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21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The first thing to settle, she said decidedly,"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The first thing will be to take every stick of furniture out of the room, and have the carpet up. I know what girls are when they do jobs of this kind. You will be up to your eyes in paste, and it won't be safe to leave anything within touching distance. The furniture must be removed and stored. I'll store it for you in my room. Then you'll need a ladder, and some planks for the lengths of paper to lie on, while you paste 'em. I'll hire you the old shutter from the drawing-room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The shutters are as much mine as yours, said Lorna."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't need to hire them; I can have them if I want!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's where you show your ignorance, my dear. They are in my possession, and I won't give them up without compensation. Then you'll need a man to assist in the hanging!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Say a boy at once, and name your price, and be done with it. You are a regular Shylock!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My estimate, ladies! It is always more satisfactory to have an agreement beforehand."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, of all the outrageous pieces of impudence! Seven and ninepence, indeed! You must have taken leave of your senses. If you think I am going to pay you four or five shillings for carrying a few odds and ends of furniture along the passage, you are mightily mistaken! And we should have to help you, too, for you couldn't manage alone. If we asked Wallace he'd do it at once, without any pay at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Drink to me only with thine eyes! chanted the little wretch, folding his arms and gazing fixedly at me with a life-like assumption of Wallace's attitude and expression, which sent Lorna into fits of laughter, and made me magenta with embarrassment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you like to wait until Wallace has time to run your errands and see you through your difficulties, you will get your room finished by Christmas--with luck! I am sorry you think my charges high, but I'm afraid I don't see my way to reduce 'em."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Midas, don't be a goose! We will pay you twopence an hour for your time, and twopence a day for storage--that's the limit. That disposes of the first four items. As for the rest, we had better understand each other before we go any further. Kindly distinguish between implements and sundries."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this an Oxford local, or is it a conversation between a brother and sister? Midas demanded, throwing back his head, and mutely appealing to an unseen arbiter in the corner of the ceiling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you can't understand a simple thing like that, it doesn't say much for your education. It is easily seen _you_ were never a plumber! I thought we were going to come to a friendly agreement, but you are so close and grasping, there is no dealing with you. Look here, will you give me half-a-crown for the job?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Done! A halfpenny discount if paid within the hour!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cheap at the price!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My, Miss Lorna, wouldn't the pattern go round? The charwoman said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I like a bit of gilding meself. It looks 'andsome. The parlourmaid said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How will the furniture look against it, miss? which was really the nastiest hit of all; only the little Tweeny stared and flushed, and rolled her hands in her apron, and said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All them roses on the wall! It would be like a Bank-'oliday to sit aside 'em!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By Jove, is it really done! Aren't you dead beat? I say, Miss Sackville, don't do any more to-day. It's too bad of Lorna to work you like this. I shall interfere in my professional capacity."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eh, what? Eh, what? Something quite novel, eh! Didn't go in for things of this sort in my young days. Very smart indeed, my dear, very smart! Now I suppose you will be wanting some new fixings, (his hand came slowly out of his waistcoat pocket, and my hopes ran mountains high)."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mustn't spoil the ship for a penn'orth of tar, you know. There, that will help to buy a few odds and ends."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It gives the final touch of luxury to the whole."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was your idea, Una. I shall always feel that it was your gift, and every pleasant hour I spend here will be another link in the chain which binds us together. This visit of yours will be memorable, in more ways than one!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did she remind you of anyone? he asked, and when I said"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, she is you to the life! Appearance, manner, character--everything. It might have been meant for a portrait, he declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was reading it over last night, and the likeness is extraordinary."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I liked Nan very well, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Desperately in love!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am going to enjoy myself, and I don't care what happens."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have broken a man's heart for the sake of a little fun and excitement for myself, and as a sop to my wounded vanity!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Roses!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is my fault! I know quite well it is my fault, he cried, bending over me, his face so drawn and puckered with anxiety that he looked quite old."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am a stupid, blundering fellow, and you have been an angel to be so sweet and forbearing. I am not fit to come near you, but I would rather cut off my right hand than hurt you in any way. You know that, don't you, Una?"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not vexed at all. On the contrary, I am enjoying myself very much. The flowers are lovely. I always--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't put me off, Una; don't trifle with me. It's too serious for that. You are cold to me to-night, and it has come to this, that I cannot live when you are not kind. What has changed you since this afternoon? Were you vexed with me for bringing you those roses?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not in the least, so far as I am concerned; but your people seemed astonished. It made me feel a little awkward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But they know! he cried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They know quite well. They would not be astonished at my giving you anything. Has Lorna never told you that she knows?