human
My daughter, said Gilcrest, in his most stately manner,
gpt
he said to his wife,
human
Stop, father! Stop, mother! Betty cried, rising from her chair and facing her father, her lips firmly set, her face pale, determination in every line of her graceful figure.
gpt
What I have to say to Mr. Drane must be said in your hearing. Gilcrest, surprised at the firmness of her voice and the determination and dignity of her bearing, stood still, facing her; Mrs. Gilcrest sank limply into the nearest chair. Betsy continued:
human
I am sensible of the honor Mr. Drane does me in seeking my hand; but I am surprised at his persisting in a suit which he must know is displeasing to me. More than once has he so plainly intimated his intentions that I could not fail to understand, and just as plainly have I intimated that I could not favor his suit. I now, in your presence, say what I have so often hinted to him--that I can never be his wife.
gpt
Tut! tut! girl, have done with these unseemly airs! said her father, sharply.
human
You are not capable of judging. Your parents know best what is good for you.
gpt
No, sir, said Betty, firmly,
human
Stop such maudlin raving! Your 'troth plighted'! Tut! you do not know what you are saying; and as for your love, it is but the puling sentimentality of a silly girl, which you will soon outgrow.
gpt
Sir, said Betsy, turning toward the crestfallen young lawyer,
human
I beg that you leave us. I have given you my answer; it is irrevocable. Though humbly thanking you for the honor you would confer upon me, I can not be your wife.
gpt
No, no! don't go, James. The girl does not know her own mind; but, by heaven, she shall be made to hear reason! exclaimed Gilcrest, furiously.
human
Wait, man, I beg of you; I wish to confer further with you. As for you, you undutiful, foolish girl, you may leave the room while I talk with Mr. Drane.
gpt
No, said James,
human
But, James, I--we----
gpt
You self-willed, troublesome baggage!
human
Father, said Betty, quietly,
gpt
Why don't you speak to her, Jane? he asked, turning to his wife.
human
Why do you sit there listless and dumb? Have you no influence over the girl?
gpt
Is everything going against me? groaned the old man, pacing the room excitedly.
human
I'm thwarted and set at naught on every hand--church, neighbors, friends. I'll sell out and go back to Massachusetts. To think that my only daughter!--Truly a man's worst foes are often those of his own household.
gpt
I grieve to cross you, father, answered Betsy,
human
Betsy, my daughter, believe me, I know what is best for you. As James Drane's wife, you will be tenderly loved and indulged in every luxury, and have every whim gratified; and I do think that my heartfelt desire in this matter should incline you to at least consider well before you reject a man whom any other girl in the State would be proud to accept.
gpt
Dear father, said Betty, going up to him and laying her hand beseechingly upon his arm,
human
I can never marry James Anson Drane.
gpt
There, there! he said soothingly, as he tenderly touched her wet cheek,
human
Never! exclaimed Betsy, drawing back defiantly.
gpt
I shall never again listen to him, nor to you even, upon this subject. I dislike him exceedingly, and I love Abner Dudley with my whole heart. Marry James Drane! The very thought of such a thing fills me with loathing. I have no confidence in his truth and integrity. I would beg my bread rather than be his wife.
human
I'll lock you up! cried Gilcrest, exasperated beyond bounds, his momentary tenderness completely vanquished by the girl's words.
gpt
I'll starve you on bread and water, you insolent, outrageous fool!
human
O Hiram! Hiram! don't! wailed Mrs. Gilcrest.
gpt
Don't be so hard. I can not bear it! Oh, what shall I do! what shall I do!
human
This is your work, he said to Betsy, as he bent over his hysterical wife.
gpt
You are breaking your mother's heart, you obstinate vixen. Ring the bell for Dilsey, at once. Remain where you are, until I return,
human
I can not, of course, force you to marry any one, he said to his daughter;
gpt
I can give you no such obedience, Betsy replied.
human
I am his promised wife; but even though loving him as I do, I would give him back his troth, if you could show just and adequate reason why I should. Instead, you give no reason whatever.
gpt
Is not my wish reason enough?
human
No, sir, it is not. I am no longer a child, to be made to obey you blindly and unquestioningly.
gpt
Then, if you will insist upon knowing my reasons, you willful girl, you shall be enlightened. Your precious lover has renounced you; and, what is more, he will never show his face in this community again.
human
No, no! It can't be true. He is loyal. I will believe in him above all the world. He will return. I know he will,
gpt
But he has renounced you, Betsy, my daughter. He has written me that he must give you up.
human
Let me see the letter,
gpt
I would have spared you this, my child, if possible,
human
Oh, what lie is this they have told you, my persecuted, darling Abner? she exclaimed.
gpt
You, my proud, high-minded, noble lover, a bastard! Never, never, never! It's all a vile plot to cheat you of your betrothed wife and your inheritance. Ah! I know whose work this is. It is that smiling, treacherous Judas, James Anson Drane. I feel it, I know it.
human
You rave, my miserable, deluded child, Gilcrest said sadly,
gpt
This will all be cleared up, I feel that it will, she said again and again,
human
Go to your room, you unreasonable fool, he finally said.
gpt
Go! No longer offend my sight by your presence--but listen, first, and remember I will be obeyed. I forbid your writing one line to that base-born vagabond. Further, I forbid your leaving these premises or holding any communication with any one except members of this household, until you pledge me your word of honor to have nothing more to do with Abner Dudley.
human
Then, I'm a prisoner for life, answered Betty;
gpt
BLUE HERON
human
Blue Heron,