human
I am going away to-morrow, said he,
gpt
Oh, I wish I could, she exclaimed;
human
I cannot bear the thought of being otherwise. As long as I am a child, I shall be caressed, cherished, and forgiven for all my faults. I never shall be able to act on my own responsibility--never.
gpt
But, Helen, you have attained the stature of womanhood. You are looked upon as a candidate for admiration--as the rival of your beautiful sister. You will be flattered and courted, not as a child, but as a woman. The young man who has become, as it were, domesticated in your family, has extraordinary personal attractions, and every member of the household appears to have yielded to his influence. Were I as sure of his moral worth as of his outward graces, I would not say what I have done. But, with one doubt on my mind, as your early friend, as the self-elected guardian of your happiness, I cannot forbear to caution, to admonish, perhaps to displease, by my too watchful, too officious friendship.
human
You cannot believe me capable of the meanness of envy, he added.
gpt
Were Bryant Clinton less handsome, less fascinating, his sincerity and truth might be a question of less moment.
human
How could you envy any one, cried Helen, earnestly, unconscious how much her words and manner expressed.
gpt
Displeased! Oh! I thank you so much. But indeed I do not admire Mr. Bryant Clinton at all. He is entirely too handsome and dazzling. I do not like that long, curling, shining hair of his. The first time I saw him, it reminded me of the undulations of that terrible snake in the strawberry patch, and I cannot get over the association. Then he does not admire me at all, only as the sister of Mittie.
human
He has paid Mittie very great and peculiar attention, and people look upon them as betrothed lovers. Were you to become an object of jealousy to her, you would be very, very unhappy. The pleasure of gratified vanity would be faint to the stings exasperated and wounded love could inflict.
gpt
For all the universe could offer I would not be my sister's rival, cried Helen, rising impetuously, and looking round her with a wild startled expression.
human
I will go and tell her so at once. I will ask her to confide in me and trust me. I will go away if she wishes it. If my father is willing, I will live with Miss Thusa in the wild woods.
gpt
Wait awhile, said Arthur, smiling at her vehemence,