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really fail to understand what there is to know,"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is there to know? Only that I love you with all my heart and strength--that I have loved you ever since the moment I first saw your sweet face. You did not seem like a stranger, for I had been waiting for you all my life. Oh, Una, these few weeks have been like a dream of happiness. I never knew what it was to live before. You are so--"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We all love you, Una. My mother thinks you the most charming girl she has ever met. She was speaking of you to me only last night; she feels naturally a little sad, poor mother! to know that she is no longer the first consideration to her boy, but she quite understands. And the pater, too--he is in love with you himself. Who could help it, darling?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, stop, stop! I can't bear it. You must not talk like that, I cried desperately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are taking everything for granted, and it is impossible, quite impossible. I don't want to marry anyone. I'm too young. I must wait for years before I can even think of such a thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn't ask you to marry me yet, dearest. I have my way to make, and could not provide a home that would be worthy of you for some years to come; but as you say, we are both young, and can afford to wait; and oh, Una, I could work like ten men with such a prospect to inspire me. I will get on for your sake; it is in me, I know it is--I shall succeed!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope you may, I'm sure, I said, nearly crying with agitation and misery."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you must not think of me. I have nothing to do with it. I like you very much, but I couldn't marry you now or ever--I never thought of such a thing--it's quite impossible. You must, please, please, never speak of it again!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know it seems presumption to ask so much. I am an insignificant nobody, and you might marry anyone you liked. In every sense of the word but one I am a wretched match for you, but love counts for something, and you will never find anyone to love you more. I'd give my very life to serve you, and I will give it, if you will trust yourself to me! My father was no older than I am when he became engaged, and he told me only the other day that he looked back on that hour as the beginning of his success. He would be glad to see me engaged also."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you spoken about me to him, then, as well as to your mother? I demanded testily. I felt so guilty about my own conduct that it was a relief to be able to find fault with someone else, and I worked myself up into quite a show of indignation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You must have made very sure of my answer to be ready to discuss me in such a general fashion. It would have been more courteous to wait until you had my permission. You have placed us both in a most awkward position, for, as I said before, I could never marry you. It is quite impossible. I like you very much, but not in that way. Let us be friends, and forget everything else. We were so happy as we were--it is such a pity to spoil it all like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Spoil it! he repeated blankly. He had grown quite white while I was speaking, and his eyes had a dazed, startled expression."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does it spoil things for you, Una, to know that I love you? But you have known that for a long time--everyone in the house found it out, and you could not have helped seeing it, too. You say I have made too sure of you. Forgive me, darling, but if I have done so it is only because I know you are too sweet and good to encourage a man when there was no hope. I am more sorry than I can say if I have annoyed you by speaking to my parents, but the mater naturally spoke to me when she saw how things were going, and I had to consult my father about ways and means. Una, darling, you don't mean it. You can't mean to break my heart after leading me on all these weeks?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never led you on! I cried vainly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was only nice to you as I would have been to anyone else. I knew you liked me; but everyone who is kind and attentive does not want to marry one as a matter of course. It would be horrid to expect it. Lorna is my friend, and you are her brother, so of course--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be difficult to believe--but if you will tell me just once quite simply and plainly, I will take your word, Una. Don't protest, please--tell me truthfully, once for all: did you, or did you not, know I loved you with all my heart?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. In a sense I could have said it truthfully enough, for I had no definite knowledge, but I remembered what Lorna had told me about the heroine in the novel; I remembered Mrs Forbes's wistful manner, and oh, a dozen little incidents too small to be written down, when Wallace's own manner had told the truth only too plainly. He was staring at me, poor boy, with his wan, miserable eyes, and I could not tell a lie. I began to cry in a feeble, helpless kind of way, and faltered out,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I thought you did, but I couldn't be sure. You know I couldn't be sure, and it was only for a little while! I am going home so soon that I didn't think it could matter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shall I tell you how much it matters? he asked huskily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It matters just this, that you have spoilt my life! There was not a happier, more contented fellow living than I was--before you came. I loved my work, and loved my home. I intended to succeed in my profession, and the future was full of interest. I would not have changed places with any man on earth. Now! he held out his right hand and snapped his fingers expressively,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, no! I cried in agony."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn't true. I am bad enough, but not a heartless monster. I will tell you the whole truth. I was miserable myself when I came here; ill and tired out, and sore because-- because they didn't care for me at home as much as I wanted. I always want people to like me. I did at school--Lorna will tell you that I did; and when you were nice to me it cheered me up, and made me happy again. I never dreamt that it was serious until a little time ago--last week--and even then I did not think you could possibly want to marry me--you were too young--you had no home--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, that is true. I am no match for Miss Sackville. I was a fool to forget it. Thank you for reminding me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't be cross with me! I never thought for one moment if you were poor or rich. That doesn't matter a bit. If I have made you miserable, I am miserable too. If you want me to be engaged to you--I will, and I'll try to like you. Please, please do not look like that! If I promise it will be all right, and you will forgive me for being so thoughtless, won't you, Wallace?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Poor Una, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a minute--one minute--only tell me first that you forgive me, and if there is nothing at all that I can do to help you, and show how wretchedly, wretchedly sorry I am!