human
What, star-gazing, my lass?
gpt
Well, what if I was, Mr. Impudence,
human
Oh, nothing,
gpt
It’s a lovely night for star-gazing, as you call it,
human
Haven’t seen many better,
gpt
You’d scarcely guess how my thought was then running?
human
If you tell me, I shall know without the trouble.
gpt
I am sorry that I so rudely broke in upon your reflections. I always turn to the memory of my childhood’s happy days with pleasure and satisfaction.
human
Bless me, how extremely sentimental we are getting! But I must be going——
gpt
Stay a moment, Mary, I would like to have a word or two with you, if you can spare a few moments?
human
What impudence, sir!
gpt
In what way, may I ask?
human
Since when, and by what right, have you taken to address me by my Christian name?
gpt
It was a liberty, I must confess, but one which I hope my explanation will lead you to pardon.
human
Well, if it’s going to take long I am afraid I shall not be able to stop and listen.
gpt
I daresay I can manage it in a few words, although it’s a subject I have had no previous experience of. Until I saw you, Mary,—for so I must call you until forbidden to do so,—I never set eyes upon the woman I could say I truly loved. But, from the day you first made your appearance amongst us, the feeling has been growing, until I now fully realise you are that other half I need to make my life complete.
human
What a very pretty speech. I suppose I ought to feel flattered. For a novice—professing no experience—I think I may say you have accomplished the task charmingly,
gpt
Be serious, Mary, there’s a dear girl; for it’s a serious matter to me.
human
Oh well, Mr. Longface, then I’ll try. To speak candidly, I’ve not thought about the matter, and don’t want to. So there, you have an answer.
gpt
But not a final answer, I hope?
human
Yes; why not?
gpt
I’d rather you’d say you’ll think it over, if what I have said has caused you surprise.
human
Surprise? I should think it has! Do you suppose for a moment I was waiting for you to come and tell me what you have?
gpt
No, Mary,
human
Well then, sir, you had better be content with the answer I have given.
gpt
If you give me credit for sincerity, do you think it possible I can be content with such a reply?
human
You are too forward, sir,
gpt
Well, take time to think about it, Mary; only give me some little hope.
human
As you please, sir, for I must be going.
gpt
Oh, la, no! she replied;
human
I shall not be able to make up my mind in that time—that is, if you want a different reply to the one I’ve given?
gpt
A week then?
human
Dear me, how pressing you are! Say a month,
gpt
Don’t be so cruel, Mary, he pleaded.
human
Surely a week is long enough?
gpt
Well, I’ll try what can be done in a week. But mind, I make no promise.
human
Good-night, my love! God bless you, and bring you to a right decision,