human
I don't cheapen myself, she would say, forgetting her conservatory days. In her heart of hearts, she imagined herself in humble surrender, laying her strong personality at the feet of a still stronger one and being gently lifted up on to a pedestal. It was curious, she thought, that her wonderful, unique gift of tenderness should go unperceived. But how is one to show that one is tender? It is so difficult for a maiden lady, living alone. She saw visions of a huge man with whimsical, smiling eyes, who after seeing her two or three times would call at her cottage. He would stand in the door and simply say,
gpt
Ellen, and she would put her head on his shoulder and cry gently while he stroked her hair.
human
Does my loving you make you sad, little one? he would say, and she would answer,
gpt
No, no, they are tears of happiness.
human
And then, rather nervously and tremulously, she would murmur,
gpt
I am afraid I am not very beautiful, and he would laugh a deep, joyous laugh and say,
human
To me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world.