human
I suppose you want to botanise?
gpt
No; I want to talk to you--I want to do just what you do when you are alone.
human
Scramble through the hedges, and jump the streams, and swing on the gates, and go bird's-nesting in the hedges?
gpt
Y-es! At least, I could try--you could teach me. I've learned such a number of things in my life, but I don't know how to play. That part of my education has been neglected.
human
Wherever did you go to school? What a dreadful place it must have been!
gpt
I never went to school; I had governesses at home, and I have no brothers nor sisters; I am very much interested in girls of my own age, especially poor girls, and try to work among them, but I am not very successful. They are afraid of me, and I can't enter into their amusements; but if I could learn to romp and be lively, it might be different.
human
Do you mean to say you want to learn to be lively, as a lesson--that you are taking it up like wood-carving or poker-work--for the sake of your class and your influence there?
gpt
I think, so far as I can judge of my own motives, that that is a truthful statement of the case! I have often wished I knew someone like you--full of life and spirit; but there are not many girls in this neighbourhood, and I met no one suitable until you came. It is a great deal to ask, but if you would spend a little time with me sometimes I should be infinitely grateful.
human
Oh, don't be grateful, please, until you realise what you have to endure. Nothing worth having can be gained without suffering, I said solemnly.
gpt
I shall lead you a terrible dance, and you must promise implicit obedience. I'm a terrible bully when I get the chance.