human
William, said Aunt Caroline, as she examined the diploma through her gold-rimmed spectacles,
gpt
I think you have done very well. If your father were alive I am sure he would say the same thing. I am going to give you a check.
human
Oh, don't bother, Aunt Caroline,
gpt
It is so comforting to know that you stood at the head of your class, William.
human
William.
gpt
Why--what?
human
That out of two hundred you were the very first,
gpt
Why, Aunt Caroline, who----
human
Oh, the young man you brought home told me, and she beamed benevolently.
gpt
But the Marshalls always have been a modest family. We let our acts speak for themselves. I suppose I should never have found it out if your valet had not told me. His name is Peter, isn't it?
human
He appears to be a rather nice young man, added Aunt Caroline.
gpt
I am glad you brought him.
human
While he is, of course, your valet, William, I think we can afford to be rather considerate toward him. It seems so rare nowadays to find a young man with such high aims.
gpt
So? remarked Bill. This was bewildering.
human
Just--er--what did he say about his aims, Aunt Caroline?
gpt
He explained about his theological studies and how he has been earning his way through college, doing work as a valet. It was kind of you, William, to give him employment.
human
He takes such a deep interest in the heathen peoples, Aunt Caroline was saying.
gpt
While I hate to see a young man bury himself away from civilization, it shows very high Christian principles. There have to be missionaries in the world, of course. He speaks so hopefully about his future life.
human
Why--er--oh, yes; he's an optimist, all right, Aunt Caroline.
gpt
I gather from what he said, William, that he is something more than just a valet to you. He told me about your talks together on theology. I feel sure that he is going to be a very good influence. He told me about how hard you worked in your classes, and the honors you won, and all the temptations you resisted. He did not say that he helped you to resist them, but he did not need to. I could understand.
human
I hope he is orthodox, she added.
gpt
I shall ask him about that some time.