human
So I perceive, said Mrs. Chatterton harshly.
gpt
Well, and what are you thinking of, pray tell?
human
Of many things, said Phronsie,
gpt
And why not, pray?
human
Because I do not think you would understand them,
gpt
Indeed! exclaimed Mrs. Chatterton angrily,
human
My thoughts are nice ones, said Phronsie slowly,
gpt
Ah!
human
And they won't tell themselves. And I ought not to make them. They would fly away then, and I should never find them again, when I wanted to think them.
gpt
Your mother brought you up well, I must say, observed Mrs. Chatterton, deliberately drawing up a chair and putting her long figure within it,
human
I know you are very old, she said at last,
gpt
Very old! cried Mrs. Chatterton, her chin in the air.
human
Indeed! well, I am not, I would have you know, Miss Phronsie, and she played with the silk cord of her satin wrapper.
gpt
I hate a child that is made a prig!
human
Now, Phronsie, said Mrs. Chatterton, suddenly drawing herself out of her angry fit, and clearing her brow,
gpt
I want you to give your attention to me a moment, for I have something I must say to you. That's why I came in here, to find you alone. Come, look at me, child. It isn't polite to be staring at the carpet all the time.
human
It's something that nobody is to know but just you and me,
gpt
There, that's better; Polly is always around. Now we are quite alone,
human
You see, Phronsie, she proceeded, not caring that the brown eyes were slowly adding to their astonishment an expression that augured ill for any plans she might be hoping to carry out toward propitiation.
gpt
It is necessary to be careful not to be overheard, for what I am going to say to you must be kept quite secret.
human
I must tell Mamsie,
gpt
Indeed you will not, declared Mrs. Chatterton.
human
She is the very one of all others who ought not to know. You can help her, Phronsie, if you only keep quiet.
gpt
You know Polly is learning to be a music teacher when she grows up.
human
And a very creditable one she will be, from all acounts I can gather, contributed Mrs. Chatterton carelessly.
gpt
Well, Ben is doing well in Cabot & Van Meter's, so he's no trouble to your mother. As for the two boys, I know nothing about them, one way or the other. But you, as you are a girl, and the only one not provided for, why, I shall show a little kindness in your direction. It's wholly disinterested and quixotic, I know, added Mrs. Chatterton, with a sweeping gaze at the walls and ceilings,
human
here she brought down her attention to the absorbed little countenance,
gpt
Goodness me, Phronsie, you are not like a child; you are too uncanny for anything. Why don't you ask questions about my secret?
human
Because I ought not to know it,
gpt
Haven't I told you that you will help your mother only by not telling her? said Mrs. Chatterton.
human
How would you like to learn how to take care of yourself when you are a big girl?