human
I understand you are a Stearns,
gpt
A grandson of Eliphalet Stearns?
human
Yes, madam.
gpt
Don't 'madam' me. You have done quite enough of that. A son of Grosvenor Stearns?
human
Yes, Aunt Caroline.
gpt
Your grandfather and your father were enemies of my house, she said.
human
They were both very bad men. I still think so.
gpt
But I believe there is some hope for you. Not, however, in the field of theology. In that connection, I will say that I expect you to make a personal explanation to the bishop. I never can. My nephew's secretary has been telling me something of what happened at Larchmont and also on the way home from Larchmont. For a Stearns, I think you have done fairly well.
human
Thank you--Aunt Caroline.
gpt
I think you may omit that, she said, but not with the severity that she intended to convey.
human
As I said, you did fully as well as could be expected of a Stearns. For your deception of me I shall never forgive you. That is understood. But I shall not let that stand in the way of safeguarding the reputation of my nephew's secretary. It will be necessary, of course, for you to marry her.