human
I have been with my publishers this morning, said Miss Harman.
gpt
They are good enough to say they believe my tale promises well, but they want it completed by the first of March, to come out with the best spring books. Don't you think we may get it done? It is the middle of January now.
human
I daresay it may be done, answered Mrs. Home, rising, and speaking in a tremulous voice.
gpt
I have no doubt you will work hard and have it ready--but--but--I regret it much, I have come to-day to say I cannot take the situation you have so kindly offered me.
human
But why? said Miss Harman,
gpt
Some color came into her cheeks as she added,
human
I don't understand you. I thought you had promised. I thought it was all arranged yesterday.
gpt
I did promise you, she said;
human
I feel you have a right to blame me. It is a considerable loss to me resigning your situation, but my husband has asked me to do so. I must obey my husband, must I not?
gpt
Oh! yes, of course. But why should he object. He is a clergyman, is he not? Is he too proud--I would tell no one. All in this house should consider you simply as a friend. Our writing would be just a secret between you and me. Your husband will give in when you tell him that.
human
He is not in the least proud, Miss Harman--not proud I mean in that false way.
gpt
Then I am not giving you money enough--of course thirty shillings seems too little; I will gladly raise it to two pounds a week, and if this book succeeds, you shall have more for helping me with the next.
human
I must not think of it, she said, however, shaking her head.
gpt
I confess I want money, but I must earn it elsewhere. I cannot come here. My husband will only allow me to do so on a certain condition. I cannot even tell you the condition--certainly I cannot fulfil it, therefore I cannot come.
human
Oh! but that is exciting. _Do_ tell it to me.
gpt
If I did you would be the first to say I must never come to this house again.
human
I am quite sure you wrong me there. I may as well own that I have taken a fancy to you. I am a spoiled child, and I always have my own way. My present way is to have you here in this snug room for two or three hours daily--you and I working in secret over something grand. I always get my way so your conditions must melt into air. Now, what are they?
gpt
Dare I tell her? thought Mrs. Home. Aloud she said,
human
The conditions are these:--I must tell you a story, a story about myself--and--and others.
gpt
And I love stories, especially when they happen in real life.
human
Miss Harman, don't tempt me. I want to tell you, but I had better not; you had better let me go away. You are very happy now, are you not?
gpt
What a strange woman you are, Mrs. Home! Yes, I am happy.
human
You won't like my story. It is possible you may not be happy after you have heard it.
gpt
That is a very unlikely possibility. How can the tale of an absolute stranger affect my happiness?