human
Eat and be filled, dearly beloved, because I have a new project and I need you to be enthusiastic.
gpt
What is it this time? asked Dr. Harlow, serving the golden scallop generously.
human
You have shown diplomacy in your choice of a dish, if I am the one you wish to wheedle.
gpt
Tell us,
human
It's quite new, said Catherine, hesitating a little.
gpt
In fact it's not a half-hour old, but I do believe it is a good plan. You know Algernon Swinburne?
human
We have met him,
gpt
So had I! said Catherine with sudden spirit,
human
Did he tell you so?
gpt
No. But I suddenly knew. I've seen homesick girls at college, and--and--well, there was a little while, just a little while, when I was getting strong enough to do things, and before Hannah came to visit, that I felt that way myself, so I know.
human
I think you are very likely right, Catherine. And this plan of yours is to make Algernon less lonely?
gpt
Do you think he knows he's lonely? asked Dr. Harlow.
human
I've thought the boy had good stuff in him, and if he should ever wake up to the fact that he's a bore, he might amount to something worth while. You don't think he has, do you?
gpt
Not exactly, Catherine confessed, remembering the note-book's appearance at the end of her little story.
human
But I think he has an inkling that he might be of more use. I told him he was a walking library. He does know such an amazing amount, you know! And he said Winsted would be better off if it had a real library instead of his kind; and then it flashed into my mind how he would love living among books, and how fine it would be for the town if all that knowledge of his could be used--
gpt
Like wasted water power?
human
Yes. That's just it. He has read more than any one in this town, except you, Father dear, and you are very old-fashioned in your reading. You never heard of some of the modern books that Algernon knows all about. Why couldn't we start a library and have Algernon run it? It would make people appreciate him.
gpt
It would keep him occupied at certain hours, and assure you of freedom from his calls,
human
Wouldn't it be practical, really, Mother? Algernon can't go away to school. His mother isn't willing, you know, and he needs to be here to look after Elsmere. But he could study there, and lots of towns as small as this do have libraries.
gpt
Some one to see you, Catherine,
human
Excuse my coming just at supper time, he said,
gpt
I didn't see him go. I was looking at some papers, and when I glanced up he wasn't there. Let's go out on the porch again, and think. You had been sitting on the railing and I was in the steamer chair--O Elsmere Swinburne, where have you been?