human
That yarn seemed to make a very small hit last night,
gpt
I didn't like it so much last night,
human
What was the matter? he asked.
gpt
Why were you so far away? Were you afraid of Mrs. Markham? I felt like the young man of a summer flirtation calling in the winter. What was it?
human
I don't know,
gpt
No--tell me.
human
There wasn't any reason. I liked you last night as I always like you. But we were far away. Shall I tell you how it seemed to me? I was like an actress on the stage, and you like a man in the audience. I was speaking to you--a part. In no way could you answer me. In no way could I answer you directly. We moved near to each other, but in different worlds. It was something like that.
gpt
I suppose --bitterly--
human
You must like Aunt Paula if you are to like me, she warned.
gpt
Yet that may have something to do with it. I am wonderfully influenced by what she thinks--as is right.
human
Then it's coming to a fight between me and your Aunt Paula? For I'll do even that.
gpt
Must we go all over it again? Oh like me, like me, and give me a rest from it! I think of nothing but this all day--why do you make it harder? I do not know if I can renounce and still have you in my life. Won't you wait until I know? It will be time enough then!
human
he quoted.
gpt
Then you know that there is something to renounce--and that means you love me!