human
This is the second secret that has come our way this vacation, Dolly said.
gpt
Such secrets are not nice. I hope we shall not be compelled to hear any more. First, we learned more about our president's life than she would probably care to have us know, and now comes this, which is, of course, a thousand times worse. As far as I am concerned, I have no suggestions to offer.
human
As I understand the matter, you want her forced to obey the rules, but at the same time you are not going to tell any member of the faculty about her.
gpt
Of course I am not, Beth said indignantly.
human
That is simply out of the question.
gpt
And yet, for her own sake, it would be much better if the faculty knew something of her doings. She cannot go into town so often for any good purpose. She may be getting into mischief that she will repent all of her after-life.
human
Very true, still I can say nothing.
gpt
Will you let me see what I can do?
human
That would be the same as doing it myself, Mary, and then trying to sneak out of a mean act by putting it on your shoulders.
gpt
If you are willing to trust me, I will not tell anything definite. I will not mention your name, or tell what Miss Ainsworth has done. I shall merely make sure that she will be so warned and hedged in hereafter, that she will not dare to break the rules again. And this ought to be done, Elizabeth, both for her own sake and the sake of the college.
human
My dear infant, do you suppose for a moment that you could make the indefinite statement which you propose, to any member of the faculty, and not have a full explanation demanded at once of everything that has been done?
gpt
That would be true, usually, I know--
human
But-- Beth's voice sounded a trifle impatient--
gpt
Not all of them, Mary returned serenely,
human
What!
gpt
It is true. She is Mother's sister. I really do not know why I told no one at first. I took a notion that I didn't want the girls to know, and Aunt Mary humored me. I am her namesake.
human
And that is where you have been evenings when I wondered so where you were,
gpt
Yes, I was up in her room. I can go there any time I wish. I thought that I would leave you and Beth an opportunity to talk and study in our sitting-room.
human
Professor Newton must have a high opinion of me, Dolly interjected discontentedly,
gpt
You needn't worry about Aunt Mary. She knows how lovely you have been to an awkward, green girl from the western prairies, and she is very grateful. Now you see, don't you, that I can say just enough to her confidentially to warrant her in warning Miss Ainsworth that the faculty will expect different behavior from her in the future? That is all that will be necessary, I am sure, only, of course, she will be watched after this. I will not mention a single name, and I will not tell anything that she has done in the past. If she behaves herself after the warning, she will be all right. There will be no harm done, but lots of good will have been accomplished. If she doesn't choose to take heed--
human
She will deserve to suffer the full consequences, declared Beth.
gpt
Yes, go ahead, that is the best plan. Truly, I am not thinking entirely of the college either, when I say it. While I care nothing, personally, for Margery Ainsworth, I do not want her to ruin her whole life by some piece of folly.
human
No wonder that you did not care to have me introduce you to Professor Newton that first evening; do you remember? And of course she had saved a place at her table purposely for you. Mary Sutherland, if I supposed you repeated to her all the nonsense that you have heard me talk about her, I should never let you return to college alive.
gpt
You always say nice things about her; now, if it had been Professor Arnold--you really don't like her at all.
human
Of course I don't. An angel from heaven couldn't suit Professor Arnold when it comes to a Latin translation. But just to think how I have gushed over Professor Newton. Mary Sutherland, have you ever told her the silly things I have said?
gpt
You might know that I would not repeat anything that would displease Aunt Mary.
human
You are evading my questions, Mary Sutherland. I just know that you have told Professor Newton how I have gushed over her, and how deeply in love with her I am. Don't try to fool me. I will never, never tell anything to you again. Don't talk to me about unsophisticated girls from the country, they are deeper than any city girl I ever saw.