human
Miss Harper, he said, rather awkwardly,
gpt
I wanted to be hidden, she answered, as she gave him her hand.
human
Is it not very natural that I should hide myself, Mr. Cardigan? My life was darkened; it was best to live it all alone.
gpt
I don't know if it was best, said he, reddening to the roots of his hair with the endeavour to speak his thought.
human
There were those who would have helped you to live it, if you would have let them.
gpt
Ah, but I could not. Her face softly reflected the glow on his.
human
But, by the way, she added more lightly,
gpt
I confess I didn't, he said penitently.
human
But----
gpt
Oh, you rich men! she interrupted, with a weary sigh.
human
With you to see is to desire, to desire is to have, to have is to leave others lacking. Shall I tell you what you were going to do?
gpt
Tell me anything you please,
human
It is always much easier to pull down than to build up, she went on.
gpt
The old home yonder has been years in making. More than a century ago, when it was fresh and new, a young couple began there the serious business of life. They were poor in money, but very rich in love and faith. Their prayers are built into the walls; their angels have hallowed every humble room with holy ministry; their souls passed gently from that earthly dwelling to the Father's house on high. Children and children's children have filled the places that they left vacant, living just the same simple, God-fearing life. The old house is still sound and strong; there are no cracks anywhere; it keeps out the rough weather. But a rich man has decided that it is old-fashioned and ugly, therefore it must be pulled down.
human
It shall not be pulled down! he cried.
gpt
Miss Harper, I have been a stupid, selfish man. But it is not too late to begin again?
human
No, it is not too late, she said, with a very bright face.
gpt
And you will really let the house stand? Well, so much the better for us and the swallows. Dear birds, they are just going away. I wonder what they would have felt if they had come back to find their old nest in ruins. Mr. Cardigan, I think it is a good thing that I met you to-day. Now I must go back quickly and set some troubled hearts at rest.
human
Do not go yet, he pleaded.
gpt
No one has ever given me such a straight talking to before. My money was making a selfish brute of me very fast. Hit me as hard as you can, Miss Harper. Every blow knocks some of the evil out.
human
Why, it seems that I have found a new vocation,
gpt
I wish you had found it sooner! he cried.
human
Can you not leave the nest to the swallows, and take me in hand? Is it too much to ask?