human
Look at Zoe; Ned certainly has one devoted admirer,
gpt
Yes, said Violet,
human
Don't you think your husband an oracle?
gpt
So you have found that out already, have you? laughed Violet.
human
Yes, I do, but then he is wiser than our Ned, you know. Tell me now, don't you admire him? don't you think him worthy of all honor?
gpt
I do, indeed, and am proud to have him for a brother-in-law, Elsie said with earnest sincerity;
human
she added with a smile,
gpt
I prefer Lester for a husband.
human
Yes, of course, but Levis is the best of husbands--of fathers, too.
gpt
Rather more strict and stern than ours was, is he not?
human
Yes, but not more so than necessary with a child of Lulu's peculiar disposition.
gpt
Ah, Vi, I pity you for being a stepmother,
human
You needn't,
gpt
Lulu is the only one of the three that gives me any anxiety or trouble, and to be Captain Raymond's wife more than compensates for that.
human
I suppose so. And Gracie is a dear little thing.
gpt
Yes, she's a darling. And Max is a noble fellow. I hope he will make just such a man as his father. Don't you think he resembles the captain in looks?
human
Yes, and I notice he is very chivalrous in his manner toward his young stepmother.
gpt
Yes, Violet said, with a happy smile,
human
Was it Max you were talking of, Violet? she said.
gpt
Yes, indeed, I am fond of him. I think he's a splendid boy. But what was wrong with him to-night?
human
Nothing, so far as I know, said Violet
gpt
Why do you think there was?
human
Because he was so unusually quiet; and then his father took him away so early. Ah, here comes the captain now, as the door opened and Captain Raymond entered;
gpt
You needn't,
human
Is anything wrong with the children, Levis?
gpt
No, love, he said;
human
I took them away early that I might have a little serious talk with the older two. You know I shall not long be afforded the opportunity.
gpt
But you look troubled, she said, in tenderly sympathizing accents.
human
May I not share your care or sorrow, whatever it is?
gpt
I would rather share only joys and blessings with you, dearest, and keep the cares and burdens to myself,
human
No, I can't consent to that, she said.
gpt
I consider it one of my precious privileges to be allowed to share your burdens and anxieties. Won't you tell me what troubles you?
human
It is nothing new, little wife, he answered cheerfully;
gpt
Mamma, said the latter, turning to her,
human
Please do not, captain, Elsie said brightly, accepting the easy-chair he hastened to bring forward for her.
gpt
Why should I not have a little trouble as well as other people? Lulu is an attractive child to me, very bright and original, a little headstrong, perhaps, but I shall lay siege to her heart and try to rule her through her affections.
human
I think that will be the better plan, he said, the look of care lifting from his brow;
gpt
What punishment do you prescribe? she asked.
human
The child is yours.
gpt
That should depend upon the heinousness of the offence, he replied.
human
I can only say, please treat her exactly as if she were your own.