human
My business with Mr. Guion, Colonel, has been private. I hope you won't mind if we leave it so.
gpt
Not a bit, my dear fellow. Of course it's private--only not as regards Miss Guion and me. You simply _must_ allow us to say how grateful we are for your help, even though it need be no more than temporary.
human
Temporary?
gpt
You have no objection, I presume, to that?
human
If Mr. Guion is ever in a position to pay me back, Davenant said, slowly, in some bewilderment,
gpt
Quite so; and I think I may say that with a little time--let us say a year--we shall be able to meet--
human
It's a good bit of money,
gpt
I know that; but if you'll give us a little leeway--as I know you will--
human
He means, Olivia spoke up,
gpt
I don't want that,
human
But I do. It's a point of honor with me not to let another man shoulder--
gpt
And it's a point of honor with me, Rupert--
human
To stand by me,
gpt
I can't see it that way. What you propose is entirely against my judgment. It's fantastic; it's unreal. I want you to understand that if you attempted to carry it out I shouldn't marry you. Whatever the consequences either to you or to me--_I shouldn't marry you_.
human
And if I didn't attempt it? Would you marry me then?
gpt
Yes, she said at last.
human
If you'll promise to let this wild project drop, I'll marry you whenever you like. I'll waive all the other difficulties--
gpt
I think I must say good-by now, Miss Guion--
human
No; wait, Ashley commanded.
gpt
This matter concerns you, by Jove!
human
No; it doesn't, Rupert,
gpt
No; it doesn't, Davenant repeated after her.
human
It's not my affair. I decline to be brought into it. I think I must say good-by now, Miss Guion--
gpt
Listen, will you! Ashley said, impatiently.
human
I'm not going to say anything either of you need be afraid of. I'm only asking you to do me the justice of trying to see things from my point of view. You may think it forced or artificial or anything you please; but unfortunately, as an officer and a gentleman, I've got to take it. The position you'd put me in would be this--of playing a game--and a jolly important game at that--in which the loser loses to me on purpose.
gpt
In the long run it pays,