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forgive you? he repeated sadly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I love you, Una. I can forgive you, I expect, a good deal more easily than you will forgive yourself. Yes, there is something you can do--if you ever discover that another poor fellow is in love with you--and you are the sort of girl whom men will love--remember me and spare him this experience. Don't go on being `nice' to him. That kind of niceness is the worst form of cruelty."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mother sent me upstairs to ask if you would prefer to have your breakfast in bed. She thought you were not up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes, I have been waiting. Lorna, don't look at me like that! I cried desperately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm miserable too, and you ought not to turn against me--you are my friend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wallace is my brother, said Lorna simply. Her lip quivered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sat up with him until four o'clock this morning. He has always been such a happy, cheerful boy. I did not know he could be so miserable. If you could have seen and heard him talk, you would have felt broken-hearted for him--even you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even you! I repeated reproachfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Am I a monster, Lorna, that you talk to me like that? Can't you understand that I feel a hundred times worse than you can possibly do? I never, never thought that when I was in trouble you would be the first person to turn against me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither did I. I have been too fond of you, Una. I admired you so much, and was so proud of having you for my friend that I have been unjust to other people for your sake. I often took your part at school when I knew you were in the wrong, simply because I was afraid of making you angry. It was cowardly of me, and this is my reward! Oh, Una, you say you are sorry, but you knew it was coming! You are too clever not to have seen it long ago. If it had been another man I should have spoken out, but a brother is almost like oneself, so one can't interfere. But I hinted--you know I hinted, Una--and I saw by your face that you understood. If you didn't care for him, why didn't you go home when it was first arranged? We all took it as a good sign when you agreed to stay on, and Wallace was so happy about it. Poor boy! He will never be happy again. He says he will go abroad, and father has been looking forward all these years to his help. It will break his heart if he loses Wallace!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come down and talk to mother. She is all alone, and she is old and will understand better than I do. Oh, Una, I shall always love you! I shan't be able to help it, whatever you have done. I didn't mean to be unkind, but I am--so--miserable!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sit down, dear. Come close to the fire, your hands feel cold, she said, pushing me gently into an easy chair, and poking the coals into a blaze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You and I want a little talk to each other, I think, and we shall be quite uninterrupted here. My poor boy has told me of his disappointment, but, indeed, he did not need to tell me. I could see what had happened by his face. I am very disappointed, too. I thought he would have very different news to tell me, and I should have been very happy to welcome you as a daughter. We have known you by name for so many years that you did not seem like a stranger even when you first arrived, and we have been very happy together these five weeks--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, very happy! I have had a lovely time. I shall never forget how happy I have been."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then if you have been so happy, I do not see why-- Let us speak out, dear, and understand each other thoroughly. My boy and I have always been close friends, and if I am to be of help or comfort to him now I must understand how this trouble has come about. Wallace is not conceited--he has a very modest estimation of his own merits, but he seems to have expected a different answer. Sometimes in these affairs young people misunderstand each other, and little sorenesses arise, which a few outspoken words can smooth away. If I could act as peacemaker between you two, I should be very thankful. My children's happiness is my first consideration nowadays. If there is anything I can do, just tell me honestly. Speak out as you would to your own mother."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, there is nothing--we have had no quarrels. I like Wallace very much, oh, very much indeed, but not--I could never--I couldn't be anything more than his friend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there then someone else whom you care for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Una!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand! There is nothing more to say, then, except that if you were so very sure of your own feelings, I cannot understand how it is that you have allowed the matter to get this length. I am thankful to know that my boy's principles are strong enough to prevent his disappointment doing him any real harm. It might have been very different with many young men. At the best it is a hard thing for us to see his young life clouded, and you will understand that it is our duty to protect him from further suffering. You will not think me inhospitable if I suggest that your visit had better come to an end at once."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will go to-day. There is a train at one o'clock. I can send a telegram from the station, and tell mother I am coming. I will go up- stairs now and pack,"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hopes to be home by five o'clock, said the servant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Vere and Lady Mary are in the blue sitting-room. Mr Dudley has just come to call."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't tell me it is an outbreak of small-pox! cried Lady Mary, huddling back in her chair, and pretending to shudder at my approach."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's the worst of staying in a doctor's house--you simply court infection! If it's anything interesting and becoming, you may kiss me as usual, but if it's small-pox or mumps, I implore you to keep at the other end of the room! I'm not sure that mumps wouldn't be the worse of the two. I can't endure to look fat!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Has Lorna turned out a villain in disguise? Have you quarrelled and bidden each other a tragic farewell?"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, everyone was quite well when I left. You need not be afraid of infection, and Lorna is nicer than ever. We have certainly not quarrelled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then why this thusness?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Scalps, Babs, scalps! I see it all! My mind misgave me as soon as I heard of the fascinating Wallace. And was it really so serious that you had to fly at a moment's notice?"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean that I am worse?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My dear young lady, you must not be despondent. Hope on, hope ever! You can do more for yourself than any doctor. These things take time. One never knows when the turn may come,"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it, darling?