human
Do leave us, dearest,
gpt
No, Elizabeth must hear what I have to say. She heard it unmoved; the entreaty not to wound her uncle's love, and hurt Nannie's pride, and betray old Miss White's trust, did not touch her. All she said was,
human
I am sorry; but I can't help it. David wants me.
gpt
How do you mean to support your mistress, David? Of course the scandal will end your career.
human
There--there are other things than my profession. I am not afraid that I cannot support my _wife_.
gpt
Why, Elizabeth, she said, in an astonished voice.
human
Then she added, simply:
gpt
Forgive me. Her words were without meaning to the other two, but they brought a burst of hope into her entreaty:
human
Then you won't ruin him! I know you won't ruin my boy--if you love him.
gpt
David! I told you--that is what I--
human
Darling, she doesn't understand.
gpt
I _do_ understand! his mother said. She paused for a breathless moment, and stood gripping the table, looking with dilating eyes and these two, who, loving each other, were yet preparing to murder Love.
human
I thank God, she said, and the elation in her face was almost joy;
gpt
I thank God, Elizabeth, that I understand the disgrace such wickedness will bring! No honest man will trust him; no decent woman will respect you! And listen, Elizabeth: even _you_ will not really trust him; and he will never entirely respect you!
human
Don't listen to her, he ended, hoarsely;
gpt
But, David, that was what I said. I said it would be bad for you; she says it will ruin you--
human
It is a lie!
gpt
Elizabeth, Helena Richie implored,
human
David, Elizabeth said again, her shaking hands on his arm;
gpt
My dear, my dear! she said,
human
David, if I should injure you
gpt
You will ruin him,
human
You will kill me, Elizabeth, unless you come to me, he said, roughly.
gpt
Do you want to rob me again?--You've done it once,
human
Very well, David. I won't do it again. I won't hurt you again. I will do whatever you tell me.
gpt
Elizabeth, he is selfish and wicked! David, have you no manhood? Shame on you! Contempt seemed her last resource; it did not touch him.
human
Wait two days, she implored him;
gpt
I told you we are going to-morrow,
human
Suppose, Helena Richie was saying--
gpt
And, his mother said,
human
Mother!
gpt
Men do tire of such women, Elizabeth. What then?
human
I am not afraid of that,
gpt
I'm not afraid that he will tire of me,
human
I was not afraid of that, once, myself.