human
You haven't told me yet what your disagreement with father was about, she reminded him at length; and before he could speak:
gpt
You needn't, because I know. You have been getting in his way--financially, and he has been getting in your way--ethically. You are both in the wrong.
human
Yes?
gpt
Yes. Father thinks too much of making money--a great deal too much; and you----
human
Well? he prompted, when the pause threatened to become a break.
gpt
I am waiting to hear my indictment.
human
You puzzle me, she acknowledged frankly.
gpt
At first I thought you were going to be a thirsty money hunter like all the others. And--and I couldn't quite understand why you should be. Now I know, or partly know. You had an object that was different from that of the others. You wanted to buy some one thing--not everything, as most people do. But there is something missing, and that is what puzzles me. I don't know what it is that you want to buy.
human
There have been two things, he broke in.
gpt
One of them you know, because I spoke of it to you long ago. The other----
human
The other is connected in some way with the Massingales; so much I have been able to gather from what father said.
gpt
Since you know part, you may know all, he went on.
human
David Massingale owes your father--technically, at least--one hundred thousand dollars, which he can't pay; which your father isn't going to let him pay, if he can help it. And if Massingale doesn't pay he will lose his mine.
gpt
You interested yourself? Would you mind telling me just why?
human
That is one of the things you couldn't understand.
gpt
Oh, you are mistaken, greatly mistaken. I can understand it very well, indeed. You are in love with David Massingale's daughter.
human
It was fine. I can appreciate such devotion even if I can't fully sympathize with it. Everybody should be in love like that--once. Every woman demands that kind of love--once. But afterward, you know--if one should be content to take the good the gods provide.... When she began again at the end of the eloquent little pause there was a new note in her voice, a note soothingly suggestive of swaying poppies in sunlit fields, of ease and peace and the ideal heights receding, of rose-strewn paths pleasant to the feet of the weary wayfarer.
gpt
Why shouldn't we take to-day, the only day we can be sure of having, and use and enjoy it while it is ours? Money?--there is money enough in the world, God knows; enough and to spare for anything that is worth the buying. I have money, if that is all--money of my own. And, if I should ask him, father would give me the 'Little Susan' outright, to do with it as I pleased.