human
A matter of opinion, threw back Nap.
gpt
If I am, Anne Carfax has made me so.
human
Anne Carfax, said Lucas very deliberately,
gpt
Friendship! broke in Nap.
human
She gave me more than that.
gpt
Whatever she gave you was the gift of a good woman of which you have proved yourself utterly unworthy.
human
Be it so! he exclaimed harshly.
gpt
I am unworthy. What of it? She always knew I was.
human
Yet she trusted you.
gpt
She trusted me, yes. Having cast out the devil she found in possession, she thought there was nothing more to me. She thought that I should be content to wander empty all my days through dry places, seeking rest. She forgot the sequel, forgot what was bound to happen when I found none. You seem to have forgotten that too. Or do you think that I am indeed that interesting vacuum that you are pleased to call a gentleman? He flung his arms wide with a sudden, passionate laugh.
human
Why, my good fellow, I'd sooner rank myself with the beasts that perish. And I'd sooner perish too; yes, die with a rope round my throat in the good old English fashion. There's nothing in that. I'd as soon die that way as any other. It may not be so artistic as our method, but it's quite a clean process, and the ultimate result is the same.
gpt
Do you mind sitting down?
human
In pain again?
gpt
Sit down, Lucas reiterated.
human
You can't do anything more than that. Now will you take the trouble to make me understand what exactly are your present intentions, and why?
gpt
Doesn't that letter tell you?
human
This letter, Lucas answered,
gpt
That all? said Nap. The red glare of savagery flickered for an instant in his eyes.
human
She has no fears on her own account then?
gpt
Will you explain?
human
Oh, certainly, if you need explanation. I mean that the death of Sir Giles Carfax is no more than a stepping-stone, a means to an end. So long as he lives, he will stand in my way. Therefore Sir Giles will go. And mark me, any other man who attempts to come between us I will kill also. Heaven knows what there is in her that attracts me, but there is something--something I have never seen in any other woman--something that goes to my head. Oh, I'm not in love with her. I'm long past that stage. One can't be in love for ever, and she is as cold as the North Star anyway. But she has driven me mad, and I warn you--I warn you--you had better not interfere with me!