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What does Jordan tell Nick when they see each other after Gatsby's death in The Great Gatsby?

After Gatsby's death Nick decides to return to the Midwest; however, before he departs he goes to Jordan Baker's house in order to end their relationship. 


After arriving at Jordan's house, Nick talks "over and around what has happened" to their relationship, but Jordan remains perfectly still in her chair as he talks. In her usual disconnected manner, Jordan, who is dressed to play golf, replies "without comment" on Nick's words, saying that she is engaged to another man. While there are several that Jordan could probably marry, Nick doubts the sincerity of her response:



"Nevertheless you did throw me over on the telephone. I don't give a damn about you now but it was a new experience for me and I felt a little dizzy for a while." 



Further, Jordan reminds Nick of a conversation that they once had about bad drivers, a metaphor she uses for those who deceive and are careless in actions. She has said that it is all right to be a "bad driver" as long as the other party is careful. But, now she informs Nick that he, too, is a bad driver:



"I thought you were rather an honest, straightforward person. I thought it was your secret pride."



Nick responds to her accusation that he is thirty now and too old to lie to himself. "Angry and half in love with her and tremendously sorry," Nick departs.

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