human
What is the matter, Mr. Bartlett?
gpt
Nothing, I was just thinking--I should--like to venture to make a remark.
human
You _know_ I wish you to speak to me about everything.
gpt
Did you mean that lady to be in the middle distance?
human
Yes.
gpt
Well, there is a slight, a very slight, error in the perspective. She is as tall as Ponkwasset, you see, and could touch the top of it with the point of her parasol.
human
I see. I can never do it.
gpt
Oh, yes, you can, Miss Wyatt; you mustn't lose patience with me.
human
It's you who won't be able to keep your patience with my stupidity.
gpt
That's not the name for it. I shall think more of your failures than of anybody's successes--that _is_--I mean--if you don't let this thing be a pain instead of a pleasure to you. Remember, I hoped it would amuse you.
human
Oh, yes. You have been only too kind, in that and everything.
gpt
Well, now, let us begin again. This lady is very well as a lady; you understand the figure better than perspective; but she's out of place here, a little; and a flower out of place, you know, is a weed. Suppose we --he takes up the charcoal, and makes a few dashes at the canvas--
human
Oh, yes; that's better, decidedly. Smiling:
gpt
Being under instruction, this way, makes me think of my school-days.
human
I hope they were happy days.
gpt
Oh, the happiest of my life.
human
I am _so_ glad. Constance stares at him in surprise, but finally says nothing.
gpt
I mean since this is like them.
human
Yes, it's pleasant to go back to that time. With more animation:
gpt
Papa, I wonder if you remember Madame Le May, who used to teach me French when you came home after the war?
human
Eh? What? What's that? Some difficulty in the drawing? You must both have patience,--patience
gpt
Why, papa! Oh, well, I won't worry him. I suppose he's found something about cutting down the army appropriations; that always absorbs him. What shall I try next, Mr. Bartlett?
human
You can rub in your middle distance.
gpt
I'll try. But I think I should be at my best beyond the vanishing point.
human
Oh, I don't believe _that_! Perhaps it annoys you to have me looking over your shoulder while you work?
gpt
No. Oh, no.
human
I see that it does.
gpt
It makes me a little nervous. I'm afraid of you, you know.
human
I didn't know I was so terrible. How far off shall I go, to be agreeable?
gpt
Across the room.
human
Shall you like me better at that distance?
gpt
I can't let you make a joke of our liking for you.
human
You defend me, even in my presence. What kindness I must miss when I'm absent! Well, I will go and see what interests General Wyatt.
gpt
Madame Le May? Yes, certainly. Remember her perfectly. False hair, false teeth, false
human
Why, what _are_ you talking of, papa?
gpt
Mayo. Capital cavalry officer--cutting down the pay of such a man
human
What _are_ you reading?
gpt
Don't disturb him. I'll walk off here at this end of the room. He paces softly up and down, while Constance returns to her drawing, to which she diligently applies herself. A thought seems to strike Bartlett as his wandering eye falls upon General Wyatt, who still sits with his head buried in his newspaper. He approaches, and remarks in a low tone:
human
I believe I _will_ take a cigar _now_, Gen--