human
You're in the dark, dear,
gpt
Yes, Father. I've been thinking here since twilight. Lights always interfere with my thoughts, and so I did not turn them on.
human
Why, my dear, how long you have been sitting like this! It is now nearly eleven o'clock. Your thoughts must have been pretty active.
gpt
I had no idea it was that late! she exclaimed.
human
I have been thinking a great deal.
gpt
Pretty bad storm,
human
Thank you, Beth.
gpt
Are you well, Father?
human
Not very. But it is nothing serious. At least, the doctor so assures me. I presume he ought to know.
gpt
Why don't you go to the city and consult a specialist? These country doctors may not understand how to diagnose your case fully.
human
All the specialists in Christendom couldn't help me.
gpt
Father!
human
Don't grow alarmed, he said, with a short nervous laugh.
gpt
The only thing any doctor ever removes from his patient is what is worth the doctor's while. Present day physicians get away with a lot that is no credit to their profession. The main thing that interests them is not the disease, but the sufferer's pocketbook. If they can remove the latter, they will keep coaxing the former along.
human
I suppose it is the spirit of the age to want to get all the money one can. Others, besides doctors, do that.
gpt
Yes. Yes. There are still others who are grossly misjudged simply because they have money, too.
human
Of course there are. But let's forget both those classes and talk about you. Please, tell me all about your troubles. It hurts me to see you suffering so, and I want to help you. I'll try very hard.
gpt
I can't tell you everything, Beth.
human
Oh! Yes, you can. I'll be your doctor, and I'll promise not to remove more of your money than is absolutely necessary for a new frock. Try me this once, and see how well I'll prescribe.
gpt
Money is not troubling me, and I'll see that you get all the new frocks you wish. But I fear you would not understand if I should tell you all.
human
I shall try most awfully hard, Father. You have told me lots of times that for a girl I have excellent ideas about business dealings. Please, tell me. It will at least help you to unburden your mind.
gpt
But I have told you already that what is troubling me has nothing whatever to do with business. I tried to talk with you the other evening, and you failed to understand. We must not quarrel again. That is harder for me to bear than all else.
human
I am very sorry for that, Daddy. I fear I lost my head. I am ashamed of the way I acted, and of what I said. Will you not forgive me?
gpt
Yes, my dear. We were both pretty severe. We are living too much on our nerves of late.
human
Now, that the past is cleared up, tell me what is troubling you to-night.
gpt
You say you have been sitting here for a long while?
human
Since twilight. It didn't seem so long, though.
gpt
Did you see anything strange, or hear anything familiar?
human
I saw Uncle Josiah's boat leave the harbor.
gpt
Didn't it strike you as being rather odd that he should be going out this time of night, and in such a storm? He went out last night, too.
human
Yes, it did seem very strange to me.
gpt
Beth?
human
What is it, Father?
gpt
I know I've no right to worry you like this, but I don't stand reverses like I once did.
human
Reverses! You told me it wasn't money! And, anyway, what does Uncle Josiah's action have to do with your reverses?
gpt
I have told you the truth, Beth. It isn't money. I wish to God it were nothing more than that! There are reverses far harder to bear than financial ones.