human
I asked not to be announced, he explained.
gpt
I am early and did not want to hurry you. He extended his hand.
human
How are you?
gpt
I couldn’t imagine who it was, when I looked in, exclaimed Alice cordially.
human
I am glad to see you.
gpt
You look simply stunning, he answered quietly.
human
There is something, he added without giving her a chance to speak and turning from the eyes of the portrait back again to her own,
gpt
Oh, Mr. Kimberly, spare your extravagances. I hear you have been away.
human
At least, I have never seen you quite so beautiful as you are this moment.
gpt
I am not beautiful at all, and I am quite aware of it, Mr. Kimberly.
human
I would not wish you to think anything else. There the beauty of your character begins.
gpt
You humiliate me exceedingly,
human
The truth should not humiliate you. I----
gpt
Must I run away?
human
Not, I hope, because I tell you you are beautiful, for I shall continue to tell you so every time I see you.
gpt
Surely you will not take advantage of your hostess, Mr. Kimberly?
human
In what way?
gpt
By saying things most unpleasant for her to hear.
human
I say things awkwardly, perhaps unpleasantly, but always sincerely.
gpt
If we are to be good friends, you must excuse me even from sincerity on topics of this kind.
human
Don’t cut me from your friendship. We must be the best of friends. I cannot conceive of you as being other than kind, even patient with me.
gpt
Then do not say things I cannot listen to.
human
I will never say anything you may not listen to. But concede me the privilege--for it is one--of paying honest tribute to your loveliness when I can’t help it.
gpt
I positively will not listen. With the word she caught up her gown and started away. He walked with her.
human
I am afraid, he said regretfully,
gpt
You should be the last to make me so, Mr. Kimberly.
human
I wish to be the last. Yet I hate to sacrifice sincerity.
gpt
There is something I put far above sincerity.
human
What can it be?
gpt
Consideration for the feelings of another--particularly if she be somewhat helpless.
human
Just a moment. They were entering the hall and he stopped her.
gpt
In what way are you helpless?
human
Through consideration on my part for my guest to-night, for my husband’s friend, for a friend to whom we both owe much----
gpt
You owe that friend nothing. If you really think so, disabuse your mind. And I have never professed the slightest friendship for Mr. MacBirney. Whatever we do, let us keep the facts clear. If we speak of consideration, what about my feelings? And about helplessness--I am up against a stone wall all the time in trying to say anything.
human
You have no right to say anything!
gpt
Perhaps that is true. One that can’t say things better than I do shouldn’t attempt them. If one of us must be humiliated let it be me. Where are you taking me?
human
Nowhere at all, Mr. Kimberly. Won’t you----
gpt
Where are you going?
human
To look at my table. Mr. MacBirney will be right down. Won’t you wait for him in the library?
gpt
No.
human
I should be most grateful.
gpt
I want to see the table myself.
human
This way then.