human
Because I have been making my dress, said she.
gpt
These fine sunny days began to make me ashamed of my winter merino, so I have furbished up a lighter garment.
human
In which you look as I like to see you, said Shirley.
gpt
You are a lady-like little person, Caroline.--Is she not, Mrs. Pryor?
human
You get somewhat thin, my love, and somewhat pale. Do you sleep well? your eyes have a languid look.
gpt
I sometimes dream melancholy dreams, answered Caroline;
human
My dear, you are surely not superstitious?
gpt
No, Mrs. Pryor; but I think I grow what is called nervous. I see things under a darker aspect than I used to do. I have fears I never used to have--not of ghosts, but of omens and disastrous events; and I have an inexpressible weight on my mind which I would give the world to shake off, and I cannot do it.
human
Strange! cried Shirley.
gpt
I never feel so.
human
Fine weather, pleasant days, pleasant scenes, are powerless to give me pleasure, continued Caroline.
gpt
Calm evenings are not calm to me. Moonlight, which I used to think mild, now only looks mournful. Is this weakness of mind, Mrs. Pryor, or what is it? I cannot help it. I often struggle against it. I reason; but reason and effort make no difference.
human
You should take more exercise,
gpt
Exercise! I exercise sufficiently. I exercise till I am ready to drop.
human
My dear, you should go from home.
gpt
Mrs. Pryor, I should like to go from home, but not on any purposeless excursion or visit. I wish to be a governess, as you have been. It would oblige me greatly if you would speak to my uncle on the subject.
human
Nonsense! broke in Shirley.
gpt
What an idea! Be a governess! Better be a slave at once. Where is the necessity of it? Why should you dream of such a painful step?
human
My dear, said Mrs. Pryor,
gpt
And I believe I want severe duties to occupy me.
human
Occupy you! cried Shirley.
gpt
When are you idle? I never saw a more industrious girl than you. You are always at work. Come, she continued--
human
Indeed I do, Shirley; and I don't wish to leave you. I shall never find another friend so dear.