human
If you'll tell me something nice and pleasant, she said to Nan,
gpt
I'll be under many obligations to you. Tell me something funny, or if you don't know anything funny, tell me something horrible--anything for a change. I saw Cephas downtown; that child has been trying for days to tell me of his adventures, and I have been dying to hear them. But I keep out of his way; I am so perverse that I refuse to give myself that much pleasure. Oh, if you only knew how mean I am, you wouldn't sit there smiling. I hear that the dear boys are having a good deal of trouble. Well, it serves them right; they had no business to be boys. They should have been girls; then they would have been perfectly happy all the time. Don't you think so, sweet child?
human
Why, what is the matter with you, Margaret? You know that girls can be as unhappy as boys; yes, and a thousand times more so.
gpt
Oh, I'll never believe it! never! cried Margaret.
human
Why, do you mean to tell me that any girl can be unhappy? You'll have to prove it, Nan; you'll have to give the name, and furnish dates, and then you'll have to give the reason. Do you mean to insinuate that you intend to offer yourself as the horrible example? Fie on you, Nan! You're in love, and you mistake that state for unhappiness. Why, that is the height of bliss. Look at me! I'm in love, and see how happy I am!
gpt
I know one thing, said Nan, and her voice was low and subdued,
human
Why, certainly, replied Margaret.
gpt
What are friends for? I should dislike very much to have a friend that I couldn't make miserable. But if you think you are going to run away, come up to my room and we'll lock ourselves in, and then I know you can't get away.
human
Now, what is the matter?
gpt
I don't think I can tell you, Nan; you would consider me a fool, and I want to keep your good opinion. But I can tell you a part of my troubles. He wants me to marry Francis Bethune! Think of that! She paused and looked at Nan.
human
Well, why don't you congratulate me?
gpt
I'll never believe that, said Nan, decisively.
human
Did he say that he wanted you to marry Frank Bethune? The
gpt
Well, he didn't insist on it; he's too kind for that. But Francis has been coming here very often, until our friends in blue gave him a much-needed rest, and I suppose I must have been going around looking somewhat gloomy; you know how I am--I can't be gay; and then he asked me what the trouble was, and finally said that Francis would make me a good husband. Why, I could have killed myself! Think of me, in this house, and occupying the position I do!
human
Why, Margaret! she cried,
gpt
No, you don't, and I hope you never will! exclaimed Margaret.
human
Nobody knows how I feel. If I could, I would tell you--but I can't, I can't!
gpt
Margaret, said Nan, in a most serious tone,
human
Unkindly! cried Margaret, bursting into tears;