human
Why, my dear, what is wrong? Are you ill? Come in here.
gpt
Nothing is wrong. I wanted to see you alone for a few minutes, and I thought this was the best way to do it. Are you quite free now?
human
Entirely. Sit down in this comfortable chair. I was startled. To have you fall ill after a week with us would be distressing.
gpt
It has been such a dear week! sighed Alice.
human
And I've rested all the time and have loved being with the girls. No, I'm quite well. But I had a letter from Mrs. Langdon, at Dexter, you know, just before I left home, and she told me I might tell you, if I cared to, what she has never let me tell any one outside the family,--that is, that I am one of the girls she is helping through college. I'm glad she said I might, for I've often wished Catherine knew, and it will be next best if you do.
gpt
It is a rather trying condition of Mrs. Langdon's, said Dr. Helen sympathetically,
human
You?
gpt
My father could not afford to send me, and I earned the money for my first two years, and was struggling along, trying to spend several hours a day earning money and at the same time to keep up with my work, when Mrs. Langdon, who was staying at home that winter, heard about me from friends. She helped me finish my college course, and gave me substantial aid in taking my professional course. I repaid the money afterward, but I couldn't repay the kindness.
human
She is wonderfully kind, said Alice,
gpt
Poor child! You must have been much disappointed and very lonely at first. But she is a friend worth having, in spite of her peculiarities. I am glad she let you share your secret with me. Did she say anything about her own health when she wrote? I almost never hear from her.
human
Not a word. But she asked me to call on her old friend, Madam Kittredge, while I was here.
gpt
She is our pastor's mother, a beautiful woman, and nearly blind. You must certainly call. Catherine always makes the rounds of the old ladies among our patients once a summer, and she loves to go to Madam Kittredge's. She must take you. I wonder--What is that? Come!