human
Oh, you wouldn't! you wouldn't! Don't make me feel that I have done such a dreadful thing! If you fought a duel about me I should die. There is no need. I will promise never to marry any one--ever. I will do it willingly, gladly. Isn't that enough? What more can I do? Only tell me, and don't do such a wicked, unchristian thing.
gpt
For pity's sake, Hal--you have the gift of the gab,
human
Play up to me, then, muttered Gerrard in response, and spoke aloud and cheerfully.
gpt
My dear Miss Cinnamond, pray don't distress yourself. My friend Charteris and I have no intention whatever of fighting a duel. There has been a--a temporary misunderstanding between us, but it is absolutely cleared up, I assure you.
human
And as for the promise which you are good enough to offer to make, we should regret it more than any one else, because, you see, we both hope you will marry one of us,
gpt
I shall never marry any one, said Honour remorsefully.
human
I have done too much harm already.
gpt
Harm? oh, nonsense!--if you'll forgive me for saying so, returned Charteris.
human
It's done Gerrard and me a lot of good, hasn't it, my boy? (Why don't you back me up, surly?) We shall thank you for it yet--like eels getting used to being skinned, you know----
gpt
On my honour, Miss Cinnamond, said Gerrard, fearing the heights of metaphor to which his friend's ardour might carry him,
human
Couldn't have put it better myself, said Charteris, with enthusiasm.
gpt
Fire away, Hal.
human
But nothing is farther from our thoughts than to cause pain or anxiety to a lady whom we both admire and respect so highly, went on Gerrard, in his best manner.
gpt
We have made up our minds not to suffer our friendship to be broken by attempts to supplant each other secretly, and if at length one of us is so happy as to win your regard, the other will bow absolutely to your decision.
human
Question! said Charteris sharply, but at the sight of returning anxiety in Honour's eyes, he capitulated.
gpt
And if it would give you any pleasure to see us shake hands, Miss Cinnamond, the word is with you.
human
It would, indeed,