human
Then that's why he didn't answer mother's letters, she said, absently, when he had finished.
gpt
He wasn't there.
human
He wasn't there, by Jove! And don't you see what a fix he's put me in?
gpt
I'm not sure that I do.
human
He's given away the whole show to me. The question is now whether I can take it, what?
gpt
He hasn't given away anything you didn't have before.
human
He's given away something he might perhaps have had himself.
gpt
What makes you think so?
human
Don't _you_ think so?
gpt
That's not a fair question.
human
It's a vital one.
gpt
To you--yes. But--
human
But not to you. Oh, I understand that well enough. But you've been such a good pal that I thought you might help me to see--
gpt
I'm afraid I can't help you to see anything. If I were to try I might mislead you.
human
But you must _know_, by Jove! Two women can't be such pals as Olivia and you--
gpt
If I did know I shouldn't tell you. It's something you should find out for yourself.
human
Find out! I've _asked_ her.
gpt
Well, if she's told you, isn't that enough?
human
It would be enough in England. But here, where words don't seem to have the same meaning as they do anywhere else--and surprises are sprung on you--and people have queer, complicated motives--and do preposterous, unexpected things--
gpt
Peter's going to see old Cousin Vic might be unexpected; but I don't think you can call it preposterous.
human
It's preposterous to have another man racing about the world trying to do you good, by Jove!
gpt
He wasn't trying to do you good so much as not to do you harm. He thought he'd done that, apparently, by interfering with Cousin Henry's affairs in the first place. His asking the old Marquise to come to the rescue was only an attempt to make things easier for you.
human
And he's got me where I must either call his bluff or--or--or accept his beastly sacrifice.
gpt
He's not making a sacrifice if there was nothing for him to give up.
human
That's what I must find out.
gpt
It's well to remember that in making the attempt you may do more harm than good. 'Where the apple reddens, never pry, lest we lose our Edens'--You know the warning.
human
Yes, I know. That's Browning. In other words, it means, let well enough alone.
gpt
Which isn't bad advice, you know.
human
Which isn't bad advice--except in love. Love won't put up with reserves. It must have all--or it will take nothing.