human
Jack is evidently very friendly,
gpt
He ought to be,
human
He behaved very well and kindly, continued Clover.
gpt
The situation was odious.
human
Odious. I should think so, remarked Mildred.
gpt
I never disliked that bawling Dick Ogden as I did when he kept on calling Jack like that. Don’t begin to praise him to me, added the girl, turning toward her elder a glowing face.
human
After Jack Van Tassel has dragged around on his knees a good long time I am going to forgive him. Not before.
gpt
But it might all have been so awkward for us had he chosen to behave differently, she protested.
human
It is much easier for us to lock injuries in our breasts that the world knows nothing of, than it would be to have a gossiping set of people wondering and staring. Jack has grasped the bunch of nettles and saved us from those stings. You can feel as you please about it, but I am grateful.
gpt
I wish he would go away. I wish he’d go to Kamschatka, exclaimed Mildred hotly.
human
I can’t rid myself, when he is present, of the idea that he is considering how very differently we should be situated now if it weren’t for dear Mr. Van Tassel.
gpt
Well, it is true.
human
Don’t be tiresome, Clover. Of course it is true; but Jack has grown so grave and quietly observing, I feel that I shall not be able to endure having him about. I like fine clothes and fashionable life generally, and when I am soaring in my natural element, if Jack is going to give me those meditative, suggestive stares, it will ruin my pleasure. It is just as if one had a string about a bird’s ankle and could twitch it down whenever he liked.
gpt
I think you feel so because you haven’t talked with him yet, Mildred. You know Jack was always generous.
human
Was he? the young girl faced her sister.
gpt
Was he when he accused you and insulted you?
human
Oh, I’ve forgiven him, Milly, returned the other gently, making a repressive gesture.
gpt
I have considered his standpoint a great deal since then; and we enjoyed his father and benefited by him when the only son was far away. We even had the priceless privilege of serving him in his last days, while Jack was unwittingly defrauded. Oh, I should not have been at all surprised if he had been unable to take me by the hand to-day. Don’t be hard on Jack.