human
And I shall see Molly again, he observed.
gpt
I shall like that. It does seem an awful long while since I left her. Shall I go to school at once, sir, and shall I spend my holidays in Bath till you and mamma come back?
human
Yes, of course. I see--I ought to go, pursued Roy.
gpt
It wouldn't do for me to stop on here. In two years I've got to be a soldier, and then Napoleon would think he had a right to keep me altogether. That would stop me from fighting, and I should have to give my parole, I suppose, and to be a regular prisoner. Yes; I'd much better be off. How soon, I wonder? And I'll take letters home. It will be jolly to see Molly again.
human
Come! he said shortly, with an imperative sign, and Roy followed, not knowing why. Outside the house Ivor said,
gpt
You must be more careful. You have to think of your mother's feelings.
human
Did I say something wrong? Why, what was it?
gpt
Could you not see? She is breaking her heart at the thought of losing you. Just imagine what it will be to her, not to have her boy any longer. Don't let her think you are pleased to go.
human
But I'm not glad to leave her--of course not. I'm only glad to go to England, and to see Molly, and to be able to fight. I should think she understood.
gpt
You can hardly expect her to want you to fight. That's not the way with mothers, you know. The last thing she would wish would be for you to hold back, but still, she will be unhappy. And, Roy, don't you see yet that a brave man has to be kind as well as brave, especially where women are concerned? You can't possibly know what the parting will be to her, but still, you can manage to be kind.