human
I think, he said with mock severity,
gpt
Did he bore you very badly?
human
We have had guests here whom I'd rather entertain; but for your aunt's sake I try to be civil. After all, we have known the man for a long while.
gpt
I feel that we have been very patient in putting up with him! He's insufferable!
human
Ah! said Frobisher, taking out a cigar.
gpt
Then you didn't happen to be here by accident? Sit down and we'll have a talk.
human
I have something to tell you, she said with an effort.
gpt
Mappin asked me to marry him a little while ago.
human
It strikes me as curious that this is the first I've heard of it.
gpt
I was ashamed to tell you, Geraldine admitted, shyly.
human
I felt degraded. Besides, you must have guessed----
gpt
Yes. I had some idea of the man's ambitions; in my opinion, he's too cold-blooded to be influenced by any more tender sentiment. We'll take it for granted that you refused him. Nowadays it seems to be a father's business to sanction and not to interfere; but I really think if you had wanted to marry the fellow I'd have been as firm as adamant. However, this is not to the purpose. Why do you tell me about it now?
human
You'll see presently. But try to remember that he has other feelings than avarice. The man's unscrupulous and full of savage cruelty.
gpt
Well?
human
To begin with, will you read this? It's from Ethel Hillyard, whom I met in London. You have heard me speak of her.