human
My darling boy!
gpt
Auntie, dear, do not grieve like this.
human
Carol, I loved your father very, very, dearly.
gpt
But, Auntie, that should make you not grieve for him. Cousin Alicia has taught me to feel so glad and happy about Father. I could not cry or be sorry now. I love to think how he gave his life for that poor, wounded soldier. Jesus said there was no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend, and it was not even a friend; it was a stranger. Some day there will be no more war, because everyone will know that God is our Father, and His name is Love. But we are only His children as we reflect Him--reflect Love. When everyone understands this, no one will want war.
human
It is nice to see you, Carol, looking so well and strong. You were very ill when I saw you two years ago. We have never been able to understand your recovery. What a mistake the doctors must have made about your case.
gpt
Auntie, they did not make a mistake. It was Cousin Alicia who taught me about Christian Science. Then I began to get well, and I soon lost the dreadful pain in my hip.
human
Carol, dear, never mention a word about Christian Science before your Uncle Raymond. He says it is dreadful heresy, and it makes him so angry to hear it talked about. Did he meet you at the station?
gpt
No, Auntie. I have not seen him yet.
human
He said he would meet the train but he generally manages to get too late. He will be here this evening for dinner.
gpt
But, Auntie, if he asks anything about my illness I must tell him what has made me well.
human
I do not think he will, dear; so there will be no need to say anything. It is very beautiful, Carol, for you to think Christian Science has healed you, and there is no need for your faith to be shaken.
gpt
I do not _think_, Auntie, I _know_, so that no one could shake my faith.
human
Well, dear, we won’t talk about it. Tell me, did you have a pleasant journey?
gpt
Yes, Auntie, a very pleasant journey; Uncle was so kind to me.
human
I am sure he would be, Carol. You are glad to come to us, darling--to be our own dear son? You will feel this is home, and your cousins not cousins, but brothers and sisters?
gpt
Yes, Auntie. I know my father wished me to come to you--but--I am sorry to leave Cousin Alicia. I love her so much.
human
Of course, darling, that is only natural. She has been quite a mother to you since your own dear mother died.
gpt
May I write to her to-night, Auntie? She will like to hear from me.
human
Of course, dear. Write to her as often as you like.
gpt
I think that will be every day then,
human
Dear boy, how you have comforted me. I feel so much better for this little talk with you. Perhaps I shall be able to surprise everybody, and go down to dinner this evening.
gpt
Oh, Auntie, please do. At tea Edith said, ’It would be just lovely if only Mother could come down to dinner.’ We can nearly always do what we want to do, Auntie.
human
Can we, dear? Then go and write your letter now, and do not mention to anyone that I am going to try to surprise them this evening.