human
You are quite right, my boy, he said, drawing the child towards him;
gpt
No, never angry, replied the boy,
human
But, Ernst——
gpt
Oh yes, Elsie, he interrupted her eagerly;
human
Ah, there you are right, she replied with composure;
gpt
But you still play on the piano?
human
Yes, answered Elizabeth laughing,
gpt
And you?
human
Oh, I? I am quite brave enough to fight life’s battle and win my own independence in the struggle?
gpt
How do you propose to do it?
human
Next year I shall go somewhere as a governess.
gpt
Does not Miss Mertens’ example deter you?
human
Not at all. I am not so weak as to wish for a luxurious life while so many others in my circumstances take upon themselves so bravely the yoke of service.
gpt
But here there is question not only of service but of endurance. You are proud. It is not only your look at this moment which tells me so, but every sentiment which you uttered yesterday.
human
Indeed, it may, perhaps, be pride that induces me to rank real dignity of character far above any mere exterior advantages which egotism has invented and maintains, and for that very reason I believe that one human being can humble another only by setting before him an example of moral and intellectual greatness which it is impossible for him to imitate,—never by insulting treatment.
gpt
And you think that these views will steel you against all the mortifications great and little which a heartless, capricious mistress might heap upon you?
human
Oh no, but I need never bow before her.
gpt
From what you said yesterday, I gathered that you are attached to your present home,
human
Yes, more than I can tell.
gpt
Ah! I can understand that, for this is the loveliest spot in Thuringia. How then can you so easily endure the thought of leaving it again?
human
On the contrary, I shall not find it at all easy; but my father has taught me that our pleasures must yield to our necessities, and I understand perfectly that it must be so. I confess that I cannot easily comprehend how one can give up what is so pleasant except at the command of necessity.
gpt
Ah! that was aimed at me. You cannot conceive how a man can voluntarily hide himself in the pyramids when he might breathe the cool, sunny air of Thuringia.