human
I think he, perhaps, would have asked me to marry him: but I stopped him.
gpt
You stopped him? echoed her aunt, with clasped hands. But a little gleam of hope revived her. The matter had been mismanaged in some way. May was so deplorably devoid of tact! All might yet be well.
human
And why, for pity's sake, May, did you stop him?
gpt
Because, as I could not accept him, Aunt Pauline, I wished to spare him as much as possible.
human
Could not accept him! Good heavens, May, this is frightful! Have you lost your senses? Do you know who and what Mr. Bragg is?
gpt
He is a good, honest man; and I esteem him and like him.
human
And is not that enough? Do you know that there are girls of--I won't say better family, but--higher rank than yours, who would give their ears to be----But it can't be! You are a foolish, inexperienced child, who don't understand your own good fortune. You cannot be allowed to throw away this splendid opportunity. I will write to Mr. Bragg myself, and----
gpt
Stay, Aunt Pauline. Please to understand that I will never, under any circumstances, dream of marrying Mr. Bragg. He is quite persuaded of this. He and I understand each other very well, and we mean to continue good friends; but pray do not lower your own dignity by writing to him on this subject!
human
Go away, you ungrateful child, she said, from behind her pocket-handkerchief.
gpt
I could not have believed you would have behaved in this manner after all I have done for you!