human
Thanks for the advice. I won't pretend that I don't ... care for her; but I can't ask her to marry me, as you suggest--that is, not now.
gpt
Why not, I should like to know?
human
I can't explain, either; but there is a reason. I am bound in honor. Please don't say anything more about it.
gpt
I don't know what you are talking about; but it's nonsense, anyway, she answered.
human
Why, she worships you. Any one can see that.
gpt
Worships me! echoed Donald, with sarcastic inflection.
human
What's the sense in exaggerating like that, Ethel? I suppose that she is fond of me in a way; the way you are, but ...
gpt
I never suspected you of lacking courage before, interrupted the other.
human
If you haven't the nerve to ask that child yourself, _I_ will. I guess that I'm a better judge of feminine nature than you, Donald.
gpt
You failed to prove it once before, he retorted, and instantly added, with a tone of unusual contrition,
human
I am sorry I said that. It was unnecessary and unworthy. But, really, I can't allow you to play Mrs. John Alden to my Miles Standish. There is a reason ...
gpt
Oh, you men. You're all alike, when you climb on some sort of a high horse and become mysterious. I don't know what you are talking about--perhaps you are deluding yourself with an absurdly chivalrous notion about being her guardian--but I tell you this. A normal girl, who is as full of life as Rose, can't be expected to be like the wishy-washy heroines of some murky novel, remain faithful unto death to her first unrequited love, and turn into a sweetly spiritual old maid, waiting for the hero to come and claim her. ''Tain't accordin' ter huming nater,' as Captain Jim says. The mating call is too strong, and she is sure to respond to the love note of another sooner or later;--don't flatter yourself that you are the only man in Smiles' creation. She's as sweet and pure as any girl could be, but she's human, like the rest of us ... that's what makes me love her so, and, unless 'you speak for yourself, John' ...
human
I can't, Ethel, I ... s-s-sh.