human
Do you think he gambles?
gpt
He has got no money, mamma.
human
I fear that might not hinder him. And he has money with him, though, for him and such friends as he has, it is not much. If he gambles everything is lost.
gpt
I suppose they all do play,--more or less.
human
I have not known that he played. I am wearied too, out of all heart, by his want of consideration to me. It is not that he will not obey me. A mother perhaps should not expect obedience from a grown-up son. But my word is nothing to him. He has no respect for me. He would as soon do what is wrong before me as before the merest stranger.
gpt
He has been so long his own master, mamma.
human
Yes,--his own master! And yet I must provide for him as though he were but a child. Hetta, you spent the whole evening talking to Paul Montague.
gpt
No, mamma;--that is unjust.
human
He was always with you.
gpt
I knew nobody else. I could not tell him not to speak to me. I danced with him twice. Her mother was seated, with both her hands up to her forehead, and shook her head.
human
If you did not want me to speak to Paul you should not have taken me there.
gpt
I don't wish to prevent your speaking to him. You know what I want. Henrietta came up and kissed her, and bade her good night.
human
I think I am the unhappiest woman in all London,
gpt
Is it my fault, mamma?
human
You could save me from much if you would. I work like a horse, and I never spend a shilling that I can help. I want nothing for myself,--nothing for myself. Nobody has suffered as I have. But Felix never thinks of me for a moment.
gpt
I think of you, mamma.
human
If you did you would accept your cousin's offer. What right have you to refuse him? I believe it is all because of that young man.
gpt
No, mamma; it is not because of that young man. I like my cousin very much;--but that is all. Good night, mamma.