human
You know all--all,
gpt
Yes, if you mean that your husband lives.
human
It is true, then--it is true ; she tottered to the sofa, and cast herself down with passionate emotion.
gpt
Say that it is true!
human
I think so. But how do you know?
gpt
Did you not get my letter saying that I had had a shock, and intended to consult Mr. Hall?
human
Yes; but you did not explain.
gpt
I could not, seeing the position it places you in.
human
Never mind me. If Jim is alive, he takes the title. So this man came to you.
gpt
He did, and tried to extort money. Because I refused he hinted that he would buy your silence. I never thought that he would dare to go to Firmingham; but when you entered, a look told me all. But can you believe this story--it seems incredible?
human
The police do not think so,
gpt
The police!
human
Of course. This scoundrel came to Firmingham, and said that if I gave him three thousand pounds he would keep Jim away from England so that I could enjoy the title. I learned the truth about this conspiracy of Dr. Demetrius, and then had Captain Strange arrested. To-day a policeman brought him to London. He is in prison.
gpt
Serve him right, the brute. Did he not tell you how he threatened me?
human
No; I never guessed that he had come to you.
gpt
But he did, and said that if I gave him two thousand pounds he would bring Jim back. Failing me, he tried you at a higher price. I should have had him arrested, Mr. Hall says, but I could not. I was bewildered--quite bewildered. It seems incredible. Oh, Lionel, --she laid her hand imploringly on his sleeve--
human
I fear that he did. The man, as every one in London knows, was madly in love with you.
gpt
I never encouraged him--really I didn't.
human
No, said Lionel, bluntly.
gpt
I do not think he was rich enough for you to encourage.
human
How can you think so badly of me?
gpt
Because you are all self--you admitted that long ago. To do you justice, I think you were a good wife to Jim.
human
I _am_ a good wife. Don't make me out to be the widow I am not. Of course, this story must be false,
gpt
I think not--it is too circumstantial. And moreover, this man, who appears to be illiterate, could not invent such a tale. Plainly the Russian, who seemed to be clever, conspired to get rid of Jim, so that you might be induced to marry him.
human
As though I would ever do such a thing! I told you at Firmingham that I had no intention of marrying. I daresay Jim and I will come together again, and be very happy.
gpt
I hope so--I trust so, said Lionel, with solemn emphasis.
human
Remember, God is giving you another chance.
gpt
I made very good use of the last one, she retorted sullenly.
human
Jim was always to blame, and not I. I suppose this insurance money will have to be given back.
gpt
Certainly. You can hardly complain of that, seeing the income you will now receive.
human
Jim will, you mean. I expect he'll turn out a screw now that he is rich. Your spendthrifts are always old misers. And I don't see why you should be nasty. I'm sure I have had a miserable time.
gpt
You will have a happy one now,
human
With Jim? she cried derisively.
gpt
How optimistic you are!
human
Surely I have a right to be, when God is so good to you.
gpt
God, she echoed, vaguely, and thinking of the obliging fetish.
human
Oh yes, of course. I'm awfully thankful. The insurance money would not have lasted for ever, and I might not have found so manageable a husband as Jim. Things will be jolly now.
gpt
Is that as high as you can rise?
human
Oh, Lord, what do you want me to say? cried Leah, with the causeless anger of the overwrought.
gpt
I can't think of pious proverbs when I am like this. What with supposed deaths and real deaths, and nothing but funerals to amuse one, I don't know if I am on my head or my heels. There, that's vulgar, and you needn't look disgusted if it is. I feel vulgar. I could run out and howl up and down Curzon Street like a Whitechapel woman in a tantrum. And if you preach,--if you--you---- Oh, what fools men are!