human
Lemon and Company think that early in December would be the best time, as people are beginning then to spend money for Christmas. Mr. Lemon seems to think we've got a good many things the smaller connoisseurs will want. The servants are to go next Tuesday, so that if you and Cousin Cherry could take papa then--I'm to stay with Lulu Sentner; and I shall go from her house to be married--some day, when everything else is settled. Did you know that before Mr. Davenant went away he left a small bank account for papa?--two or three thousand dollars--so that we have money to go on with. Rupert wants to spend a week or two in New York and Washington, after which we shall come back here and pick up papa. He's not very keen on coming with us, but I simply couldn't--
gpt
You look pale, he said,
human
Cousin Rodney, do you think it's any harm for a woman to marry one man when she's in love with another? Before he had time to recover himself, she followed this question with a second.
gpt
Do you think it's possible for a person to be in love with two people at the same time?
human
I'm not a very good judge of love affairs, he said, after a minute's reflection.
gpt
But one thing I know, and it's this--that when we do our duty we don't have to bother with the question as to whether it's any harm or not.
human
We may do our duty, and still make people unhappy.
gpt
No; not unless we do it in the wrong way.
human
So that if I feel that to go on and keep my word is the right thing--or rather the only thing--?
gpt
That settles it, dearie. The right thing _is_ the only thing--and it makes for everybody's happiness.
human
Even if it seems that it--it _couldn't_?
gpt
I'm only uttering platitudes, dearie, when I say that happiness is the flower of right. No other plant can grow it; and that plant can't grow any other flower. When you've done the thing you feel you're called to do--the thing you couldn't refuse while still keeping your self-respect--well, then, you needn't be afraid that any one will suffer in the long run--and yourself least of all.
human
In the long run! That means--
gpt
Oh, there may be a short run. I'm not denying that. But no one worth his salt would be afraid of it. And that, dearie, he added, blinking,