human
So you have torn yourself away from your friends this morning, he said at last.
gpt
How is it that you were allowed to escape? What is the special campaign for killing time to-day, if one may ask?
human
You may ask, but it's rude to be sarcastic. You are often lazy yourself, though in a different fashion. You love to lie on your back on the grass and do nothing but browse and stare up at the sky. You have told me so many times.
gpt
Ah, but what of my thoughts? Under a semblance of ease I am in reality working out the most abstruse problems. I did not mean to be sarcastic; I inquired in all seriousness how your valuable company could be spared.
human
For the best of all reasons--because nobody wanted it! Captain Grantly wants Lady Mary, Lady Mary wants Captain Grantly. Miss Talbot wants someone she can't get, but it doesn't happen to be me; the rest all want Vere, and have no thought for anyone else. Men always do want to be with Vere. Wherever she goes they fall in love with her and follow her about. She is so lovely, and she--she likes to be liked. Everyone says she is so charming and irresistible--they have told her so since she was a child--and she likes to prove that it was true. If--if anyone seems to like anyone else better it--sort of--worries her, and makes her feel neglected.
gpt
I see.
human
Then, of course, she is extra specially nice, and seems to be more interested in him than anyone else.
gpt
Pleasant for him!
human
It is, for a time. But if he trusted to it and believed that she was really in earnest, he might get to care himself, and then, when he found out, he would be disappointed.
gpt
Naturally so.
human
It has happened like that before, several times, and sometimes there are other people to be considered--I mean there might be another girl whom the man had liked before, and when he had given her up, and found that-that--
gpt
That he had given up the substance and grasped the shadow--
human
Yes; then, of course, they would both be miserable, and it would be worse than ever.
gpt
Naturally it would be.
human
Why not be honest, Babs, and not beat about the bush? You think that my peace is threatened and want to warn me of it, isn't that it, now? You are my very good friend, and I am grateful for your interest. Did you think I was in danger?
gpt
Sometimes--once or twice! Don't be angry. I know you would be true and loyal, but sometimes--I saw you watching her--
human
She is very lovely, Babs; the loveliest woman I have ever seen. There was some excuse for that.
gpt
I know, I feel it myself, and it was just because I could understand a little that I spoke. I thought quite likely that you might be angry at first, but it was better that you should be that than wretched in the end.
human
Quite so; but I am not angry at all, only very grateful for your bravery in tackling a difficult subject. I have a pretty good opinion of myself, but I am only a man, and other men have imagined themselves secure and found out their mistake before now. Forewarned is forearmed. Thank you for the warning,