human
It's all right, Materna,
gpt
What is, dear?
human
Oh, mother, the idea of asking! The only thing in the world.
gpt
You mean--you and Elizabeth?
human
Yes,
gpt
When was it, dear?
human
This afternoon, he said. And once started, he overflowed:
gpt
I can't get my breath yet, though I've known it since a quarter past four!
human
David, of course I'm happy, if you are; but--I hope she's good enough for you, dear.
gpt
Good enough? for _me!_ Materna, she is perfect! Don't you suppose I know? I've know her nearly all my life, and I can say she is perfect. She is as perfect as you are; she said you were perfect this afternoon. Yes; I never supposed I could say that any woman was as good, and lovely, and pure, as you--
human
David, _please_ don't say such things.
gpt
But I can say it of Elizabeth! Oh, what a lucky fellow I am! I always thought Blair would get her. He's such a mighty good fellow,--and so darned good-looking, confound him! David ruminated affectionately.
human
And he can talk; he's not bottled up, like me. To think she would look at me, when she could have had him,--or anybody else! It seems kind of mean to cut Blair out, when he isn't here. He hasn't seen her, you know, for about two years.
gpt
Perhaps you would like to call it off until he gets home, and give him a chance?
human
No, thank you. Oh, Materna, she is, you know, really, so--so sort of wonderful! Some time I want to talk to you about her. I don't believe anybody quite understands Elizabeth but me. But to think of her caring for me! To think of my having two such women to care for me. He took her hand gently and kissed it.
gpt
Mother, he said--he spoke with almost painful effort;
human
Mother, I want to tell you something. I want to tell you, because, being what you are, you can't in the least understand what it means; but I do want you to know: I've never kissed any woman but you, Materna, until I kissed--_Her_.
gpt
Oh, said Helena Richie, in a stifled voice,
human
Make me happy? David said. He paused; that unasked kiss burned once more against his lips; he almost shivered at the pang of it.
gpt
Materna, he said hoarsely,
human
Love doesn't mean just happiness,
gpt
You are thinking of--of your little boy, who died?
human
Yes; and of my marriage; it was not happy, David.
gpt
he said, softly,
human
I feel as if that little beggar gave me my mother. I feel as if I had his job; and if I am not a good son--