human
It's--it's my hair, stammered Rosemary.
gpt
The barber tied it up for me--he said I might want a switch some time.
human
Well you won't! declared Doctor Hugh with decision.
gpt
Leave it here with me, dear, and I'll see that a lock is saved for Mother. You mustn't feel so badly, Rosemary. The hair will grow again, you know. And it is very pretty, still.
human
Hugh, said Rosemary solemnly,
gpt
Oh, my dear, the doctor smiled a little sadly,
human
I'm glad to have this opportunity to speak to you alone, dear, the doctor went on.
gpt
You've had your hair cut because I forbade it and now you are sorry, but what about the next time? It's silly to think you can go through life and always have your own way, child. No one can. Each one of us must acknowledge some authority. I'm a good many years older than you girls and I've had more experience and discipline and at present I am taking Mother's place; you'll have to accept my decisions for the time being. If I exact obedience, Rosemary, it isn't because I am a tyrant--I've put in a good many years obeying orders myself and I know that obedience is a valuable lesson.
human
Have you a temper, Hugh? asked Rosemary, shyly.
gpt
Have you the Willis will?
human
Guilty on both counts, he admitted.
gpt
I'm a cross, cranky old brother with a gun-powder temper that sometimes gets the best of me. As for the Willis will--what do you think about that, Rosemary?
human
Winnie is always talking about it, said Rosemary.
gpt
She says I have it and so have Sarah and Shirley. I suppose it is very wrong.
human
Don't you believe it! announced the doctor.
gpt
Not a bit of it. A good, strong will is a virtue, child, and please remember that. But, of course, you want to train it--flying in the face of orders isn't a proof of will power; more often it is foolish obstinacy. A stiff will keeps us from being persuaded to do wrong, from tumbling into pitfalls. It is the weak-willed person who yields to temptation. You and I, and Shirley and Sarah, have constantly to remember that we have the Willis will and are proud of it; and then resolve not to yield easily to the little devils of temper and disobedience and false pride. Which is the end of my sermon and long enough it's been!