human
It was rough on Fred that you wouldn't let him finish his pipe,
gpt
He went obediently, Hester answered with a smile.
human
I wanted to talk to you.
gpt
I suspected something of the kind; but I can't see why you must stop me now.
human
You are away at daybreak and come home late.
gpt
Very well, said Harding resignedly.
human
But I've got to clean up this sloo by dark.
gpt
Then you're not going to the Grange? You haven't been since Sunday.
human
Beatrice understands that I'm busy.
gpt
That's fortunate. It's not nice to feel neglected. Can't you take your mind off your farming for a little while, Craig?
human
It's my job. What's more, sticking to it seems the best way of making things easier for Beatrice. I'm an outsider at Allenwood and have got to justify my unorthodox notions by success. I haven't much polish and I'm not a good talker, but I can grow wheat--and luckily that comes into the scheme.
gpt
It may, perhaps. When are you to be married, Craig?
human
I don't know. Beatrice puts it off. I had hoped it might be after harvest, but nothing's settled yet.
gpt
Then you ought to be firm and insist upon fixing the wedding soon.
human
I wish I could. But why?
gpt
Because it might be better not to leave Beatrice among her friends too long.
human
Since the Colonel's given in, and Gerald's gone, I don't think there is anybody who would try to turn her against me.
gpt
No, agreed Hester.
human
Her parents would be angry if she broke her engagement. Now that they have accepted you, you can count on their support, even if they're not quite satisfied with the match. The trouble is that you and they belong to very different schools. They'll try to make the best of you, but Beatrice will see how hard they find it.
gpt
Hurrying on the wedding won't help much.
human
It might. Beatrice will try to accept her husband's views, and she'll probably find it easier than she thinks; but at present all she sees and hears will remind her of the changes she will have to make. Things you do will not seem right; some of your ideas will jar. Then the other women will let her see that they feel sorry for her and think she's throwing herself away. She'll deny it, but it will hurt.
gpt
Perhaps that's true, said Harding.
human
But talking of the wedding raises another question. I want a better house, and when I build I may as well locate at Allenwood.
gpt
Then you are still determined on getting control there?
human
I don't want control, but I may have to take it, Harding answered.
gpt
The settlement will fall to bits if it's left alone, and I suspect that I'm the only man who can hold it up. I'm glad you have talked to me. What you've said makes it clear that I've not time to lose. Now, however, this hay must be cut.