, and you were out in the cold, I feel sure she would agree to my proposition.
gpt
You certainly have a most amusing way of putting things.
human
I know I have; it's my large, kind heart and wish to please; and when we are married I will both charm and amuse you.
gpt
No, no; it will not be safe for me to marry you; for how about this other woman; would you charm and amuse her also?
human
Just as I was in the humor; if she angered me, I would not think twice of setting Tyr on her.
gpt
Dinner is served, ma'am.