human
This is a beauty of a frock, said he.
gpt
I can't tell you what you look like in it; I've been trying to find a simile all the evening. Yet it's not the clothes that become you; you become the clothes.
human
Thank you. That's a dear compliment--from a husband.
gpt
It's sincere. You've worn such clothes a lot, in your life, before I knew you. You are used to them--at home in them. If we came to Baltimore, and I made good, you would have plenty of use for dresses like this. You would queen it, here.
human
Taking one's place in society in any Southern city isn't quite such a foregone conclusion, dear, she said.
gpt
Not for strangers from the North.
human
With the Leavers to vouch for us, and your own personality, I don't imagine it would be a matter of tremendous difficulty. Even the country surgeon could get along without smashing many usages, under your tuition. Besides, you have the acquaintance of some of the--what do they call them?--'best people,' was the term, I believe, Jack used to me. It's a curious phrase, by the way, isn't it? Doesn't mean at all what it says!
gpt
Not quite--always.
human
Would you like to come?
gpt
What about you?
human
I would rather you answered first.
gpt
I decline to answer first. The offer is made to you, not me. You are the head of the house, the breadwinner. It is for you to decide.
human
I can't decide without reference to you.
gpt
You needn't. When you tell me what you want I will tell you what I want.
human
My little wife, he said,
gpt
I shouldn't.
human
Are you sure?
gpt
Absolutely. If you wanted very much to come it would influence me, of course. But doubting that--
human
Why do you doubt it? Shouldn't I be lacking in ambition if I failed to take advantage of such a chance? It is a chance, Ellen,--the chance of a lifetime. Jack means precisely what he says, and he could give me such a backing as would insure me a tremendous start.
gpt
Just the same, Red, you don't want to come!
human
No, I don't, he owned, bluntly.
gpt
But why don't I? Is something wrong with me?
human
Not at all. You have made a large place for yourself at home; you do all any man could do anywhere. And you are happy there. You wouldn't be happy here, because you would have to alter your simple way of living. And if you were not happy, neither should I be. Why should we change conditions in which we are both entirely content, and in which you are accomplishing just as much benefit to humanity as you could anywhere?
gpt
Ah, but that's the question. Couldn't I accomplish more here?
human
Is human life more valuable here than there?
gpt
Not a whit.
human
Could you save more of it?
gpt
I doubt it.
human
We should have to leave Sunny Farm.
gpt
We should. He shook his head.
human
You would be sorry to do that?
gpt
So sorry that I can't possibly think of it. Dear,--make your decision!
human
I will. We will stay where we are.
gpt
A place for everything, and everything in its place, he quoted once more.
human
The place for Jack and Charlotte is here--unquestionably. The place for Ellen and Red is there. I believe it. Jack's offer didn't shake my belief for a minute, as far as I am concerned. It did put into my mind the question whether I ought not to make the change for your sake.
gpt
I don't believe, she said slowly,