human
I haven't the least idea, Miss Colfax declared.
gpt
I was just as much surprised as you were, Aunt Helen.
human
Your uncle thinks you must have said something to him--
gpt
I didn't. I didn't say anything to him whatever. Why should I? He's nothing to me.
human
Of course he's nothing to you, if you're engaged to Billy Merrow.
gpt
I'm not engaged to him now, she said, as if after reflection--
human
But you are in his, I suppose.
gpt
Well, I can't help that, can I?
human
Not unless you write and tell him it's all over.
gpt
That would be the cruellest thing I ever heard of, she exclaimed, with conviction.
human
I don't see how you can bear to make the suggestion.
gpt
Then what are you going to do about it?
human
I needn't do anything just yet. There's no hurry--till I get back to New York.
gpt
Do you mean to let him go on thinking--?
human
He'd much rather. Whenever I tell him, it will be too soon for him. There's no reason why he should know earlier than he wants to.
gpt
But is that honor, dear?
human
How can I tell? At so unreasonable a question the blue eyes clouded with threatening tears.
gpt
I can't go into all those fine points, Aunt Helen, do you see? I've just got to do what's right.