human
You don't know how I love these little patches, said Miss Stowe.
gpt
There is such a good faith about them; they are charming.
human
You were always fond of nature, I remember. I used to tell you that art was better.
gpt
Ah! did you?
human
You have forgotten very completely in one year.
gpt
Yes, I think I have. I always forget, you know, what it is not agreeable to remember. But I must go back; Aunt Ruth will be waiting.
human
I will speak more plainly, said Morgan.
gpt
I went to England during July last--that is, I followed Mrs. Lovell. She was in Devonshire. Quite recently I have learned that she has become engaged in--Devonshire, and is soon to be married there. I am naturally rather down about it. I am seeking some other interest. I should like to try your plan for a while, and build up an interest in--you.
human
The plans are not alike, she said.
gpt
Yours is badly contrived. _I_ did not tell _you_ beforehand what I was endeavoring to do!
human
I am obliged to tell you. You would have discovered it.
gpt
Discovered what a pretence it was? That is true. A woman can act a part better than a man. _You_ did not discover! And what am I to do in this little comedy of yours?
human
Nothing. It is, in truth, nothing to you; you have told me that, even when you made a great effort towards that especial object, it was impossible to get up the slightest interest in me. Do not take a violent dislike to me; that is all.
gpt
And if it is already taken?
human
I shall have to conquer that. What I meant was--do not take a fresh one.
gpt
There is nothing like precedent, and therefore I repeat your question: what if you should succeed--I mean as regards yourself?
human
It is my earnest wish to succeed.
gpt
You do not add, as I did, that in case you do succeed you will of course never see me again, but that at least the miserable old feeling will be at rest?
human
I do not add it.
gpt
And at the conclusion, when it has failed, shall you tell me that the cause of failure was--the inevitable comparisons?
human
Beatrice is extremely lovely, he replied, turning his head and gazing at the Arno, shining through an opening in the hedge.
gpt
I do not attempt to pretend, even to myself, that she is not the loveliest woman I ever knew.
human
Since you do not pretend it to yourself you will not pretend it to me.
gpt
Why should I?
human
There is Aunt Ruth, said Miss Stowe;
gpt
I see the horses. She is probably wondering what has become of me.
human
You have not altogether denied me, he said, just before they reached the carriage.
gpt
I assure you I will not be in the least importunate. Take a day or two to consider. After all, if there is no one upon whom it can really infringe (of course I know you have admirers; I have even heard their names), why should you not find it even a little amusing?
human
I am not sure but that I shall find it so,