human
And mother is perfect, too,
gpt
Oh, no,
human
So you don't wonder that I hate you, continued Sibyl, taking no notice of that last remark.
gpt
It's 'cos you like to tell lies about good people. My father is perfect, and you called him unscroopolus. No wonder I hate you.
human
Listen now, little girl.
gpt
Don't shrink away, don't turn from me, he said;
human
I am not so bad as you make me out. If I did make use of such an expression, I have forgotten it. Men of the world say lots of things that little girls don't understand. Little girls of eight years old, if they are to grow up nice and good, and self-respecting, must take the world on trust. So you must take me on trust, and believe that even if I did say what you accuse me of saying, I still have a great respect for your father. I think him a right down _good_ fellow.
gpt
The best in all the world?
human
I am sure at least of one thing, that no little girl ever had a fonder father.
gpt
And you own up you told a lie? You do own up that father's quite perfect?
human
Men like myself don't care to own themselves in the wrong, said Lord Grayleigh,
gpt
You have met my father and my mother.
human
Come, Sibyl, shall we make a compromise? I like you, I want you to like me. Forget that I said what I myself have forgotten, and believe that I have a very great respect for your father. Come, if he were here, he would ask you to be friendly with me.
gpt
Would he? said the child. She looked wistful and interested.
human
There are lots of things I want to be 'splained to me, she said. Then, after a moment--
gpt
I'll think whether I'll be friends with you, and I'll let you know, may be to-morrow.