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The doctor! I have been longing to see him; I thought I was better, that he would be pleased with my progress, but it's no use--I can see it is no use! He has no hope. I shall be like this all my life. Babs, _think_ of it! I am twenty-three, and I may live until I am seventy-- upon this couch! Oh, I shall go mad--I am going mad--I can't bear it a moment longer. The last ten months have seemed like a life-time, but if it goes on year after year; oh, Babs, year after year until I am old--an old, old woman with grey hair and a wizened face, left alone, with no one to care for me! Oh, yes, yes, I know what you would say, but father and mother will be dead, and you will be married in a home of your own, and Spencer very likely at the other end of the world, and--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And Jim?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, poor Jim! He must marry, too; it isn't fair to let him wreck his life. He does love me, poor fellow, but no one else does nowadays. Men don't like invalids. They are sorry for them, and pity them. Will Dudley, for instance--he only comes to see me as a charity--because I am ill, and need amusing--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is engaged to another girl, Vere. Surely you don't want him to come for love?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He would have loved me if I had been well! Rachel Greaves will never satisfy him. He cares for her as a sister rather than as a wife. If I were well again, and gay and bright as I used to be--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He would care for you less than he does now. You don't understand, Vere; but I am certain that Mr Dudley will never desert Rachel for another girl. He may not be passionately in love with her, perhaps it is not his nature to be demonstrative, but he has an intense admiration for her character, and would rather die than disappoint her in any way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You seem to know a great deal about it. How can you be sure that you understand him better than I do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know; but I _am_ sure! I think one understands some people by instinct, and he and I were friends from the moment we met. Besides, I know Rachel better than you do, and had more opportunity of watching her life at home. I say her life, but she has practically no life of her own--it is entirely given up for others. Think what she gives up, Vere! She could have been married years ago, and had a happy home of her own, but she won't leave her father, though he is so cross and disagreeable that most people would be thankful to get away. She has the dullest, most monotonous time one can imagine, and hardly ever sees Will alone; but she is quite happy--not resigned, not forbearing nor any pretence like that, but really and truly and honestly happy. I call it splendid! There are lots of people in the world who have hard things to bear, and who bear them bravely enough, but they are not _happy_ in doing it. Rachel is--that's the wonderful thing about her!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder if she could make me happy. I wonder if she could tell me how to like lying here! said poor Vere with a sob, and the idea must have grown in her mind, for a week after our return home she said suddenly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to see Rachel Greaves!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are more like a flower than ever, Una! It _is_ nice to see you again!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sent for you to come to see me, Rachel, because I wanted particularly to ask you a question. I have been ill nearly a year now, and I get no better. I am beginning to fear I shall never get better, but have to be like this all my life. I have lain here with that thought to keep me company until I can bear it no longer. I feel sometimes as if I am going out of my senses. I must find something to help me, or it may really come to that in the end. I keep up pretty well during the day, for I hate being pitied, and that keeps me from breaking down in public; but the nights--the long, long endless nights! Nobody knows what I endure in the nights! You are so good--everyone says you are so good-- tell me how to bear it and not mind! Tell me what I am to do to grow patient and resigned!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dear Vere, I have never been tried as you are. I have had only one or two short illnesses in my life--I have never known the weariness and disappointment--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, but you have other trials. You have so much to bear, and it is so dull and wretched for you all the time,"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I? Oh, you are mistaken--quite, quite mistaken. I have the most happy home. Everyone is good and kind to me; I have no troubles, except seeing dear father's sufferings; and so many blessings--so much to be thankful for!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean your engagement? Mr Dudley is charming, and I am sure you are fond of him, but you can't be married while your father lives, and-- and--one never knows what may happen. Suppose--changes came--"
}
] |
21129
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Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are talking nonsense, Vere! You don't know Mr Dudley as Rachel does. You don't understand his character."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Rachel proudly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Loving him! Not his loving you! Rachel, are you sure?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, quite sure. Think just for a moment, and you will see that it must be so. It is pleasant to be loved, but if you do not love in return you must still feel lonely and dissatisfied at heart. If you love, you care so much, so very, very much for the other's welfare, that there is simply no time left to remember yourself; or, if you did, what does it matter? What would anything matter so long as he were well and happy?"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, Rachel, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see how foolish I was to expect you to answer my question in a few short words. We speak different languages, you and I, and I can't even understand your meaning. I wish I could, Rachel--I wish I could! The old life is out of reach, and there is nothing left to take its place. Can't you teach me your secret to help me along?"
}
] |
21129
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Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think the secret lies in the way we look at life--whether we want our own way, or are content to accept what God sends. If we love and trust Him, we know that what He chooses must be best, and with that knowledge comes rest, and the end of the struggle--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, sighed Vere,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dear Vere, said Rachel softly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you please, marm, a messenger has come to request Miss Greaves to return home at once. Mr Greaves has had a sudden stroke--"
}
] |
21129
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Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The motor-car! It shall come round at once, and you will be home in five minutes. I'll go round to the stables!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will wished it. He thought he could help me to cheer mother, but she won't hear of it for the next twelve months at least, and, of course, I must do as she prefers. We have waited so long that another year cannot make much difference."
