human
That is a beautiful face, said Mrs. Pryor, interrupting a brief pause which had followed half an hour's animated conversation.
gpt
The features may be termed perfect; no statuary's chisel could improve them. It is a portrait from the life, I presume?
human
It is a portrait of Mrs. Helstone.
gpt
Of Mrs. Matthewson Helstone? Of your uncle's wife?
human
It is, and is said to be a good likeness. Before her marriage she was accounted the beauty of the district.
gpt
I should say she merited the distinction. What accuracy in all the lineaments! It is, however, a passive face. The original could not have been what is generally termed 'a woman of spirit.'
human
I believe she was a remarkably still, silent person.
gpt
One would scarcely have expected, my dear, that your uncle's choice should have fallen on a partner of that description. Is he not fond of being amused by lively chat?
human
In company he is. But he always says he could never do with a talking wife. He must have quiet at home. You go out to gossip, he affirms; you come home to read and reflect.
gpt
Mrs. Matthewson lived but a few years after her marriage, I think I have heard?
human
About five years.
gpt
Well, my dear, pursued Mrs. Pryor, rising to go,
human
I trust it is understood that you will frequently come to Fieldhead. I hope you will. You must feel lonely here, having no female relative in the house; you must necessarily pass much of your time in solitude.
gpt
I am inured to it. I have grown up by myself. May I arrange your shawl for you?
human
Should you chance to require help in your studies, she said,
gpt
I hope to have frequent conversations with you. I should wish to be of use to you.
human
The likeness that hangs near the window, you will see, is my uncle, taken twenty years ago; the other, to the left of the mantelpiece, is his brother James, my father.
gpt
They resemble each other in some measure, said Mrs. Pryor;
human
What difference? inquired Caroline, accompanying her to the door.
gpt
James Helstone--that is, my father--is generally considered the best-looking of the two. Strangers, I remark, always exclaim, 'What a handsome man!' Do you think his picture handsome, Mrs. Pryor?
human
It is much softer or finer featured than that of your uncle.
gpt
But where or what is the difference of character to which you alluded? Tell me. I wish to see if you guess right.
human
My dear, your uncle is a man of principle. His forehead and his lips are firm, and his eye is steady.
gpt
Well, and the other? Do not be afraid of offending me. I always like the truth.
human
Do you like the truth? It is well for you. Adhere to that preference--never swerve thence. The other, my dear, if he had been living now, would probably have furnished little support to his daughter. It is, however, a graceful head--taken in youth, I should think. My dear (turning abruptly),
gpt
I am sure no character can have true worth without it.
human
You feel what you say? You have considered the subject?
gpt
Often. Circumstances early forced it upon my attention.
human
The lesson was not lost, then, though it came so prematurely. I suppose the soil is not light nor stony, otherwise seed falling in that season never would have borne fruit. My dear, do not stand in the air of the door; you will take cold. Good-afternoon.