human
Still ... still ... it cannot be! I should not have even time for it all in Paris; it is absurd!
gpt
Still, there must be no haggling; in ecclesiastical language 'ten' means ten beads; no doubt ... but I remember very well that after he pronounced the word rosary, the father expressed himself thus: 'you will say ten,' that means ten rosaries, for otherwise he would have specified ten ... of a rosary.
human
The father had no need to put the dots on all the i's, if he were using an ordinary phrase, known to everyone. This cavilling about the value of a word is ridiculous.
gpt
Of the two interpretations I have chosen the one which would relieve me of all effort and trouble, it is really too easy!--that alone proves that I deceive myself when I try to persuade myself that the prior only ordered me to pick out ten beads!
human
Then a Pater, ten Aves, and a Gloria are nothing; it is not heavy as a penance!
gpt
But it is much for you, for you cannot even attempt so much without wandering.
human
I have never felt such hesitation, he said, trying to pull himself together;
gpt
I am not stupid and yet I am fighting against my good sense, for it is not a matter of doubt, I know it, I ought to say ten Aves and not one more!