human
But, uncle, she objected,
gpt
I do not love him.
human
Marry him, and love will come.
gpt
Never!
human
You speak confidently, miss,
gpt
Listen, Uncle John. It is not alone that I do not love him. I dislike him--I loathe--him.
human
Nonsense! that is a young girl's extravagant nonsense.
gpt
No, uncle.
human
There can be no reason for such a foolish dislike. What can you have against him?
gpt
It is impressed upon me, uncle, that Curtis is a bad man. There is something false--treacherous--about him.
human
Pooh! child! you are more foolish than I thought. I don't say Curtis is an angel. No man is; at least, I never met any such. But he is no worse than the generality of men. In marrying him you will carry out my cherished wish. Florence, I have not long to live. I shall be glad to see you well established in life before I leave you. As the wife of Curtis you will have a recognized position. You will go on living in this house, and the old home will be maintained.
gpt
But why is it necessary for me to marry at all, Uncle John?
human
You will be sure to marry some one. Should I divide my fortune between you and Curtis, you would become the prey of some unscrupulous fortune hunter.
gpt
Better that than become the wife of Curtis Waring----
human
I see, you are incorrigible, said her uncle, angrily.
gpt
Do you refuse obedience to my wishes?
human
Command me in anything else, Uncle John, and I will obey,
gpt
Indeed! You only thwart me in my cherished wish, but are willing to obey me in unimportant matters. You forget the debt you owe me.
human
I forget nothing, dear uncle. I do not forget that, when I was a poor little child, helpless and destitute, you took me in your arms, gave me a home, and have cared for me from that time to this as only a parent could.
gpt
You remember that, then?
human
Yes, uncle. I hope you will not consider me wholly ungrateful.
gpt
It only makes matters worse. You own your obligations, yet refuse to make the only return I desire. You refuse to comfort me in the closing days of my life by marrying your cousin.
human
Because that so nearly concerns my happiness that no one has a right to ask me to sacrifice all I hold dear.
gpt
I see you are incorrigible, said John Linden, stormily.
human
Do you know what will be the consequences?
gpt
I am prepared for all.
human
Then listen! If you persist in balking me, I shall leave the entire estate to Curtis.
gpt
Do with your money as you will, uncle. I have no claim to more than I have received.
human
You are right there; but that is not all.
gpt
I will give you twenty-four hours more to come to your senses. Then, if you persist in your ingratitude and disobedience, you must find another home.
human
Oh, uncle, you do not mean that?
gpt
I do mean it, and I shall not allow your tears to move me. Not another word, for I will not hear it. Take twenty-four hours to think over what I have said.