}
] |
21129
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Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My dear, it was awful after you left--positively awful! Lorna said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wallace went about looking like a ghost, and mother cried, and father was worried to death. Wallace declared at first that he would go abroad, but father told him that it was cowardly to throw up his work for the sake of a disappointment, however bitter, and mother asked if he really cared so little for his parents that he could forsake them in their old age for the sake of a girl whom he had only known a month. He gave way at last, as I knew he would, and set to work harder than ever. He was very brave, poor old boy, and never broke down nor made any fuss, but he was so silent! You would not have known him. He never seemed to laugh, nor to joke, nor take any interest in what was going on, and the whole winter long he never once entered my little den, where we had had such happy times. I suppose it reminded him too much of you. This spring, however, he has been brighter. I insisted on his taking me to the tennis club as usual, and though he went at first for my sake he enjoys it now for his own. We meet so many friends, and he can't help being happy out in the sunshine with a lot of happy boys and girls all round. He was quite keen about the tournament, and had such a pretty partner. He always walked home with her after the matches."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How nice!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Vere! I cried;"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You raised your head, Vere! Oh, ever so high you raised it! You were watching us, and forgot all about yourself, and it didn't hurt you a bit--you smiled all the time. Try again if you don't believe me--try, darling. You can do it, if you like!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am going to get well, Babs, but I must never forget this experience! As long as I live I shall keep this couch in my bedroom, and when I have been selfish and worldly I shall lay down straight on my back as I have done all these months and stay there for an hour or two, just to make myself remember how much I have been spared, and how humble I ought to be. And if you ever see me forgetting and going back to the old thoughtless ways, you must remind me, Babs; you must speak straight out and stop me in time. I want to look back on this illness and feel that it has been the turning-point in my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want Jim! Please send for Jim."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There sat Jim like a monument of propriety, she said, dimpling with amusement at the remembrance,"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Carstairs is a splendid fellow. I admire him immensely, and there is no doubt about his feelings. He has adored your sister for years, but-- she never appeared to me to appreciate his devotion!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By her own account she has never thought of anyone else, nor cared for anyone else, nor wished for anyone else, but has adored him all the time she was snubbing him and flirting with other men. Curious, isn't it? The funny part of it is she really and truly believes that it is true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the moment--yes. I can understand that. She is altogether in a highly nervous, exalted condition, and feels that the first act of convalescence ought to be to reward his long waiting. My only fear is that when she gets back to a normal condition she may realise that what she feels is more gratitude and affection than love."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think so, and you wouldn't either if you saw them together. I detest lovers as a rule, they are so dull and self-engrossed; but it is pretty to watch Vere and Jim. She is so saucy and domineering, and he is so blissfully happy to be bullied. Oh, yes, I am sure it is all right! I am sure they will be happy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God grant it! he said solemnly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everything depends upon the truth of their feelings for each other. If that is right, nothing else will have power to hurt them seriously. If it is not--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, surely--even at the worst, gratitude and affection would be a good foundation!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For everything else, but not for marriage. It is a ghastly mistake to imagine that they can ever take the place of love. Never fall into that error, Babs, however much you may be tempted. Never let any impulse of gratitude or pity induce you to promise to marry a man if you have no warmer feeling. It would be the most cruel thing you could do, not only for yourself, but for him!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have fallen into it once already, but he would not have me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was that the explanation? I guessed, of course, that something had happened while you were away last autumn. You remember I was calling on your sister at the time of your unexpected return, and you have never been quite the same since? Whatever happened then has changed you from a girl into a woman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am glad you think so. I want to be changed. Please don't think me the heroine of an interesting romance. I was a selfish wretch, and amused myself by flirting without thinking of anything but my own amusement. I was very down on my luck just then, and had got it into my head that no one cared for me, and when--he--_did_, it cheered and soothed my feelings, so I let things drift until it was too late. Do you despise me altogether, or can you understand that, bad as it was, it wasn't so hopelessly bad as it sounds?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand better than you think, perhaps. And you repented in sackcloth and ashes, and were ready to make a sacrifice of yourself by way of reparation? Thank heaven he was man enough to refuse that offer! Whatever happens to the rest of us, you, at least, must be happy. You were meant for happiness, and must not throw it aside. I shall probably leave this place soon, and we may seldom meet in the future, but I should like to think of you in the sunshine. Promise me to be happy, Babs! Promise me that you will be happy!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I mean to be happy! I have had so much anxiety and trouble this last year that I'm just bubbling over with pent-up spirits. This engagement has put the finishing touch to my self-control, and I must do something at once to let off steam. Did you hear me ask Rachel to go over to Farnham with us to-morrow? Father and mother and I are going to do it in record time in the new motor, and Rachel is coming, too. She has never been in a motor, and is eager to see what it is like. It's quite a triumph to get her to accept an invitation, isn't it? You can come, too, if you like; there's room for another, and the more the merrier. Do come, and let us all be happy together! We could have such a merry day!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, let us be happy! It is only for one day. Let us throw care to the winds, and think of nothing but our own enjoyment. Oh, yes, I'll come! We will have a happy day, Babs--a happy day together!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps I may stroll down to the Lodge to meet you on your return!