human
This is a case for me, Major Campbell. I think you had better go now.
gpt
You will not leave him?
human
No, sir. It is a very curious psychological study, and he is a Whitbury man.
gpt
Mr. Vavasour, I am going to the war, from which I expect never to return. If you believe me, give me your hand before I go.
human
I wish to die at peace with you and all the world. I am innocent in word, in thought. I shall not insult another person by saying that she is so. If you believe me, give me your hand.
gpt
Is he gone?
human
Yes.
gpt
Does she--does she care for him?
human
Good heavens! How did you ever dream such an absurdity?
gpt
She has been ill?
human
Is ill. She has lost her child.
gpt
Which?
human
A boy whom she should have had.
gpt
Give me the bottle, Tom!
human
What bottle?
gpt
The laudanum;--there in the cupboard.
human
I shall do no such thing. You are poisoning yourself.
gpt
Let me then! I must, I tell you! I can live on nothing else. I shall go mad if I do not have it. I should have been mad by now. Nothing else keeps off these fits;--I feel one coming now. Curse you! give me the bottle!
human
What fits?
gpt
How do I know? Agony and torture--ever since I got wet on that mountain.
human
I tell you it turns every bone to red-hot iron!
gpt
Neuralgia; rheumatic, I suppose, said Tom to himself.
human
Well, this is not the thing to cure you: but you shall have it to keep you quiet.
gpt
More, I tell you, more!
human
Not more while you are with me.
gpt
With you! Who the devil sent you here?
human
John Briggs, John Briggs, if I did not mean you good, should I be here now? Now do, like a reasonable man, tell me what you intend to do.
gpt
What is that to you, or any man?
human
No concern of mine, of course: but your poor wife--you must see her.
gpt
I can't, I won't!--that is, not yet! I tell you I cannot face the thought of her, much less the sight of her, and her family,--that Valencia! I'd rather the earth should open and swallow me! Don't talk to me, I say!