human
What is wrong with you, my dear little daughter?
gpt
O mamma, I don't know what to do! I wish you could help me!
human
Only tell me what is wrong, dear, and you shall have all the help I can give,
gpt
Edward is vexed with me, sobbed Zoe.
human
I know he is, though he didn't say a word; but he looked so grave, and walked away without speaking.
gpt
Perhaps he was not vexed with you, dear; it may have been merely that he was deep in thought about something that had no connection with the little wife, whom, as I very well know, he loves very dearly.
human
No, mamma, it wasn't that; he had come in to hear me recite, and I was so interested in my fancy work that I'd forgotten to watch the time and hadn't looked at the lessons. So I told him, and said I was sorry I wasn't ready for him, and he didn't answer a word, but just looked at me as grave as a judge, and turned round and walked out of the room.
gpt
Surely, my dear Zoe, Edward does not insist upon his little wife learning lessons whether she is willing or not?
human
Oh, no, no, mamma! it has been my own choice, and I've no wish to give it up; but somehow there is always something interfering with my studying. Somebody calls, or I'm inclined for a ride, a drive or a walk, or I get engaged in sewing or fancy work, or my music, or a story-book that's too interesting to lay down till I reach the end. Mamma, I often wonder how it is that you find time for all these things and many others beside.
gpt
Shall I tell you the secret of managing it, dear?
human
It lies in doing things systematically, always putting duties first, giving to each its set time, and letting the pleasures come in afterward. If I were you, my dear, I should have a regular study hour, putting it early in the day, before callers begin to come, and I should not allow it to be lightly interfered with; no stitch should be taken in fancy work, no novel opened, no story paper glanced at, until each lesson for the day was fully prepared.
gpt
O mamma, I see that that is just the way to do it! she cried, clapping her hands with glee,
human
Strive earnestly to carry it out, you would say, yet not in your own strength alone,
gpt
Yes, mamma, she responded in a more serious tone.
human
And now, I'll run back to my room and try to be ready for Edward when he comes in again.
gpt
I'm quite ready for you now.
human
I've been thinking we might perhaps as well give it up, Zoe, he answered gravely,
gpt
Oh no, don't! she said, flushing and looking ready to cry,
human
Ah, if you have taken mamma into your counsels there is some hope, he said in a tone of hearty approval.
gpt
But we will have to put off the recitations until after tea. I must drive over to the Oaks to see Uncle Horace about a business matter, and I just came up to ask you to go along.
human
Oh, I'll be happy to! she cried joyously, pushing the books aside and starting to her feet,
gpt
Have I made you unhappy this afternoon, my love, my darling?
human
Yes, for a little while; but I deserved it, Ned, and I don't mind it now if--if only you love your foolish, careless little wife as well as ever in spite of all her faults.
gpt
I love you dearly, dearly, my one own peculiar treasure,