human
Once you gave me your hand when we lived such an experience as this together,
gpt
So I will again, she answered, with an effort at her old air of good-comradeship.
human
I am a great believer in handshaking.
gpt
No, he said, as though to himself,
human
I cannot be satisfied with it.
gpt
You said, she returned low and swiftly,
human
Yes, I did, because I was inexperienced. I have never been in love with any one else, and I didn’t know how it was going to be. I have become better acquainted with myself since that night and can speak with more intelligence. I find myself hoping, even though I say over every day that there cannot be the slightest hope for me, because you know me well, and by this time the truth would be evident to you. If it were in my favor you would tell me, wouldn’t you?
gpt
You would, of course? he said, with sudden excitement, seizing the hand he had refused.
human
Mildred, I love you! I love you! I do not say it to you every hour, but I think it with every breath. You would not make me wait one moment if
gpt
Oh, how can you, Jack? Why must you love a girl so unworthy? She shrank closer to the railing.
human
I told you,—I tried to warn you,—I told you that I do not love anybody but Mildred Bryant.
gpt
And the Peristyle, he added steadily,
human
So long as my only rivals are your sweet self and the Indians, Helmsmen, _et. al._, who view the country from the top of the Peristyle, I cannot despair. Perhaps I ought to, dear, but I can’t.
gpt
Hope springs eternal in the human breast, and I am going to hope until you announce your engagement to me. Then, until I receive your wedding cards, I shall look to see you find that engagement a mistake. And if you are married, Jack paused;
human
I don’t know. My mind turns blank when it occurs to me that you might marry another man.
gpt
I am not worth it. I am not worth it,
human
Have I made you unhappy? Shall I go away? Will my presence be a burden to you now?
gpt
No. Mildred looked at him piteously.
human
I think I have a stone in here instead of a heart, she said, pressing her side,
gpt
That is a great deal, Mildred. I must try not to forfeit it.