human
Well, Jasper, said the elder man, when the younger paused for an instant in his eager flow of words,
gpt
She was five years old, replied Jasper.
human
A saucy little imp, bless you! just the kind that would be sure to grow into a fine woman. But to tell the truth I don't much care to look at her, for she makes me feel uncommonly old and shaky.
gpt
You gave me twenty years to grow into a woman, uncle, answered the pleasant voice of Charlotte Harman.
human
I could not choose but make good use of the time.
gpt
So you have, lass--so you have; I have been growing old and you have been growing beautiful; such is life; but never mind, your turn will come.
human
But not for a long, long time, Lottie my pet, interrupted the father.
gpt
You need not mind your uncle Jasper. These little speeches were always his way. And I'll tell you something else, Jasper; that girl of mine has a head worth owning on her shoulders, a head she knows how to use. You will not believe me when I say that she writes in this magazine and this, and she is getting a book ready for the press; ay, and there's another thing. Shall I tell it, Charlotte?
human
Yes, father; it is no secret,
gpt
It is this, brother Jasper; you have come home in time for a wedding. My girl is going to leave me. I shall miss her, for she is womanly in the best sense of the word, and she is my only one; but there is a comfort--the man she is to marry is worthy of her.
human
And there is another comfort, father, said Charlotte;