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's gone, sir! The brake has gone. I can't hold her!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gone? Broken? Are you sure--perfectly sure?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite sure, sir. What shall I do? Run through the village and chance the river, or turn up the bank?"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We will not risk other lives besides our own. If that is the choice, run her up the bank, Johnson!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right, sir!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Una, Una!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Una!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is something I have to say, and the sooner it is said the better for both of us, he began."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I owe you an explanation for what occurred--that day. I should like you to understand that I hardly knew what I was about. It seemed as if it might be the last moment of life, and I turned instinctively to you. Otherwise I would never, never--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I know! I cried brokenly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand it all, and if there is any blame it is mine as much as yours, for I forgot, too. We must never refer to it again, and we had better see each other as seldom as possible. It will be easier that way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will not be easy any way, Una, but it must be done. I can't blame myself altogether for what has happened. Our hearts are not always in our own keeping, and mine went out to you from the first. I did not realise it for a time, but when I did, I did not trifle with temptation. I kept out of your way, as you must have noticed. All last winter I fought a hard fight. It would have been harder still if I had guessed that--you cared! The trouble began in mistaking friendship for love, but until I met you I was quite content. I had no idea that anything was lacking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you will be happy again. Rachel is better than I am in every possible way, and is more worthy of you. I am a selfish, discontented wretch. If you knew what I was really like, you would wonder how you could ever have cared for me at all, and when you leave this place it will be easy to forget--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall never forget, he said shortly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Una, I must tell you all that is in my mind. I believe in honesty in love as in all other matters, and if circumstances were different I should go straight to Rachel and tell her. How, unconsciously to myself, my heart had gone out to you, and that in that supreme moment we turned instinctively to each other, and I knew that my love was returned, and I would ask her for my liberty. In nine out of ten cases I am sure that would be the right thing to do, but--this is the tenth! Rachel has had years of trouble and anxiety, and now her own health is broken. I could not put another burden upon her. Through these last days of misery and uncertainty what has comforted me most has been to realise that she has no idea of what happened. She must have been taken up with her own thoughts--praying, no doubt, for our safety, not her own. Rachel never thinks of herself, so I must think for her. With her father gone, her mother invalided, she has no one left but me, and I can't desert her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should hate you if you did! I cried eagerly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, too, have been thankful that she knows nothing, and she must never know, you must never let her guess. There could be no happiness for us if we broke her heart. You used to call her the best woman in the world, and she is so sweet and gentle that you could not possibly live with her and remain unhappy. In years to come you will be thankful it has happened like this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In any case it is the right thing to do, he said, sighing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As you say, we should only suffer if we thought of ourselves first. If one tries to grasp happiness at the expense of another's suffering it only collapses like a bubble, and leaves one more wretched than before. You and I are not unprincipled, Una, though we did forget ourselves for that one moment, and the remembrance of Rachel would poison everything. Perhaps, after all, it is as well that we know our danger, for we shall be more careful to keep out of temptation. I shall try to persuade her to marry me as soon as possible, and after that we shall live near my uncle. I shall have a busy, active life, and, as you say, one of the sweetest women in the world for my wife. She has been faithful to me for so many years that I should be a scoundrel if I did not make her happy."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what will--you do, Una?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I shall do nothing. I shall stay at home--like the little pig, I said, trying to laugh, and succeeding very badly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall help Vere with her marriage preparations, and visit her in her new home, and take care of the parents in their old age. Father says there ought always to be one unmarried woman in every family to play Aunt Mary in time of need. I shall be the Sackville Aunt Mary."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, it is hard that I should have brought this upon you! I who would give my right hand to ensure your happiness. Have I spoilt your life, Una? Will you think hardly of me some day, and wish that we had never met?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Will, I said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, we must not meet. I could not bear it either, but I am glad that we have spoken out this once. God bless you, dear, for your sweet words. They will be a comfort to remember. Good-bye!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not e'en the dearest heart and next our own, Knows half the reason why we smile or sigh!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Christian Year. A girl's parents think:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She has a comfortable home, and nice food and clothes, and we are always thinking of her; she ought to be happy, and if she isn't she is a naughty, ungrateful child! They don't remember that the child is a woman, and wants her very own life! And other people say:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She is a well-off girl, that Una Sackville, she has everything that money can buy!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dearest Una,--I am so glad to hear you are keeping well, and feeling happier about your sister's health. It is very nice to know that dear Mrs Sackville is so much stronger this winter, and that your father is full of health and vigour. So you are expecting a visit from your soldier brother, and are all greatly excited at the prospect of seeing him after so many years, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. What is one to do with people who write like that? Just at the end she would say,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will paid us a flying visit last week, and promised to come again next Saturday. Believe me, dear Una..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, settle it yourself, dear. I don't mind, so long as you are pleased!"