human
When I remember what you used to think and what you used to be to us all, in the old days at Dunaghee, I feel bitterly pained at what you are doing, Hadria. You don't know where it may lead to, and besides it seems so beneath you in every way.
gpt
Appeals to the conscience! cried Hadria,
human
I knew they would begin!
gpt
You knew _what_ would begin?
human
Appeals, exhortations to forego the sole remaining interest, opportunity, or amusement that is left one! Ah, dear Algitha, I know you mean it kindly and I admire you for speaking out, but I am not going to be cajoled in that way! I am not going to be turned back and set tramping along the stony old road, so long as I can find a pleasanter by-way to loiter in. It sounds bad I know. Our drill affects us to the last, through every fibre. My duty! By what authority do people choose for me my duty? If I can be forced to abide by their decision in the matter, let them be satisfied with their power to coerce me, but let them leave my conscience alone. It does not dance to their piping.
gpt
But you cannot care for this sort of excitement, Hadria.
human
If I can get nothing else----?
gpt
Even then, I can't see what you can find in it to make you willing to sink from your old ideals.
human
Ideals! A woman with ideals is like a drowning creature with a mill-stone round its neck! I have had enough of ideals!
gpt
It is a sad day to me when I hear you say so, Hadria!
human
Algitha, there is just one solitary weapon that _can't_ be taken from a woman--and so it is considerately left to her. Ah, it is a dangerous toy when brandished dexterously! Sometimes it sends a man or two away howling. Our pastors and masters have a wholesome dread of the murderous thing--and what wails, and satires, and lamentations it inspires! Consult the literature of all lands and ages! Heaven-piercing! The only way of dealing with the awkward dilemma is to get the woman persuaded to be 'good,' and to lay down her weapon of her own accord, and let it rust. How many women have been so persuaded! Not I!
gpt
I know, and I understand how you feel; but oh, Hadria, _this_ is not the way to fight, _this_ will bring no good to anyone. And as for admiration, the admiration of men--why, you know it is not worth having--of this sort.
human
Oh, do I not know it! It is less than worthless. But I am not seeking anything of permanent value; I am seeking excitement, and the superficial satisfaction of brandishing the weapon that everyone would be charmed to see me lay in the dust. I _won't_ lay it down to please anybody. Dear me, it will soon rust of its own accord. You might as well ask some luckless warrior who stands at bay, facing overwhelming odds, to yield up his sword and leave himself defenceless. It is an insult to one's common sense.