human
It is very hard, Arnold, she said.
gpt
No, don't try to persuade me. I am getting an old woman, and it is too late for me to learn that a gentleman can be happy unless he marries a lady. You might as well ask me to look for happiness with a grocer.
human
Not quite,
gpt
It is exactly the same thing. Pray, have you proposed to this--this young lady of the second-hand bookshop?
human
No, I have not.
gpt
You are in love with her, however?
human
I am, Clara.
gpt
And you intend to ask her--in the shop, I dare say, among the second-hand books--to become your wife?
human
That is my serious intention, Clara.
gpt
Claude did the same thing. His father remonstrated with him in vain, he took his wife to London, where, for a time, he lived in misery and self-reproach.
human
Do you know that he reproached himself?
gpt
I know what must have happened when he found out his mistake. Then he went to America, where he died, no doubt in despair, although his father had forgiven him.
human
The cases are hardly parallel, said Arnold.
gpt
Still, will you permit me to introduce Miss Aglen to you, if she should do me the honor of accepting me? Be generous, Clara. Do not condemn the poor girl without seeing her.
human
I condemn no one--I judge no one, not even you, Arnold. But I will not receive that young woman.
gpt
Very well, Clara.
human
How shall you live, Arnold?
gpt
I suppose we shall not marry; but, of course, I am talking as if--
human
As if she was ready to jump into your arms. Go on.
gpt
We shall not marry until I have made some kind of a beginning in my work. Clara, let us have no further explanation. I understand perfectly well. But, my dear Clara, he laid his arm upon her neck and kissed her,
human
I shall not let you quarrel with me. I owe you too much, and I love you too well. I am always your most faithful of servants.
gpt
No; till you are married--then--Oh, Arnold! Arnold!