human
I give you my word I was never more taken aback in my life, he protested.
gpt
As it happened I was just thinking about old times, observing that some family is moving into your former house. But I had no notion of meeting you. Positively I am unable to grasp the fact. I have not a word to say to you, because I require to say so much. I know there is a great deal which needs explanation on my part. And then your calling me by my name, too! I declare it went right through me, as a voice from the grave might.
human
Put aside explanations, Iglesias replied indulgently.
gpt
You are not going to quarrel with me any more--let that suffice.
human
No, I cannot quarrel with you any more. I am sure I don't know whether it is unprincipled or not, but I cannot do it.
gpt
If it is unprincipled I must just let it go. he said, quite recklessly.
human
I cannot help myself. I give you my word, Dominic, I have held out as long as I could.
gpt
I cannot but believe you will find the consequences of renewed intercourse with me less damaging than you suppose,
human
That is what the wife says, the other man stated.
gpt
She has veered round completely in her opinion, has the wife. I do not understand why, except that Mrs. Porcher and Miss Hart and she seem to have fallen out. The workings of females' minds are very difficult to follow, even after years of marriage, you know, Dominic. Opposition to one of their own sex will make them warmly embrace opinions you supposed were just those which they most strongly condemned. She has taken a very high tone, for some time past, about the Cedar Lodge ladies, has the wife. And when I came in, the evening of her last at-home day, I found her sadly upset at having heard from one of them that you were about to leave. She implied that I was to blame; whereas I can truthfully say my conduct throughout has been largely influenced by the fear of hurting her feelings. The speaker looked helplessly at Mr. Iglesias.
human
Of course we do not expect the same reticence in speech from females we require of ourselves. Still, such unfounded accusations are rather galling.
gpt
I cannot be otherwise than very grateful to Mrs. Lovegrove for espousing my cause, you see, Iglesias replied. This confused and gentle being, struggling with the complexities of friendship, religious prejudice, and feminine methods and amenities, was wholly moving.
human
Circumstances have arisen which have made me decide to give up my rooms at Cedar Lodge. To-night is the last upon which I shall occupy them. But I do not wish Mrs. Lovegrove to be under any misapprehension regarding my hostess and her companion. I have nothing to complain of. During my long residence they have treated me with courtesy and consideration. I wish them nothing but good. Still the time has come, I feel, for leaving Cedar Lodge.