human
I feel rather sorry for Albee.
gpt
You mean you don't think he's a worm?
human
Oh, yes, I think he is just as you represent him! I feel sorry for people whose faults make them comic and defenseless. After all, Albee has great abilities. You don't care a bit for those, because he turns out not to be perfect. And who are you, my dear, to demand perfection?
gpt
I don't! I don't, cried Lydia eagerly.
human
Oh, Eleanor, men are fortunate! Apparently they can fall in love without a bit respecting you--all the more if they don't--but a woman must believe a man has something superior about him, if it is only his wickedness. I don't demand perfection--not a bit--but I do ask that a man's faults should not be contemptible faults; that he should have some force and snap; that he should be at least a man.
gpt
That doesn't seem to please you always either.
human
You're thinking of Ilseboro. I did like Ilseboro, though he was such a bully.
gpt
No, I was thinking of Dan.
human
Of Dan?
gpt
Dan O'Bannon.
human
Oh, it's got as far as being 'Dan' now, has it?
gpt
You dislike him for these very qualities you say you demand, Eleanor went on--
human
Strength and force! What I really dislike about him, Eleanor dear, is that you take him so seriously. I can't bear to see you making yourself ridiculous about any man.
gpt
I don't feel I make myself ridiculous, thank you.
human
I don't mean you'd ever be undignified, but it is ridiculous for a woman of your attainment and position to take that young Irishman so seriously--a country lawyer. Why, I can't bear to name you in the same breath!
gpt
He'll be here in a few minutes.
human
Here? Lydia sprang up.
gpt
I'm off then!
human
I wish you wouldn't go. If you saw more of him you'd change your opinion of him.
gpt
If I saw more of him I'd insult him. Send for my car, will you? No, no, Eleanor! I know I'm right about this--really, I am. Some day you'll come to agree with me.
human
Or you with me,