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am quite well again, she wrote,"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Una, it is all over! Rachel has set me free! It is her own doing, entirely her own wish. I had no idea of it until Christmas Eve, when she sent me a letter telling me that she was going to South Africa with her mother, and could not continue our engagement. She asked me not to come to Bournemouth as arranged, but I went all the same. I could not accept a written word after all these years. I wanted to satisfy myself that she was in earnest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And was she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Absolutely! I could not touch her decision--sweet and gentle and kindly as ever, but perfectly determined to end it once for all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think that Mrs Greaves--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, she has had nothing to do with it. The decision was as great a surprise to her as to me. She told me that she would never have consented to the South African scheme if Rachel had not first confided in her that she wished to break her engagement, and would be glad to be out of England. I think she is genuinely sorry. She and I were always good friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then why--why--why--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A matter of feeling entirely. Stay, I will give you her letter to read. It will explain better than I can, and there is nothing that she could mind your seeing."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't try to dissuade me. You know I am not given to rash decisions, and I have thought over nothing else than this step for some weeks past. I know I am right, and in the future you will see it too, however strangely it strikes you now. It would perhaps be better if you did not come here to-morrow as arranged--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have been mistaken in many things!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My affection is greater than on the day when we were engaged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have thought over nothing else for some weeks past."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She has never loved me! he declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had, as she says, an affection for me as she might have had for a friend, a brother--an affection such as I had for her, but she does not know--we neither of us knew the meaning of--love!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-bye."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Too good to be true. She has filled so large a place in my life. I have such a strong admiration for her that it would have been a real pain to have parted coldly. But to keep her as my friend, to know that her affection is unchanged, and yet to be free to seek my own happiness is such a marvellous unravelling of the skein that I can hardly realise my good fortune. I came back last night, and could hardly wait until this morning to tell you my news. Una, you understand! I ask nothing of you to-day, it is not the time to speak of ourselves. I shall go back to my uncle, and stay with him for the next few months. He is very frail, and my place seems to be with him at present, but in the spring, if I come back in the spring, will you see me then? Will you let me tell you--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no--don't say it! Say nothing to-day, but just `Good-bye.' I don't want to think of the future--it's too soon. You said we must not think of ourselves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did. You are quite right, but sometimes it is difficult to be consistent. You are not angry with me for coming to-day?"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing will give me greater pleasure than to hear that Will is happily married and settled down. He has been too long alone, and would so thoroughly appreciate a home of his own. I have done him a great injustice by condemning him to so many lonely years, but our engagement need be no hindrance now. It was known to very few people, and, --she smiled a little sadly--"
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Rachel! I cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, I know! You can't deceive me, dear. You have done this for our sakes, not your own. Oh, I hoped you had been too much engrossed to notice what happened that day. When you said nothing about it, I was so relieved and thankful, for truly, Rachel, it was only an impulse. Nothing of the sort had ever happened before--not a word or a look to which you could have objected. You believe that, don't you, dear? Say you believe it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed, indeed, I do! You have been all that is true and loyal, and so has Will. There is no one to blame but myself. I knew from the first that he was attracted to you, and that you suited him better than I could ever do; but I shut my eyes--I did not want to see. Don't be sorry for what happened; it is a great blessing for us all that I was not allowed to deceive myself any longer. You say it was only an impulse. Ah, Una, but the impulse which made him turn to you and forget me is too clear a warning to be neglected. It showed how his heart lay better than any deliberate action."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel such a wretch to take my happiness at the expense of yours. You are an angel, Rachel, to be so sweet and forgiving. I should be a fury of rage and jealousy if I were in your place, but you give it all up without a murmur."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have nothing to give. It was yours all the time. When I found that out, I could not be mean enough to hold an empty claim. I never meant you to know my real reason, but since you have found it out for yourself, you must promise me not to let it interfere with Will's happiness. Don't let me feel that he has to suffer any more because of me. Never let him suspect the truth. He has such a tender heart that it would trouble him sorely if he knew that I had discovered his secret, and I don't want any shadow on our friendship. Promise me, Una, that you will never let him know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I promise, Rachel. I had made up my mind about that long ago."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rachel, I cried,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know now why this has happened! I have been wondering how anyone so good and unselfish as you could be allowed to have such a trouble as this, and how it could be for the best that you are passed over for a creature like me, but I can understand now. You are too valuable to be shut up in just one home; so many people need you--you can help so wonderfully all round that you are kept free for the general good. The world needs you. You belong to the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Una, what a lovely thought! I shall remember that, and it will be such a comfort. Kiss me, dear. I am so glad that it is you. I am so thankful that Will has chosen someone whom I can love."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank heaven, I shall have you left, Babs! It will be a long time before I can spare you to another man."
}
] |
21129
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Una! he cried."
}
] |
629628
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where do we want to come down, Jack?"
