human
You don't mean, he began with a little gasp,--
gpt
Joe, you can't think that mother--that any one would object if the time came for me to--to marry Delia?
human
You are too young to think of such things, Ben,
gpt
Why--I've been thinking of it ever since Mr. Theodore came home. We were talking one time about going to Europe--
human
Are you really engaged, Ben?
gpt
Well--I suppose not exactly, he answered slowly.
human
We've never come to that boshy stuff you find now and then in stories. But we know all about each other's plans; and we like so many of the same things; and we always feel so comfortable together, not a bit as if we were trigged up in Sunday clothes. I don't think she's the most beautiful girl in the world; but she has lovely eyes, and I've never seen a handsome girl I have liked as well. Steve chose his own wife, and so did John. Cleanthe's a splendid housekeeper; but she doesn't have time to read a newspaper. Dolly's well informed, and has something fresh to talk about. But it seems to me Margaret is always caring about society and etiquette, and who is in our set, and a hundred things that bore me. Phil has all his life been used to style, so Margaret's just the one for him. And why shouldn't I have just the one for me?
gpt
I'd wait a year or two, he answered drily.
human
You are not out of your time; and it is an unwise thing to take the responsibilities of life too early. Delia may fancy some one else.
gpt
Oh, no, she won't, replied Ben, confidently.
human
We just suit. I can't explain it to you, Joe; but it is one of the things that seem to come about without any talking. Are some things ordained? I should be awful sorry to have mother object to it; but I know Dolly would stand by us when the time came.
gpt
Well--don't hurry; and, Ben, take the little comments patiently. If mother was convinced that it was for your happiness, she would consent. We all know there are unwise marriages, unhappy ones, as well.
human
Oh, we're not in any hurry! You see, Delia is really needed at home. The old aunt is awfully fond of her. And she's so interested in her stories. We have such fun planning them out; and she does some capital little sketches.