human
I must talk to you one minute, dear mamma, she said, as she entered.
gpt
We have been getting on so nicely in the schoolroom--so much better than I expected, only it was dreadful just at first. They were so silent, and Dora looked like a duchess. If I had not been her cousin I should have laughed; but I fancied they would think I ought to entertain them, and that made me feel more shy than ever; and then they all spoke in such a low voice that every word I said was heard.
human
Well! answered Mrs Herbert;
gpt
Miss Morton, mamma, replied Amy;
human
She is much older, said Mrs Herbert;
gpt
It was not quite that, continued Amy;
human
You must imagine me to be a fairy. How can I possibly judge of what Miss Morton did when I was not present?
gpt
But can you not guess from her character? asked Amy.
human
You have seen so much more of her lately, that I think you must know.
gpt
At least, you are determined, as usual, said Mrs Herbert, smiling,
human
That is not quite clear, mamma, replied Amy.
gpt
Does thinking of one's self make one stiff and formal?
human
Generally, either stiff or affected, replied Mrs Herbert;
gpt
But how can we help it?
human
By trying, every day of our lives, to consult the happiness of those we live with, answered Mrs Herbert.
gpt
I mean, in the merest trifles, such as giving up a pleasant seat, or an amusing book, or fetching things for them to save them trouble, or listening to them when they wish to talk to us. By these means we can acquire a habit of forgetting ourselves which will remain with us whether we are in company, or only with our own family.