human
What is your name?
gpt
The servants always call me Tangle.
human
Ah, that was because your hair was so untidy. But that was their fault, the naughty women! Still it is a pretty name, and I will call you Tangle too. You must not mind my asking you questions, for you may ask me the same questions, every one of them, and any others that you like. How old are you?
gpt
Ten,
human
You don't look like it,
gpt
How old are you, please?
human
Thousands of years old,
gpt
You don't look like it,
human
Don't I? I think I do. Don't you see how beautiful I am?
gpt
Ah! but, said Tangle,
human
I have no time to grow old, said the lady.
gpt
I am too busy for that. It is very idle to grow old.--But I cannot have my little girl so untidy. Do you know I can't find a clean spot on your face to kiss?
human
Perhaps, suggested Tangle, feeling ashamed, but not too much so to say a word for herself--
gpt
My poor darling! said the lady, looking now as if the moon were melted in her eyes, and kissing her little face, dirty as it was,
human
And what is your name, please?
gpt
Grandmother,
human
Is it really?
gpt
Yes, indeed. I never tell stories, even in fun.
human
How good of you!
gpt
I couldn't if I tried. It would come true if I said it, and then I should be punished enough.
human
But now, she went on,
gpt
I must get you washed and dressed, and then we shall have some supper.
human
Oh! I had supper long ago,
gpt
Yes, indeed you had, answered the lady--
human
You will not be afraid of anything I do with you--will you?
gpt
I will try very hard not to be; but I can't be certain, you know,
human
I like your saying so, and I shall be quite satisfied,