human
How can you speak so, Curtis? she exclaimed.
gpt
Leave Uncle John the hope that he has so long cherished. I have a presentiment that Harvey still lives.
human
You, too, believe it possible, Florence?
gpt
Yes, uncle. I not only believe it possible, but probable. How old would Harvey be if he still lived?
human
Eighteen--nearly a year older than yourself.
gpt
How strange! I always think of him as a little boy.
human
And I, too, Florence. He rises before me in his little velvet suit, as he was when I last saw him, with his sweet, boyish face, in which his mother's looks were reflected.
gpt
Yet, if still living, interrupted Curtis, harshly,
human
That's the sorrowful part of it, said his uncle, in a voice of anguish.
gpt
That is what I most dread.
human
Then, since even if he were living you would not care to recognize him, why not cease to think of him, or else regard him as dead?
gpt
Curtis Waring, have you no heart?
human
Indeed, Florence, you ought to know,
gpt
I know nothing of it,
human
You know that the dearest wish of my heart is to find favor in your eyes. Uncle, you know my wish, and approve of it, do you not?
gpt
Yes, Curtis; you and Florence are equally dear to me, and it is my hope that you may be united. In that case, there will be no division of my fortune. It will be left to you jointly.
human
Believe me, sir, said Curtis, with faltering voice, feigning an emotion which he did not feel,
gpt
Florence can speak for herself, said his cousin, coldly.
human
My uncle needs no assurance from me. He is always kind, and I am always grateful.
gpt
I do not doubt your affection, he said;
human
But, sir, protested Curtis,
gpt
You and Florence will hold the property in trust.
human
Have you so specified in your will?
gpt
I have made two wills. Both are in yonder secretary. By the first the property is bequeathed to you and Florence. By the second and later, it goes to my lost boy in the event of his recovery. Of course, you and Florence are not forgotten, but the bulk of the property goes to Harvey.
human
I sincerely wish the boy might be restored to you, said Curtis; but his tone belied his words.
gpt
Believe me, the loss of the property would affect me little, if you could be made happy by realizing your warmest desire; but, uncle, I think it only the part of a friend to point out to you, as I have already done, the baselessness of any such expectation.
human
It may be as you say, Curtis, said his uncle, with a sigh.
gpt
If I were thoroughly convinced of it, I would destroy the later will, and leave my property absolutely to you and Florence.
human
No, uncle, said Florence, impulsively,
gpt
Is the girl mad? he muttered to himself.
human
Must she forever balk me?
gpt
Let it be so for the present, then, said Mr. Linden, wearily.
human
Curtis, will you ring the bell? I am tired, and shall retire to my couch early.
gpt
Let me help you, Uncle John,
human
It is too much for your strength, my child. I am growing more and more helpless.
gpt
I, too, can help,