human
There now, Free! she soothed me one day when I had expressed a mild concern about her state of mind.
gpt
There now, Free, don't you worry about me! We all have to grow up sometime, don't we? Can't stay young plants forever--especially we women. Comes a time when we got to be grafted on to old stock and get ready for bearing--eh? Well, that's me, old thing!
human
If that is how you regard your forthcoming nuptials, I said stiffly,
gpt
Oh, should they? said Peaches.
human
That's all you know about it. I'm very fond of Mr. Mark--of Sebastian, and he is the typical good husband.
gpt
But you don't love him!
human
I love him as much as I am likely to love anyone, responded Peaches--like a young Portia, so stately and serious.
gpt
And even if he is half a head shorter than I am he has a kind heart and he's a gentleman.
human
And not over sixty years old! I retorted.
gpt
Oh, Peaches, do you really want to do it?
human
Don't, Free! she pleaded.
gpt
Yes, I do want to. I want to be a reasonable being--to make the best life I can for myself since I must go on living. I don't want to be a coward. I am still young and I haven't seen much of the world. Riches, art treasures, cultured people, and things--social position--there must be joy in these things or folks would not struggle for them so! And since they must be filling up the emptiness in a whole lot of lives I'm going to have a try at them too. Don't be afraid for me. I know just what I am doing. I know that I shall never care again. But I can like. And I can live, and I'm going to use my old beau to help me get the most out of life that I can when--when--well, you know, only don't say it, please!