human
And the others, said she:
gpt
I don't know that I thought much about them?
human
Didn't you feel as if it was a battle, and you wanted to beat them all?
gpt
Why the examiner was an old man, as dry as a stick! And the others—I hardly remember what they were like—except one, a white-headed boy with a pimply face. I couldn't help noticing him, because, whenever I looked up, there he was at the next table, staring at me and chewing a quill.
human
I can't understand, she confessed.
gpt
Often and often I have tried to think myself a man—a man with ambition. And to me that has always meant fighting. I see myself a man, and the people between me and the prize have all to be knocked down or pushed out of the way. But you don't even see them—all you see is a pimply-faced boy sucking a quill. Taffy——
human
What is it, Honoria?
gpt
I wish you would write to me, when you get to Oxford. Write regularly. Tell me all you do.
human
You will like to hear?
gpt
Of course I shall; so will George. But it's not only that. You have such an easy way of going forward; you take it for granted you're going to be a great man——
human
I don't.
gpt
Yes, you do. You think it just lies with yourself, and it is nobody's business to interfere with you. You don't even notice those who are on the same path. Now a woman would notice every one, and find out all about them.
human
Who said I wanted to be a great man?
gpt
Don't be silly, that's a good boy. There's your father coming out of the church-porch, and you haven't told him yet. Run to him, but promise first.
human
What?
gpt
That you will write.
human
I promise.