human
If there is no other reason for your actions, sir, than my love for Elizabeth your opposition may as well be withdrawn right here and now. Otherwise, I shall marry Elizabeth against your will.
gpt
It seems to me, young man, that you are quite sure of yourself about something you can't do. I admire your nerve, --the Elder was pulling out each word with violent tugs at the side-whiskers,--
human
You mean that you offer me no other alternative than to fight this through to a finish?
gpt
I offer you no alternative whatsoever. I command you to remain away from my daughter.
human
And I refuse to obey any such order unless you give some just and adequate reason.
gpt
I shall give you reason enough. Why did you stop with that little bit of family history where you did?
human
I had nothing to add of any importance.
gpt
You do not think it of importance to tell us what that confining work was your father did in Australia?
human
I haven't the slightest idea. If Mother ever told me I was so very young that I have forgotten.
gpt
Perhaps your mother wished to spare you. If so, I do not intend to tell you at this late hour in your life. But what he did is sufficient reason for my forbidding you to carry your attentions any further.
human
Father, this is getting really ridiculous, declared his daughter.
gpt
We love each other, and that fact is greater than all else. Not one word which you may say against Mack's people will make the slightest difference with me.
human
My dear child, if I dared tell you one-tenth of the truth,--but I dare not.
gpt
You shall not talk like this any longer. It's silly.
human
Since when has my child taken to giving her father orders? You are forcing me to speak. I'd rather cut off my right arm than do it, but I must save my little girl from----
gpt
I shall not listen to another word!
human
Be still! I shall speak, and you shall listen.
gpt
Father! You dare not. I love him, and----
human
You'll blush at the thought of having used that word in connection with that man before I have finished.
gpt
It doesn't matter what you say, you can never change----
human
Beth, I must ask you to stop interrupting me. This man's father is an out----
gpt
You'd better not say that, Father! cried Elizabeth.
human
You'll wish you hadn't when it is too late.