human
Papa, Captain Clayton wants us to go to a ball at Galway,
gpt
Wants you to go a ball! What has Captain Clayton to do with you two?
human
Nothing on earth;--at any rate not with me. Here is his letter, which speaks for itself. He seems to think that we should show ourselves to everybody around, to let them know that we are not crushed by what such a one as Pat Carroll can do to us.
gpt
Who says that we are crushed?
human
It is the people who are crushed that generally say so of themselves. There would be nothing unusual under ordinary circumstances in your daughters going to a ball at Galway.
gpt
That's as may be.
human
We can stay the night at Mrs. D'Arcy's, and she will be delighted to have us. If we never show ourselves it would be as though we acknowledged ourselves to be crushed. And to tell the truth, papa, I don't think it is quite fair to Ada to keep her here always. She is very beautiful, and at the same time fond of society. She is doing her duty here bravely; there is nothing about the house that she will not put her hand to. She is better than any servant for the way she does her work. I think you ought to let her go; it is but for the one night.
gpt
And you?
human
I must go with her, I suppose, to keep her company.
gpt
And are not you fond of society?
human
No;--not as she is. I like the rattle very well just for a few minutes.
gpt
And are not you beautiful?
human
Good gracious, no! Don't be such a goose, papa.
gpt
To me you are quite as lovely as is Ada.
human
Because you are only a stupid, old papa, but she kissed him as she said it.
gpt
You have no right to expect to have two beauties in the family. If I were a beauty I should go away and leave you, as will Ada. It's her destiny to be carried off by someone. Why not by some of these gallant fellows at Galway? It's my destiny to remain at home; and so you may know what you have got to expect.
human
If it should turn out to be so, there will be one immeasurable comfort to me in the midst of all my troubles.
gpt
It shall be so, said she, whispering into his ear.
human
But, papa, you will let us go to this ball in Galway, will you not? Ada has set her heart upon it.