human
Oh! she exclaimed,
gpt
I shouldn't have told you, I have only set you against him. I should have believed Oliver when he said that no one must know.
human
You need not fear me, said the young man gravely.
gpt
I mayn't be able to help, but you may be sure I will never betray your trust. And if I can't help, perhaps I may at least advise.
human
If there is any way by which we could save him from disgrace,
gpt
But if I understand you rightly, that is just what Mr Trent has promised to do?
human
Yes, she said at last with an effort.
gpt
You are right. I don't know why I appealed to you. Forget it, and don't let us say any more.
human
You must let me give you my advice, he said kindly.
gpt
It will not be the same as Mr Trent's, and I fear you mayn't like it so well, but if I had a brother in the same position as your brother, I should not rest until--
human
Until--?
gpt
Until I had induced him to make a clean breast of it.
human
You mean to us?
gpt
No: I mean to his employers.
human
But that is the very disgrace we are trying to avoid! she cried with a sharp ring in her voice.
gpt
It is cruel to mock me with such words. Why, why that is the worst that could happen, and you speak of it as calmly as if--
human
Mock you! cried Jack, hurt in his turn.
gpt
Have I ever said anything which should make you think me such a brute? At least hear me until I have explained myself. This affair, whatever it is, if it is covered up and concealed in the manner in which you have hinted, will hang over your heads with a never-ending dread. Something may always bring it to light, and your brother will be haunted by fear of it. But if he takes courage and speaks openly, his employers will be at once half won over, I am sure of it; they will think of his youth, of his inexperience--even business men have hearts, Miss Masters. Believe me, it is the most honourable way.