human
Not difficult, not at all difficult, but I thought I would wait till I had something definite to say.
gpt
Margaret is, of course, perfectly free to act for herself. She has a very ardent nature, but at the same time a great deal of what we call common sense. Though her heart might be very much engaged, she would hesitate to put herself in any society which thought itself superior to her. You see I speak with great frankness.
human
I don't see how I can defend myself, Miss Forsythe.
gpt
Oh, she replied, with an answering smile that recognized his view of the humor of the situation,
human
I was not thinking of you, Mr. Lyon, but of the family and the society that my niece might enter, to which rank is of the first importance.
gpt
I am simply John Lyon, Miss Forsythe. I may never be anything else. But if it were otherwise, I did not suppose that Americans objected to rank.
human
I fear, Mr. Lyon, that your sarcasm is too well merited. But there are Americans who make a distinction between rank and blood. Perhaps it is very undemocratic, but there is nowhere else more pride of family, of honorable descent, than here. We think very much of what we call good blood. And you will pardon me for saying that we are accustomed to speak of some persons and families abroad which have the highest rank as being thoroughly bad blood. If I am not mistaken, you also recognize the historic fact of ignoble blood in the owners of noble titles. I only mean, Mr. Lyon, she added, with a softening of manner,
gpt
Yes, I think I get your American point of view. But to return to myself, if you will allow me; if I am so fortunate as to win Miss Debree's love, I have no fear that she would not win the hearts of all my family. Do you think that my--my prospective position would be an objection to her?
human
Not your position, no; if her heart were engaged. But expatriation, involving a surrender of all the habits and traditions and associations of a lifetime and of one's kindred, is a serious affair. One would need to be very much in love --and Miss Forsythe blushed a little as she said it--
gpt
I know. I am sure I love her too much to wish to bring any change in her life that would ever cause her unhappiness.
human
I am glad to feel sure of that.
gpt
And so I have your permission?
human
Most sincerely, said Miss Forsythe, rising and giving him her hand.
gpt
I could wish nothing better for Margaret than union with a man like you. But whatever I wish, you two have your destiny in your own hands.