human
Why are you so silent, little woman?
gpt
Because I have nothing to say that you would want to hear.
human
Nothing that I would want to hear? why, I am fond of the very sound of your voice. But what's the matter?
gpt
Oh, nothing! except that I'd looked forward to a delightful evening with my husband, after being parted from him all day, and didn't get it.
human
My dear Zoe, he said,
gpt
I owe you an apology! I actually forgot all about those lessons.
human
And me, too, she said bitterly.
gpt
My musical and conversational gifts sink into utter insignificance beside those of these newcomers.
human
Jealousy is a very mean and wicked passion, Zoe; I don't like to see you indulging it, he said, turning away from her.
gpt
I am, of course, expected to pay some attention to my mother's guests, and you will have to put up with it.
human
You are always right and I am always wrong, she said, half choking with indignation;
gpt
In regard to what?
human
Everything!
gpt
Zoe, love, will you please come here for a moment?
human
Come, darling, he said, drawing her to a seat upon his knee. Then with his arm about her waist,
gpt
Zoe, love, we are husband and wife, whom nothing but death can ever separate. Let us be kind to one another, kind and forbearing, so that when one is taken the other will have no cause for self-reproach.
human
O Ned, don't talk of that, she sobbed with her arms about his neck, her cheek laid to his.
gpt
I'm sure it would kill me to lose you. You are all I have in the wide world.
human
So I am, you poor little dear, he said, softly smoothing her hair,
gpt
It was very foolish! she said, penitently,
human
Did you, dear? well, it was too bad in me to neglect you so, and even to forget to give you this, which I bought expressly for my dear little wife, while in the city to-day.
gpt
O Ned, thank you! she exclaimed, lifting to his a face full of delight.
human
It's very pretty, and so good in you to remember to bring me something.
gpt
Then shall we kiss and be friends, and try not to quarrel any more?
human
Yes; oh yes!
gpt
I must have that song to-morrow,
human
No, no! I can't think of singing before such a performer as Miss Fleming.
gpt
But you are an early bird, and she and Miss Deane will probably be late. Can't you sing and play for me before they are down in the morning?
human
Well, perhaps, she answered coquettishly.
gpt
And the lessons? will you hear them, too, before breakfast?
human
If you wish it, dear.
gpt
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.