human
Valeria is here till the day after to-morrow, she said.
gpt
She has gone for a walk, and has probably forgotten the tea-hour but I hope you will see her.
human
I want to find out what her plans are. It would be pleasant to come across one another abroad. I wish you were coming too.
gpt
Ah, so do I.
human
I suppose it's impossible.
gpt
Absolutely.
human
For the mind, there is no tonic like travel,
gpt
It must be a sovereign cure for egoism.
human
If anything will cure that disease.
gpt
You believe it is quite incurable?
human
If it is constitutional.
gpt
Don't you think that sometimes people grow egoistic through having to fight incessantly for existence--I mean for individual existence?
human
It certainly is the instinct of moral self-preservation. It corresponds to the raised arm when a blow threatens.
gpt
One has the choice between egoism and extinction.
human
It almost amounts to that. Perhaps, after long experience and much suffering, the individuality may become secure, and the armour no longer necessary, but this is a bitter process. Most people become extinct, and then congratulate themselves on self-conquest.
gpt
Yes, I suppose so, said Hadria musingly.
human
How dangerous it is to congratulate oneself on anything! One never is so near to folly as then.
gpt
I think you are disposed, at present, to criticise yourself too mercilessly,
human
No; that would be difficult.
gpt
Your conscience may accuse you severely, but who of us escapes such accusations? Be a little charitable with yourself, as you would with others. Life, you know, is not such an easy game to play. Beginners must make wrong moves now and then.
human
It sounds so mild when you put it like that. But I am not a beginner. I am quite a veteran, yet I am not seasoned. My impulses are more imperious, more blinding than I had the least idea of. (The words hastened on.)
gpt
Life comes and pulls one by the sleeve; stirs, prompts, bewilders, tempts in a thousand ways; emotion rises in whirlwinds--and one is confused, and reels and gropes and stumbles, and then some cruel, clear day one awakes to find the print of intoxicated footsteps in the precincts of the sanctuary, and recognises oneself as desecrator.