human
Florence! he said.
gpt
Tell me why you came here?
human
I am anxious about my uncle, she said.
gpt
Tell me, Curtis, how he is.
human
You know he's never in vigorous health,
gpt
But is he as well as usual?
human
He is about the same as ever. One thing would do more for him than anything else.
gpt
What's that?
human
Your agreement to marry me,
gpt
I should be glad to help my uncle, she said,
human
Why not?
gpt
Because I do not love you, and never shall,
human
In other words, you refuse to do the only thing that will restore our uncle to health and happiness?
gpt
It is too much to ask. Then, fixing her eyes upon him keenly:
human
Why should uncle insist upon this marriage? Is it not because you have influenced him in the matter?
gpt
No, answered Curtis, falsely.
human
He has some secret reason, which he will not disclose to me, for desiring it.
gpt
May I not see him? she asked.
human
Perhaps he will tell me.
gpt
No; I cannot permit it.
human
You cannot permit it? Are you, then, our uncle's guardian?
gpt
No, and yes. I do not seek to control him, but I wish to save him from serious agitation. Should he see you, and find that you are still rebellious, the shock might kill him.
human
I have reason to doubt your words, said Florence, coldly.
gpt
I think you are resolved to keep us apart.
human
Listen, and I will tell you a secret; Uncle John has heart disease, so the doctor assures me. Any unwonted agitation might kill him instantly. I am sure you would not like to expose him to such a risk.
gpt
Very well, she said.
human
Then I will give up seeing him.
gpt
It is best, unless you are ready to accede to his wishes--and mine.
human
It would never do to have them meet! muttered Curtis.
gpt
The old gentleman would ask her to come back on any terms, and then all my scheming would be upset. That was a happy invention of mine, about heart disease, he continued, with a low laugh.
human
Though she only half believed it, she will not dare to run the risk of giving him a shock.