human
It's only I, Max. May I come in?
gpt
Yes, indeed, he answered, springing forward to admit her and hand her a chair.
human
How good in you to come, Aunt Zoe!
gpt
No, I did it to please myself. You know you've always been a favorite with me, Max, and I want to know what this is all about.
human
It's a perfect shame! she exclaimed indignantly.
gpt
I can't see the least bit of harm in your going to the store and buying what you did. You weren't even wasting the pocket money that you had a right to spend as you pleased. Grandpa Dinsmore is a--a--rather tyrannical, I think.
human
It does seem hard to have so little liberty, Max said, discontentedly,
gpt
Well, I must run away now, said Zoe, jumping up.
human
Here's something to sweeten your imprisonment, putting a box of confectionery into his hand.
gpt
Good-by,
human
Where have you been?
gpt
That's my affair,
human
What has come over you, Zoe? he asked.
gpt
Can't you give a civil answer to a simple question?
human
Of course I can, Mr. Travilla, but I think it's a pretty story if I'm to be called to account as to where I go even about the house.
gpt
Nothing but a guilty conscience could have made you look at my question in that light, he said, leaning against the mantel and looking down severely at her as she stood before him, for they were now in her boudoir.
human
I presume you have been in Max's room, condoling with and encouraging him in his defiance of grandpa's authority; and let me tell you, I won't allow it.
gpt
It makes no difference whether you allow it or not, she said, turning away with a contemptuous sniff.
human
I'm my own mistress.
gpt
Do you mean to defy my authority, Zoe?
human
Yes, I do. I'll do anything in the world for love and coaxing, but I won't be driven. I'm your wife, sir, not your slave.
gpt
I have no desire to enslave you, Zoe, he said, his tone softening,
human
I didn't perceive much love in the attempt you made just now,