human
Well, Grant, I'm in trouble--Oh, it's not that, he laughed as Grant looked quickly into the clean, alert old face.
gpt
That's not bothered me for--Oh, for two years now. But it's Violet--she wants me to marry her.
human
Why--well--what makes you--well, has she proposed, Henry?
gpt
Naw--of course not, answered Fenn.
human
Boy, you don't know anything about women.
gpt
Children--she's set the children on me. You know, Grant-- he turned his smile on with what candlepower he could muster,
human
Well, then, don't,
gpt
But how can I help it? Fenn cried helplessly.
human
What can a man do? Those kids need a father. I need a family--I've always needed a family--but I don't want Violet--nor any one else. Grant towed him along to the restaurant, and they sat alone. After Grant had ordered his supper he asked,
gpt
Henry--why can't you marry Violet? She's a sensible, honest woman--she's got over her foolishness; what's wrong with her?
human
Why, of course, she is a good woman. If you'd see her chasing out nights--picking up girls, mothering 'em, loving 'em, working with 'em--she knows their language; she can talk to 'em so they get it. And I've known her time and again to get scent of a new girl over there at Bessie Wilson's and go after her and pull her out and start her right again. I tell you, Grant, Violet has her weaknesses--as to hair ribbons and shirtwaists and frills for the kids--but she's got a heart, Grant--a mighty big heart.
gpt
Then why not marry her?
human
That's just it,
gpt
Grant--let me tell you something--it's Margaret. I'm a fool--a motley fool i' the forest, Grant, but I can't help it; I can't help it, he cried.
human
So long as she lives--she may need me. I don't trust that damn scoundrel, Grant. She may need me, and I stand ready to go to hell itself with her if I live a thousand years. It's not that I want her any more; but, Grant--maybe you know her; maybe you understand. She used to hate you for some reason, and maybe that will help you to know how I feel. But--I know I'm weak--God knows I'm putty in my soul. And I'm ashamed. But I mustn't get married. It wouldn't be fair. It wouldn't be square to Violet, nor the kids, nor to any one. So long as Margaret is on this earth--it's my job to stand guard and wait till she needs me.
gpt
I know she despises me--that she loathes me. But I can't help it, Grant--and I came to you to kind of help me with Violet. It wouldn't be right to--well, to let this thing go on. He heaved a deep sigh, then he added as he fumbled with the red tablecloth,
human
What a fool a man is--Lord, what a fool!