human
Laughing, Constance?
gpt
Yes, yes! Isn't it shocking? It's horrible! He made me.
human
He?
gpt
Mr. Bartlett; he's been here. Oh, I _wish_ I _wouldn't_ be so silly!
human
Made you? How could he make _you_ laugh, poor child?
gpt
Oh, it's a long story. It was all through my bewilderment at his resemblance. It confused me. I kept thinking it was _he_,--as if it were some dream,--and whenever this one mentioned some trait of his that totally differed from _his_, don't you know, I got more and more confused, and--mamma! --with sudden desolation--
human
I know he knows all about it!
gpt
I am sure he doesn't. Mr. Cummings only told him that his resemblance was a painful association. He assured your father of this, and wouldn't hear a word more. I'm certain you're wrong. But what made you think he knows?
human
He behaved just as if he didn't.
gpt
Ah, you can't judge from that, my dear. Impressively:
human
Men are very different.
gpt
Do you think so, mamma?
human
I'm certain of it.
gpt
Mamma, will you help take this shawl off my feet? I am so warm. I think I should like to walk about a little. Can you see the island from the gallery?
human
Do you think you'd better try to leave your chair, Constance?
gpt
Yes, I'm stronger this morning. And I shall never gain, lounging about this way. She begins to loose the wraps from her feet, and Mrs. Wyatt coming doubtfully to her aid she is presently freed. She walks briskly towards the sofa, and sits down quite erectly in the corner of it.
human
There! that's pleasanter. I get so tired of being a burden.
gpt
What is it, Constance? I don't at all understand what made you laugh.
human
Why, don't you know? Several times after I had been surprised that he didn't like this thing, and hadn't that habit and the other, he noticed it, and pretended that it was an attempt at mind-reading, and then all at once he turned and said I must try once more, and he asked, 'Do I like smoking?' and I said instantly, 'Oh, yes!' Why, it was like having a whole tobacconist's shop in the same room with you from the moment he came in; and of course he understood what I meant, and blushed, and then felt for his handkerchief, and pulled it out, and discharged a perfect volley of pipes and tobacco, that seemed to be tangled up in it, all over the floor, and then I began to laugh--so silly, so disgusting; so perfectly flat! and I thought I should _die_, it was so ridiculous! and-- Oh, dear, I'm beginning again! She hides her face in her handkerchief and leans her head on the back of the sofa:
gpt
Say something, _do_ something to stop me, mother!