human
Elizabeth, what an age it is since I've had a sight of you!
gpt
In his tone A something smote her, as if Duty tried To mock the voice of Love, how long since flown,
human
Why, what's the matter? Aren't you glad to see me? Give me another kiss, my girl, do!
gpt
Tom, I've got something to say to you, and I'd better say it at once.
human
To be sure. 'Tisn't any bad news from home, is it? Or --looking uneasily at her--
gpt
I haven't vexed you, have I?
human
Vexed me, she repeated, thinking what a small foolish word it was to express what had happened, and what she had been suffering.
gpt
No, Tom, not vexed me exactly. But I want to ask you a question. Who was it that you stood talking with, under our tree in the square, between nine and ten o'clock, this night three weeks ago?
human
Three weeks ago; how can I possibly tell?
gpt
Yes, you can; for it was a fine moonlight night, and you stood there a long time.
human
Under the tree, talking to somebody? What nonsense! Perhaps it wasn't me at all.
gpt
It was, for I saw you.
human
The devil you did!
gpt
Don't be angry, only tell me the plain truth. The young woman that was with you was our Esther here, wasn't she?
human
Well, and if it was, where's the harm? Can't a man be civil to a pretty girl without being called over the coals in this way?
gpt
Tom, are you fond of Esther? You would not kiss her if you were not fond of her. Do you like her as--as you used to like me?
human
Like Esther? Of course I do? She's a nice sort of girl, and we're very good friends.
gpt
Tom, a man can't be 'friends,' in that sort of way, with a pretty girl of eighteen, when he is going to be married to somebody else. At least, in my mind, he ought not.
human
I say, you're jealous, and you'd better get over it.