human
Mind you don't tip me over, said Alice.
gpt
I can't swim.
human
If I do I'll rescue you or drown with you, he answered gallantly. What silly nothings these two young people uttered as they made the circuit of that long wood-bordered mill-pond need not be recorded. One at least was just tasting the first sweet illusion of love, and the glassy surface of the water that reflected the trees bending over it, the bunches of water flag growing here and there, and the scattered patches of broad lily pads with now and then a white blossom, made a most picturesque background for the girl who sat in the stern. Her piquant face, shaded by a broad sun-hat, was fairer to his eyes than any of the lilies she plucked, and as she drew one sleeve up a little to reach for them, the round arm and dimpled hand she thrust into the water looked tempting enough to kiss. The miller had shut the gate and gone home when they returned to the mill, and when Alice, with both her wet hands full of lilies, was helped into the carriage, Frank said:
gpt
I am sorry that dusty old miller has gone. I wanted to give him five dollars for his kindness.
human
He would think you insane if you did,
gpt
Many a man has lost his wits with less provocation, replied Frank pointedly,
human
That is all right, responded Alice;
gpt
Do you know, remarked Frank, when they had left the mill behind and were driving through a bit of woods,
human
The mill was built over a hundred years ago, observed Alice,
gpt
she added a little sadly,
human
quoted Frank,
gpt
he added, turning to his companion,
human
I am rapidly falling in love with the country and--and its pretty sights?
gpt
I must bide my time, he thought;
human
Whose idea was it to pounce upon me that way at school? exclaimed Alice suddenly, throwing off her retrospective mood and smiling again.
gpt
Was it yours or Bert's?
human
I confess I did it with my little hatchet, answered Frank;
gpt
I coaxed Bert to do it. We had to take the train at five o'clock in the morning and have coffee and rolls at the station for breakfast and pie and sandwiches for dinner.
human
And all to surprise one poor little schoolma'am and break up her school, put in Alice;
gpt
Up to the present moment, answered Frank,
human
I must honestly say it was. This drive and the mill I consider cheap at any price.
gpt
I don't mean this part of the surprise, said Alice, blushing a little at his open admiration,
human
And then in self-defence she added,
gpt
What has become of the 'Gypsy'? Bert writes me that you two are planning trips in her already.
human
She is still in winter quarters, answered Frank.
gpt
I've been too busy studying law to do more than think of her. I've reformed, you know.