human
You first, Honor.
gpt
No. She was trembling.
human
We'll pour it out into a pitcher. If there's enough to divide, we'll all have some. If there's just a little, we'll give it to Mr. King. She went away, walking a little unsteadily, putting out a hand here and there against the wall or the back of a chair, and in a moment she came back with a tall glass pitcher.
gpt
Careful, Cartie ... mustn't spill a drop....
human
Only enough for him, said Honor, her chin quivering.
gpt
Oh, Cartie, I'm so thirsty ... so crazy thirsty....
human
You must take it yourself, said Carter, sternly.
gpt
Every drop.
human
Cartie, I couldn't trust myself to drink it out of the pitcher ... I'm afraid ... but I'll pour out about two teaspoonfuls for each of us.... She poured an inch of water into a tiny glass.
gpt
You first, Carter.
human
No, said Carter,
gpt
I'm not going to touch it. It's for you and the Kings.
human
Carter! You're wonderful! She drank her pitiful portion in three sips.
gpt
There ... now you, please, Cartie! Just one swallow!
human
No; I don't need it. Shall I take this to Mrs. King?
gpt
Yes.
human
Thank you, Carter. It's very splendid of you. Won't you take a sip for yourself?
gpt
You do look fresher, really. You've stood this thing extraordinarily well. Did you give Honor some?
human
She would take only a taste.
gpt
This is a black night for her, Carter. The thirst--and the _insurrectos_--are the least of it for Honor.
human
But she had to know it some time. She had to find it out, sooner or later. She couldn't have gone on with it, Mrs. King.
gpt
I never was so astounded, so disappointed in all my life. One simply cannot take it in. He has been so absolutely steady ever since he came down,--and so fine all through this trouble! And to fail us now, when we need him so,--with Honor in such danger-- She gave her husband the last of the water and then laid on his forehead the damp handkerchief through which she had strained it.
human
It will break his uncle's heart. He was no end proud of him.
gpt
She had to know it some time, said Carter, stubbornly.
human
Is there anything I can do, Mrs. King?
gpt
Nothing, Carter.
human
Then I'll go back to Honor.
gpt
Carter, I--I'm frightfully sorry for you, too.
human
I'm quite all right, thank you.
gpt
You are quite all wretched, she said,
human
Ah, said the Englishwoman, gently,
gpt
Carter, she whispered,
human
I wish I'd asked you to give Jimsy a taste of that water.
gpt
You think he deserves it?
human
No, she answered him honestly.
gpt
I don't think he deserves it ... but he needs it.