human
It shall be so, Toby? she asked, with a woman's delight in learning how unnecessary that question was.
gpt
Will my lord grant the request of his handmaiden?
human
Ah, don't, he said suddenly.
gpt
Don't say that, even in jest.
human
Then will you, Toby?
gpt
If my queen wills it,
human
Nor must you say that, even in jest,
gpt
I don't; I say it in earnest--in deadly earnest. It is the truest thing in the world.
human
In the world? Oh, Toby, a big place! Then that is settled.
gpt
Toby, there is another thing I want,
human
It is yours--you know that.
gpt
I'm glad of it, then, because I don't think you will like it. It is this: I want you to see Lord Comber, and just shake hands with him.
human
I can't, he said--
gpt
I simply can't.
human
Think over it. You see, Toby, it is like this: you are part of me, and before this wonderful thing that is coming comes, I want to be 'all square' with everybody in the world. That's one of your silly golf expressions, so you'll understand it. And I can't be while you are not. Don't misunderstand me; it isn't that I don't feel as you do about him, and if I had been you and knocked him down as you did, I think I should have kicked him as he lay on the pavement. But now it is over.
gpt
Lily, you don't know what you ask, said Toby.
human
If I had any reason to believe the man was sorry, that he had even any idea what a vile worm he is, it would be different. No doubt he had a bad time that day, for, as I told you, his tie was no better tied than mine; but having a bad time is not the same as being sorry, is it?
gpt
No, said Lily thoughtfully;
human
That is the best argument you have given me yet,
gpt
I don't want it to be an argument at all; I don't want my wish to be any reason at all why you should do it. You must do it because you agree with me.
human
But I don't,
gpt
Well, tell me when you would shake hands with him, she said.
human
Would you this day fifty years?
gpt
No,
human
Would you if he was dying, or if you were?
gpt
I think I should; yes, I should.
human
Oh, but, Toby, it is far more important to live in charity with people than to die in charity with them! Oh, indeed--indeed it is! She stopped, and turned round, facing him, and all her soul shone in her eyes.
gpt
Indeed it is, Toby!
human
Oh, my love! he said,
gpt
But why do you do as I wish, Toby? she asked.
human
It must not be because I want you to.
gpt
Oh, my beloved, he said,