human
I 'spect I'm rather short for my age,
gpt
Why, how old are you?
human
Quite old, she replied gravely;
gpt
I was eight at five minutes past seven Monday fortnight back.
human
You certainly have a vast weight of years on your head,
gpt
You called me away from the other children 'cos you wanted to speak about father, didn't you? Please tell me all about him. Is he quite well?
human
Of course he is.
gpt
Did he ask about me?
human
Yes, he asked me how you were.
gpt
And what did you say?
human
I replied, with truth, that I had twice had the pleasure of seeing you; once when you were very rude to me, once when you were equally polite.
gpt
What are you thinking of, eight-year-old?
human
Of you,
gpt
Come, that's very interesting; what about me? Now, be quite frank and tell me why you were rude to me the first time we met?
human
May I? said Sibyl with great eagerness.
gpt
Do you really, truly mean it?
human
I certainly mean it.
gpt
You won't tell--mother?
human
I won't tell--mother,
gpt
I am glad, she said with emphasis.
human
I don't want my ownest mother to be hurt. She tries so hard, and she is so beautiful and perfect. It's most 'portant that I should speak to you, and if you will promise----
gpt
I have promised; whatever you say shall be secret. Now, out with it.
human
You won't like it,
gpt
You must leave me to judge of that.
human
I am going to be fwightfully rude.
gpt
Indeed! that is highly diverting.
human
I don't know what diverting is, but it will hurt you.
gpt
I believe I can survive the pain.
human
Are you laughing at me?
gpt
I would not dream of doing so.