human
I am in trouble,
gpt
About what?
human
Mr. Elliott, said the lady, with solemn impressiveness,
gpt
An awful thing indeed,
human
I want to talk with you about a matter that distresses me deeply,
gpt
If I can help you, I shall do so gladly, replied the clergyman.
human
What is the ground of your trouble?
gpt
You remember Mr. Ridley?
human
Yes, he replied, in a husky whisper. But he rallied himself with an effort and asked,
gpt
What of him?
human
Mr. Ridley had been intemperate before coming to the city, but after settling here he kept himself free from his old bad habits, and was fast regaining the high position he had lost. I met his wife a number of times. She was a very superior woman; and the more I saw of her, the more I was drawn to her. We sent them cards for our party last winter. Mrs. Ridley was sick and could not come. Mr. Ridley came, and--and-- Mrs. Birtwell lost her voice for a moment, then added:
gpt
You know what I would say. We put the cup to his lips, we tempted him with wine, and he fell.
human
He fell, she added as soon as she could recover herself,
gpt
But you did it ignorantly,
human
There was no intention on your part to betray him. You did not know that your friend was his deadly foe.
gpt
My friend?
human
The wine, I mean. While to you and me it may be only a pleasant and cheery friend, to one like Mr. Ridley it may be the deadliest of enemies.
gpt
An enemy to most people, I fear, returned Mrs. Birtwell,
human
He fell, resumed Mrs. Birtwell,
gpt
People say a great many things, returned Mr. Elliott,
human
No. I've been afraid to ask him.
gpt
It might relieve your mind.
human
Do you think I would feel any better if he said yea instead of nay? No, Mr. Elliott. I am afraid to question him.
gpt
It's a sad affair, remarked the clergyman, gloomily,
human
Don't say hopeless, Mr. Elliott. responded Mrs. Birtwell, her voice still more troubled.
gpt
Until a man is dead he is not wholly lost. The hand of God is not stayed, and he can save to the uttermost.
human
No, no, no, Mr. Elliott. I cannot, I will not, believe it, was the strongly-uttered reply of Mrs. Birtwell.
gpt
I do not believe that any man can fall below this potent sphere.