human
So you sent the young Countess to boarding-school?
gpt
What? exclaimed the Countess, indignant at such an idea.
human
You must see that I am far too old to forego the pleasure of having the child with me. Then, observing that the young man's eyes were directed towards her favourite picture, she suddenly remembered the conversation she had had with him in the spring.
gpt
Oh, yes; you are thinking of how hard it seemed to me to receive the child. It makes me laugh to recall it. As for the picture, there was no need to hide it from her: she knew the entire Vatican by heart when she came to me, from photographs. She looks at everything, and sees beyond it! I am longing to have you know her: did you not notice her? though this February twilight, to be sure, is very dim. She has just escorted Hedwig Norton from the room.
human
Was that your grand-daughter? Sydow asked, in surprise.
gpt
I thought it was your niece Odette.
human
Where were your eyes? Countess Lenzdorff asked, in an aggrieved tone.
gpt
Odette is pretty enough, but a grisette,--a mere grisette,--in comparison with Erika. Erika is a head taller; and then, my dear, _un port de reine_,--_absolument, un port de reine_. Ah, here she comes.--Erika, Herr von Sydow wishes to be presented to you: you know who he is,--a great favourite of mine, and the nicest young fellow in all Berlin.
human
Of course my grandmother has enlightened you as to my perfections. I think we may both be quite content, Herr von Sydow.