human
I changed my attitude toward him. Before that I'd been hostile and insolent, and then--and then--I grew humble. Yes, Aunt Vic--humble. I grew more than humble. I came to feel--well, as you might feel if you'd struck a great St. Bernard dog who'd been rescuing you in the snow. There's something about him that makes you think of a St. Bernard--so big and true and loyal--
gpt
Did you ever think he might be in love with you?
human
Yes. I was afraid he was advancing the money on that account. I felt so right up to--to a few days ago.
gpt
And what happened then?
human
Drusilla told me he'd said he--wasn't.
gpt
Did you think he'd fallen in love with you all of a sudden when he came that night to dinner?
human
I'd known him before. He asked me to marry him years ago. And something happened. I hardly know how to tell you. I didn't answer him.
gpt
Didn't answer him?
human
I got up and walked away, right in the middle of--of what he was trying to tell me.
gpt
Ti-ens! And you had to take his money after all?
human
Ça c'est trop fort, the old lady went on.
gpt
You're quite right then when you say you'll never be able to pay him off, even if you get rid of him. But he's paid _you_ off, hasn't he? It's a more beautiful situation than I fancied. He didn't tell me that.
human
He didn't tell you? Who?
gpt
Your papa, the old lady said, promptly.
human
It's perfectly lovely, isn't it? I should think when you meet him you must feel frightfully ashamed. Don't you?
gpt
I should if there wasn't something about him that--
human
And you'll never get over it, the old lady went on, pitilessly,
gpt
Of course, Aunt Vic.
human
If he were to back out that would be another thing. But as it is you've got to swallow your humiliation, with regard to this Davenant. Or, rather, you can't swallow it. You've simply got to live on it, so to speak. You'll never be able to forget for an hour of the day that you treated a man like that--and then took his money, will you? It isn't exactly like striking a St. Bernard who's rescuing you in the snow. It's like beating him first and then having him come and save you afterward. Oh, la la! Quelle drôle de chose que la vie! Well, it's a good thing we can return his money, at the least.
gpt
You're so good about that, dear Aunt Vic. I didn't understand I was to have it when I couldn't see my way to--to--
human
To marry Berteuil. That's all over and done with. I see you weren't made for life in the real world. Anyhow, she added, taking a virtuous air,
gpt
He's out in Michigan, at a little place called Stoughton.
human
Then send for him.
gpt
I'm not sure we can get him. Cousin Cherry has written to him three times since he went away, and he doesn't answer.
human
Cousin Cherry! What a goose! Who'd ever think she was the pretty Charlotte Hawke that Rodney Temple fell in love with. What's the matter with you, over here, that you all grow old at a minute's notice, so to speak? I never saw such a lot of frumps as the women who used to be my own contemporaries. Rodney and I were very good friends once. If I could only have settled down in humdrum old Waverton--but we'll let bygones be bygones, and send for your man.
gpt
I'll ask Cousin Cherry to write to him again.
human
Stuff, dear. That won't do any good. Wire him yourself, and tell him I'm here.
gpt
Oh, but, Aunt Vic, dear.