human
I am sorry if I frighten you, I said,
gpt
If you find it hard now, I said,
human
Oh, yes, she said eagerly.
gpt
I wish very much to be a mother. I have studied so hard to learn. I wish only to give myself to the holy duties of maternity. But I am so afraid.
human
But you need not be afraid of me, I said.
gpt
This is only a formal call which I have made because the Eugenic Staff ordered it so. But it seems to me that some better plan might be made for these meetings. Some social life might be arranged so that you would become acquainted with the men who are to be the fathers of your children under less embarrassing circumstances.
human
I try so hard not to be afraid of men, for I know they are necessary to eugenics.
gpt
Yes, I said dryly,
human
I suppose they are, though I think I would prefer to put it that the love of man and woman is necessary to parenthood.
gpt
Oh, no, she said in a frightened voice,
human
So you were taught that you should not love men? No wonder you are afraid of them.
gpt
I was taught to respect men for they are the fathers of children,
human
Then, I asked, deciding to probe the philosophy of the education for maternity,
gpt
What a beautiful idea!
human
Yes, I rather like it myself--the family--
gpt
The family!
human
That is what we were talking about.
gpt
But the family is forbidden. It is very wrong, very uneugenic. You must be a wicked man to speak to me of that.
human
You have been taught some very foolish ideas,
gpt
How dare you! she cried, in alarm.
human
I have been taught what is right, and I want to do what is right and loyal. I passed all my examinations. I am a good mother-elect, and you say these forbidden things to me. You talk of love and families. You insult me. And if you select me, I shall--I shall claim exemption,--