human
You see, she explained to her stepfather,
gpt
Carter doesn't realize how hard Jimsy has to grind for all he gets. Even now, Stepper, after being here a year, he actually doesn't realize the importance of Jimsy's getting signed up to play. It's a strange thing, with all his cleverness, but he doesn't, and he's always taking Jimsy out on parties and rides and things, and he gets behind in everything. I think I'll just have to speak to him about it.
human
That's a good idea, Top Step. Do that.
gpt
Another thing, Stepper ... about--about Mr. King's--trouble. Of course, you and I have never believed that Jimsy _had_ to inherit it, have we?
human
No. Not if people let him alone. His life, his training, his environment, are very different--more wholesome, vital. The energy which his grandfather and his uncles and his father had to find a vent for in cards and drink Jimsy's sweated out in athletics.
gpt
Yes. But--just the same--isn't it better for Jimsy to keep away from--from those things?
human
Naturally. Better for anybody.
gpt
Carter doesn't think so. He says the world is full of it--Jimsy must learn to be near it and let it alone.
human
That's true, in a sense, T. S....
gpt
I know. But--sometimes I think Carter deliberately takes Jimsy places to--test him. Of course he thinks he's doing right, but it worries me.
human
Better have that talk with him,
gpt
Look here, Honor, you can't follow Jimsy through the world like a nursemaid, you know.
human
Carter! I don't mean----
gpt
He's got to meet and face these things, to fight what somebody calls 'the battle of his blood.' You mustn't wrap him up in cotton wool. If he's going, to be bowled over he might as well find it out. He must take his chances--just as any other fellow--just as I must.
human
Oh, but, Carter, you know you're strong, and----
gpt
Honor, he leaned forward,
human
Why, Carter, dear! You know I've never thought you that! There are more ways of being--being strong than--than just with muscles and bones!
gpt
I thought, he said, very low,
human
Of course you do,--goose! And you'll count more if you'll help me to look after Jimsy and have him graduate on time!