human
Why, isn't he a mere boy; ever so much younger than you are?
gpt
Three years.
human
That is a pity--a great pity: women grow old so much faster than men.
gpt
I know that,
human
Besides, did you not tell me he was very handsome and clever?
gpt
Yes: and I'm neither the one nor the other. I have thought all that over too, many a time; indeed I have, Miss Hilary. But Tom likes me--or fancies he does. Do you think --and the intense humility which true love always has, struck into Miss Hilary's own conscious heart a conviction of how very true this poor girl's love must be.
human
Do you think he is mistaken? that his liking me--I mean in that sort of way--is quite impossible?
gpt
No, indeed, and I never said it; never thought it, was the earnest reply.
human
But consider; three years younger than yourself; handsomer and cleverer than you are--
gpt
He loves you now; you are sure of that; but are you sure that he is a thoroughly stable and reliable character? Do you believe he will love you always?
human
I can't tell. Perhaps--if I deserved it,