human
Lady Rosaline, said Cyril Maxon, as he put down his empty teacup,
gpt
(Mr. Attlebury would hardly have referred to it as an episode.)
human
The future is my concern now. I took the action I did take on the fullest consideration, and I'm glad to think, from what you said in Paris, that it had your approval. He paused a moment.
gpt
I hope I'm not wrong in thinking that you understood why I took it, when once I had made up my mind that it was permissible?
human
Oh, you mustn't make too much of what I said in Paris. I'm no authority. I left it to you.
gpt
The question of permissibility--naturally. But the other altogether? Well, never mind that. He rose from his chair and stood by her.
human
You must know that it was for your sake that I took the step I did?
gpt
Before the world we must remain as we are for the present. But it would make a vast difference to me, during this time of waiting, to know that I--that I could rely on you, Rosaline. You can have no doubt of my feelings, though I have exercised self-restraint. I love you, and I want you to be my wife as soon as possible.
human
Well, it's not possible at present, is it?
gpt
No. But there's no reason why we shouldn't have a perfect understanding between ourselves.
human
Wouldn't it make gossip, and perhaps raise awkward questions, if we--well, if we arranged anything definitely now--before the time's up?
gpt
It would be quite between ourselves. There could be no questions. There would be no difference in our present relations--we should neither of us wish that. But the future would be secure.
human
I can't see the good of being engaged now, if it's to make no difference,
gpt
It'll make an enormous difference in my feelings. I think you know that.
human
It seems to me to set up rather a--rather a difficult state of things. You know how much I like you--but why shouldn't we both be free till the time comes?
gpt
I have no desire to be free. His voice grew rather harsh.
human
I didn't know that you had. In Paris----
gpt
Well, what did I say in Paris after all? You never said in Paris what you're saying now! If you had--well, I should have told you that I wasn't at all ready to give a decision. And I'm not ready now. I want this time of waiting to make up my mind. You're trying to drive me into saying 'Yes' before I'm ready. What's the good of that, even to you? Because what prevents me from changing my mind in the next six months--even if you make me say 'Yes' to you now?
human
I took an important--and to me a difficult--step in reliance on your feelings towards me. I seem to have been mistaken about them.
gpt
Don't say that, Cyril. But why must I give up my liberty long before--well, long before I can get anything instead of it? She smiled again, propitiating him.
human
Let me go abroad, anyhow. I'll try to tell you when I come back. There!
gpt
I confess to thinking that you had practically told me long ago. On the faith of that, I acted.
human
You've not the smallest right to say that. I liked you and let you see it. I never pledged myself.
gpt
Not in words, I allow.
human
Cyril, your insinuation isn't justifiable. I resent it. Whatever I may have felt, I have said and done nothing that I mightn't have with anybody.
gpt
With Thrapston, for instance?
human
Oh, how absurd! I've never so much as thought of Sir Axel in that way! As she spoke, she glanced at the clock. No, there was plenty of time. She did not desire an encounter between the two this afternoon. She rose and stood by Maxon.
gpt
You're being rather exacting and--and tyrannical, my lord, she said.
human
I don't think I like you so much to-day. You almost bully me--indeed you do!
gpt
I did it for you.
human
Oh, it's not fair to put that on me! Indeed it isn't. But, please, don't let's quarrel. It's really such a little thing I ask--not much more than a month to think it over--when nothing can happen for more than six! Indeed, I think a year would--well, would look better for both of us.
gpt
Oh, make it two years--make it five!
human
Cyril, if you go on like this, I'll make it never--here, now, and for good!
gpt
It's only because I love you.
human
Yes, but you needn't be like a bear making love, she retorted pettishly. Yet, to a certain extent, she was appeased by the apology; and she by no means wanted to 'make it never' then and there. His rudeness and his apology together gave her a tactical advantage which she was not slow to use.
gpt
But if you do love me as you say, you won't refuse what I ask of you, she went on. Then she indulged him with a touch of sentiment.
human
If I say 'Yes,' I want to say it without any doubt--with my whole heart, Cyril. 'Yes' now wouldn't be what it ought to be between you and me.
gpt
As great friends as you like! she threw in, smiling. As friends, too, they parted on this occasion; for when he offered to embrace her, she held out her hand gracefully, saying,
human
That'll do for to-day, I think, Cyril.
gpt
If she throws me over now----