human
I hear, Paul, he began,
gpt
I call on her occasionally, said Paul.
human
She is a very agreeable young lady.
gpt
So I hear--so I hear, remarked Silas in a business-like way.
human
Still, I hope you won't carry matters too far.
gpt
What do you mean?
human
I wish I could go into particulars; I wish I could tell you exactly what I mean, but I can't, said Silas.
gpt
All I can say is that it would be impossible for you to marry the young woman. My Lord! he exclaimed, as he saw Paul close his jaws together.
human
Ain't there no other woman in the world?
gpt
Do you know anything against the young lady's character?
human
Nothing, absolutely nothing,
gpt
Well, said Paul,
human
I hadn't considered the question of marriage at all, but since you've brought the subject up, we may as well discuss it. You say it will be impossible for me to marry this young lady, and you refuse to tell me why. Don't you think I am old enough to be trusted?
gpt
Why, certainly, Paul--of course; but there are some things-- Silas paused, and caught his breath, and then went on.
human
Honestly, Paul, if I could tell you, I would; I'd be glad to tell you; but this is a matter in which you will have to depend on my judgment. Can't you trust me?
gpt
Just as far as you can trust me, but no farther, was the reply.
human
I'm not a child. In a few months I'll be of age. But if I were only ten years old, and knew the young lady as well as I know her now, you couldn't turn me against her by insinuations. He rose, shook himself, walked the length of the room and back again, and stood close to his father.
gpt
You've already settled the question of marriage. I asked you last night about the report that you intended to act with the radicals, and you refused to give me a direct answer. That means that the report is true. Do you suppose that Eugenia Claiborne, or any other decent woman would marry the son of a scalawag? he asked with a voice full of passion.
human
Why, she'd spit in his face, and I wouldn't blame her.
gpt
Lord! I hate to hurt him, but he'd better be dead than to marry that girl.