human
Appalled is scarcely the word. Of course, it was a blow to me; but I hope I know how to take a blow without flinching.
gpt
Oh, but one like this--
human
We're able to bear it. What makes you think we can't? If we didn't try, we should probably involve ourselves in worse.
gpt
But how could there be worse?
human
That's what I don't know. You see, when my father told me of your kind offer, he didn't tell me what you wanted.
gpt
Did he say I wanted anything?
human
He said you hadn't asked for anything. That's what leaves us so much in the dark.
gpt
Isn't it conceivable--
human
Not that it matters, she interrupted, hurriedly.
gpt
Of course, if we had anything with which to compensate you--anything adequate, that is--I don't say that we shouldn't consider seriously the suggestion you were good enough to make. But we haven't. As I understand it, we haven't anything at all. That settles the question definitely. I hope you see.
human
Isn't it conceivable, he persisted,
gpt
Without asking for an equivalent in return? Possibly. But in this case it would only make it harder for me.
human
How so?
gpt
By putting me under an overwhelming obligation to a total stranger--an obligation that I couldn't bear, while still less could I do away with it.
human
I don't see, he reasoned,
gpt
At present, she corrected,
human
Who are total strangers, just like me.
gpt
Not total strangers just like you--but total strangers whom I don't know, and don't know anything about, and who become impersonal from their very numbers.
human
But you know Mrs. Rodman and Mrs. Clay. They're not impersonal.