human
I can fancy us all living very happily here, if some things were different,
gpt
What things, Cousin Hugh?
human
I ought to have said, `if I were different myself,' I suppose.
gpt
But you _are_ different,
human
Yes, said his cousin gravely, after a moment's hesitation;
gpt
But they are past, Cousin Hugh, and forgiven, and in one sense blotted out. There is nothing of them left that need hinder you from being happy here again.
human
Ah, well, that may be. God is good. But I was thinking of something else when I spoke first. I was thinking that I am not a farmer.
gpt
But you can learn to be one. It's easy enough.
human
I am afraid I should not find it easy. I am afraid I should not do justice to the place. It spoils one for a quiet life, to be knocked about in the world as I have been. And I know I could never make my mother happy if I were discontented myself; at least, if she knew of my discontent.
gpt
She would be sure to see it. You couldn't hide it from her, if discontent was in your heart. My aunt doesn't say much, but she sees clearly. But why should you not be happy here? I can't understand it.
human
No; I trust you may never be able to understand it. Archie, lad, it is one of the penalties of an evil life that it changes the nature, so that the love of pure and simple pleasures, which it drives away, has but a small chance of coming back again, even when the life is amended. It is a sad experience.
gpt
But an evil life, Cousin Hugh! You should not say that,
human
Well, what would you have? A life of disobedience to one's mother, ten years of forgetfulness--no, not forgetfulness, but neglect of her. Surely that cannot be called other than an evil life. And it bears its fruit.
gpt
Cousin Hugh, I'll tell you what I would do. I would speak to my aunt about it. If it is true that you could never settle down contented here, she will be sure to see that it is best for you to go, and she will say so. I once heard James Muir say that he knew no woman who surpassed my aunt in sense and judgment. She will be sure to see what is right, and tell you what to do.