human
You mean there would be publicity, political advantage, in sending a person in my position to prison?
gpt
Don't be perverse, Lydia. I mean that, more than most men, he will see his duty is to treat you as he would any criminal. You make it difficult for me to tell you something that I must tell you. Mr. O'Bannon feels, I'm afraid, a certain amount of antagonism toward you.
human
Do you remember after dinner at the Piers' you told me about the policeman you had bribed? You asked me not to tell, but I'm sorry--I can't tell you how sorry--that I did tell. I told Dan. I would give a good deal if I hadn't, but----
gpt
My dear, Lydia laughed, but without friendliness,
human
It makes a great deal of difference. It made him furious against you. He felt you were debauching a young man trying to do his duty.
gpt
What a prig you make that man out, Eleanor! But what of it?
human
I got an impression, Lydia--I don't know how--that it turned him against you; that he will be less inclined to be pitiful.
gpt
Pitiful! cried Lydia.
human
Since when have I asked Dan O'Bannon for pity? Let him do his duty, and my lawyers will do theirs; and let me tell you, Eleanor, you and he will be disappointed in the results.
gpt
I think you must take back that 'you,' Lydia.
human
Well, you say your friend wants to convict me, and you want your friend to succeed, I suppose. That is success for him, getting people to prison, isn't it? She began this in one of her most irritating tones; and then she suddenly repented and, putting her hand on Eleanor's shoulder, she added,
gpt
Eleanor, I'm all on edge. Thank you a lot for coming. I think I will go back and tell what you've said to old Wiley.