human
Yes indeed, the afternoon was delightful, she said, in answer to his question.
gpt
Mildred and I had a charming time among the pictures. You nearly committed fratricide. Do you see poor Robert fast asleep over there?
human
This will do him a world of good. Train down his flesh, and strengthen his muscle; though the poor old chap did say, before we decided to come home, that he had walked so long his feet splayed out like the camels’ every time he set them down.
gpt
Camels? Did you go into Cairo Street?
human
No, to the Bedouin village; the Wild East show.
gpt
Very well. You have just saved your lives. I understand that Cairo Street is one of the plums of the Plaisance, and if Robert had gone without me, I should have been highly offended.
human
Yes, he is well trained. I wonder if my wife will find me as thoughtful. I am afraid not.
gpt
No, I’m sure she won’t, for the simple reason that you will never have one.
human
I should be sorry to think that.
gpt
Then why don’t you do as nine out of every ten men in your place would do?
human
You mean fall in love? You know, Hilda, how often I’ve done that.
gpt
Your sort of falling in love isn’t worth two straws, she declared scoffingly.
human
Don’t take that into consideration at all. The next woman you meet who satisfies you intellectually, propose to her. If she accepts you, marry her. I don’t believe you would make her very unhappy. You wouldn’t if you were as kind a husband as you are a brother.
gpt
Thank you. You might give me a written recommendation. See how handsome Miss Bryant’s face looks against that golden pillow.
human
Yes; it is a proof of your hard heart that you withstand her.
gpt
I don’t withstand her. You have no idea how much I enjoyed an afternoon I had with her at the Fair last week; but Jack was remarkably short with me that evening, and I fancied I had trespassed on his preserves.
human
Not a bit of it. He must be a dog in the manger.
gpt
Why, I’m very sure he is hard hit in that direction.
human
Oh, where are a man’s eyes, I wonder! I haven’t been here very long, but long enough to discover the truth.
gpt
I suppose you want me to ask you what truth?
human
No, I don’t, my dear.
gpt
You are not hinting at—at—Mrs. Van Tassel?
human
Just observe for yourself,
gpt
You ought not to have such a thought.
human
Why, if you please? You surely haven’t an idea that that young creature is going to sacrifice the rest of her life to a memory of duty done?
gpt
But Hilda, that is repugnant! Page rose suddenly, and his sister’s gaze followed him as he moved away. It was very unusual for him to show so much feeling.
human
Wouldn’t it be a strange, strange thing if after waiting all these years Gorham should love at last and love hopelessly?