human
In fact, it was about her, Don, that I was so anxious to see you, the other went on. His own nervousness made him unconscious of the effect which his words had produced on Donald.
gpt
Of course, she's practically of legal age now; but I know that she still regards you as her guardian and that in a sense you stand _in loco parentis_ toward her. Certainly she regards your word as law. So I thought that, as she is practically alone in the world, it would be the only right and honorable thing to ... to speak to you, first.
human
To speak to me ... _first_?
gpt
Yes. Great Scott, can't you guess what I'm driving at? The plain fact is ... is that I love her, Don. I ... I want to marry her.
human
You ... you haven't told her ... yet ... that you love her?
gpt
No. At least, not directly; but I guess that she knows it. I wanted, first, to be sure that you would approve ... perhaps even sponsor my suit, for, although I mean, of course, to stand or fall on the strength of my own case, I know that she worships you, as a brother, and might be influenced by your attitude. You understand, don't you, old man?
human
Does ... does Smiles love you, Phil?
gpt
Yes, I think that I can honestly say that I believe she does. Of course no word of love has ever passed between us, but ... well, you know how it is.
human
Blind, egotistical, self-confident fool, they shouted.
gpt
That something like this should have happened is the most natural thing in the world, and it has been farthest from your mind.
human
I know well enough that I'm not half worthy of her--no man could be--but I hope that I'm not altogether ineligible, and I'm sure that I love her more than any one else could. At his words Donald winced.
gpt
I'll do my best to make her life a happy one, if she'll have me--you know that, old fellow. Well, he laughed again,