human
You wouldn't be the first I've seen pop off, she assured him.
gpt
There have been a number, and I've never cried very much. I'd rather see a man die than some animals. But I shouldn't like to see YOU do it. Does that comfort you--like the woman you prayed the Lord for?
human
It does, gasped Kent.
gpt
But why the devil, Miss Marette--
human
Marette,
gpt
Yes, Marette--why the devil have you come to see me at just the moment I'm due to explode? And what's your other name, and how old are you, and what do you want of me?
human
I haven't any other name, I'm twenty, and I came to get acquainted with you and see what you are like.
gpt
Bully! exclaimed Kent.
human
We're getting there fast! And now, why?
gpt
Because you have lied so splendidly to save another man who was about to die.
human
Et tu, Brute! sighed Kent, leaning back against his pillows.
gpt
Isn't it possible for a decent man to kill another man and not be called a liar when he tells about it? Why do so many believe that I lie?
human
They don't, said the girl.
gpt
They believe you--now. You have gone so completely into the details of the murder in your confession that they are quite convinced. It would be too bad if you lived, for you surely would be hanged. Your lie sounds and reads like the truth. But I know it is a lie. You did not kill John Barkley.
human
And the reason for your suspicion?
gpt
Because I know the man who DID kill him, she said quietly,
human
Has some one else been confessing?
gpt
Did you--er--see this other gentleman kill John Barkley?
human
No.
gpt
Then I must answer you as I have answered at least one other. I killed John Barkley. If you suspect some other person, your suspicion is wrong.
human
What a splendid liar! she breathed softly.
gpt
Don't you believe in God?
human
In a large, embracing sense, yes, he said.
gpt
I believe in Him, for instance, as revealed to our senses in all that living, growing glory you see out there through the window Nature and I have become pretty good pals, and you see I've sort of built up a mother goddess to worship instead of a he-god. Sacrilege, maybe, but it's a great comfort at times. But you didn't come to talk religion?