human
Well, my dear,--fancy finding you here! Your stepfather wrote me you were studying in Florence and I've been meaning to write you. What luck, your turning up now! The friend who came on with me has been called home, and you shall do some climbs with me!
gpt
Shall I?
human
Of course! Don't bother about us,--we'll amuse ourselves well enough while you're hiking,--won't we, Mater?
gpt
Yes, do go, dear, said Mrs. Van Meter, quickly.
human
Make the most of it, for I think we'll be moving on in a very few days. I--I haven't said anything about it because you and Carter have been so happy here, but the altitude troubles me.... I've been really very wretched.
gpt
Oh, said Honor penitently,
human
It hasn't been serious, said Carter's mother, conscientiously,
gpt
It was entirely true; she would be more comfortable at sea level or anywhere else, so long as she took Carter out of that picture and framed him suitably again.
human
But we needn't hurry so madly, dear. Suppose we go on Friday? That will give you a day with your friend.
gpt
I don't believe we ought to wait even a day, if she feels the altitude so, said Honor, troubled.
human
She's really very frail.
gpt
I expect she can stick it a day, said Miss Bruce-Drummond, calmly.
human
She looks fit enough. But--I say--where's the other one? Where's your boy?
gpt
Jimsy is in Mexico with his father, visiting their relatives there on a big ranch.
human
You haven't thrown him over, have you?
gpt
Thrown Jimsy over? Thrown-- she stopped and drew a long breath.
human
I could just as easily throw _myself_ over. Why, we--_belong_! We're part of each other. I just--can't think of myself without thinking of Jimsy--or of Jimsy without thinking of me.
gpt
I see, said the novelist.
human
Yes. I see. But you're both frightfully young, aren't you? I expect your people will make you wait a long time, won't they?
gpt
Well, said Honor, earnestly,