Don't you know that that is what
you are doing? You are thinking only whether or not you, personally,
desire this money. Well, other people have an interest in the question
besides you. There is your mother, for example. Why not consider it from
her standpoint? Why not consider it from--well, from the standpoint of
Mr. Surface?"
"Of Mr. Surface?"
"Certainly. Suppose that in his old age he has become penitent, and
wants to do what he can to right the old wrong. Would you refuse him
absolution by declining to accept your own money?"
"I think it will be time enough to decide that when Mr. Surface asks me
for absolution."
"Undoubtedly. I have particularly asked, you remember, that you do not
make up your mind to anything now."
"But you," said she, looking at him steadily enough now--"I don't
understand how you happen to be here apparently both as my counselor and
Mr. Surface's agent."
"I have a right to both capacities, I assure you."
"Or--have you a habit of being--?"
She left her sentence unended, and he finished it for her in a colorless
voice.
"Of being on two sides of a fence, perhaps you were about to say?"
She made no reply.
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