human
Tom, she said,
gpt
I will ride the chestnut, Bowline, to that fence some day. It will be a big steeplechase. He winced, but answered slowly.
human
You have meant to say that for a long time past. I am glad it has been said at last.
gpt
Yes, it has been in my mind often--often, she said.
human
It's a horrible thought, he gravely replied;
gpt
Dare, dare, she answered, springing to her feet, and a shuddering sigh broke from her.
human
The thing itself is easy enough, Tom.
gpt
And why haven't you done it?
human
Because, she answered,
gpt
Oh, as to that, he said--
human
You don't care a straw, she said sharply,
gpt
Care! Good God! Care! . . . What's the use of caring? It's been all a mistake; all wrong.
human
That is no news, she said wearily.
gpt
You discovered that long ago.
human
I haven't any hope left now, Alice. Let's be plain with each other. We've always been plain, but let us be plainer still. There are those rice fields out there, that banana plantation, and the sugar-cane stretching back as far as the valley goes--it's all mine, all mine. I worked hard for it. I had only one wish with it all, one hope through it all, and it was, that when I brought you here as my wife, you would come to love me--some time. Well, I've waited, and waited. It hasn't come. We're as far apart to- day as we were the day I married you. Farther, for I had hope then, but I've no hope now, none at all.