human
Oh, Maurice. I must warn you! cried Violet, suddenly.
gpt
Everything has come out.
human
Everything?
gpt
Yes, dear. About ourselves, I mean. I can't imagine how, but it has. They have been leading me such a life. Hilda has been perfectly hateful. The way in which she has treated me is absolutely scandalous. And Marian--sanctimonious sheep! Pah! I hate them all,
human
My poor darling. But how do you suppose it happened? You haven't been leaving any letters about?
gpt
No--no--no, she interrupted quickly.
human
No, no. My belief is-- she--_she_--has found out where I--I am--where you are--and has written to them.
gpt
That devil! he muttered between his teeth.
human
That she-devil would do anything--anything.
gpt
I want to warn you, Maurice. The only way out of the difficulty, while we are here, is for us to pretend to care nothing about each other--that the past was only a matter of a passing flirtation, and not to be taken seriously. Do you follow my plan?
human
Yes; but I don't like it.
gpt
That can't be helped. Do you suppose I like it? But it will not be for long. I am going away very soon--it might be any day now--home again. Then we can make up for the present hateful restraint. What is to prevent you returning by the same steamer? You will, Maurice, darling--you will--will you not?