}
] |
521174
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something has happened down at Vantine's,"
}
] |
451821
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pretty well,"
}
] |
401821
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were scared too, what's the use of denying it?"
}
] |
384568
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So it's as bad as that, is it!"
}
] |
974952
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shylock, do you hear? will you lend the money?"
}
] |
382676
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We don't take the last launch back to ship,"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A Message to Garcia. I thought so little of it that we ran it in the Magazine without a heading. The edition went out, and soon orders began to come for extra copies of the March"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Philistine,"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's the stuff about Garcia,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give price on one hundred thousand Rowan article in pamphlet form--Empire State Express advertisement on back--also how soon can ship."
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Message to Garcia,"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Message to Garcia."
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A Message to Garcia"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is a fellow by the name of Rowan will find Garcia for you, if anybody can."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "took the letter, sealed it up in an oilskin pouch, strapped it over his heart, in four days landed by night off the coast of Cuba from an open boat, disappeared into the jungle, and in three weeks came out on the other side of the Island, having traversed a hostile country on foot, and delivered his letter to Garcia--are things I have no special desire now to tell in detail. The point that I wish to make is this: McKinley gave Rowan a letter to be delivered to Garcia; Rowan took the letter and did not ask,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where is he at? By the Eternal! there is a man whose form should be cast in deathless bronze and the statue placed in every college of the land. It is not book-learning young men need, nor instruction about this and that, but a stiffening of the vertebrae which will cause them to be loyal to a trust, to act promptly, concentrate their energies: do the thing--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Carry a message to Garcia."
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please look in the encyclopedia and make a brief memorandum for me concerning the life of Correggio."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sir,"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "that Correggio is indexed under the C's, not in the K's, but you will smile very sweetly and say,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind,"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see that bookkeeper,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; what about him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he's a fine accountant, but if I'd send him up-town on an errand, he might accomplish the errand all right, and on the other hand, might stop at four saloons on the way, and when he got to Main Street would forget what he had been sent for."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "and the"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "that does nothing but loaf when his back is turned. In every store and factory there is a constant weeding-out process going on. The employer is continually sending away"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take it yourself!"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "is away, as well as when he is at home. And the man who, when given a letter for Garcia, quietly takes the missive, without asking any idiotic questions, and with no lurking intention of chucking it into the nearest sewer, or of doing aught else but deliver it, never gets"
}
] |
17195
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not know,"
}
] |
434487
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I observe that your hand trembles a little."
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Different men are of different opinions; some like apples, some like inions, sang Patty, as she swayed herself idly back and forth in the veranda swing;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "she went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't care a snipjack. I'm quite ready and willing to go to the White Mountains,--or the Blue or Pink or even Lavender Mountains, if you like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're willing, Patty, only because you're so good-natured and unselfish; but, really, you don't want to go one bit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, Nan, I'm no poor, pale martyr, with a halo roundy-bout me noble brow. When we came down here to Spring Beach, it was understood that we were to stay here part of the summer, and then go to the mountains. And now it's the first of August and I've had my innings, so it's only fair you should have your outing."
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't see it, Patty, he would say;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Pebbles, as they called their seashore home, and she silently rebelled when she thought of"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Camilla,"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It almost seems as if you might take your motor-car, Patty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought so, too, at first; but father says not. You see, not all mountain roads are modern and well-kept, and, of course, we'll be moving on, now and then, and Camilla IS a nuisance as luggage. Now, Nan, no more suggestions, or regrets, or backward glances. I'm going to the mountains, NOT like the quarry-slave at night, but like a conquering hero; and I shall have all the mountaineers at my feet, overwhelming me with their devoted attentions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You probably will, Patty; you're easily the most popular girl at Spring Beach, and if the 'mountaineers' have any taste in such matters--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There, there, Nan, don't make me blush. I'm 'popular,' as you call it, because I have such a delightful home, and such an attractive stepmother to make it pleasant for my callers! And, by the same token, here are a few of them coming now."
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello,"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say, began young Pennington, conversationally,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, chimed in Lora Sayre,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But suppose I want to go, said Patty, bravely trying to treat the subject lightly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Suppose the moon is made of green pumpkins! scoffed Jack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't want to go at all, and you know it! And then, think of the girls,--and boys,--you leave behind you! Your departure is a national calamity. We mourn our loss!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We do so! agreed Beatrice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Patty, I'm going to have a house party next week, and we'll have lots of fun going on. Can't you wait over for that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I can't, and Patty spoke a little shortly, for these gay plans made her long more than ever to stay at Spring Beach."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So don't let's talk any more about me. Tell me about the Pageant,--will it be fine?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes, said Jack,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it isn't going to be like that, said Lora."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They've given up that plan. It's going to be ever so much nicer than that! They're going to have--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't tell me! cried Patty, laughing, as she clapped her hands over her ears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd rather not hear about it! I suppose you'll be queen of it, whatever it is, Lora?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll have a chance at it, if you're not here! That's the only comfort about your going away. Somebody else can be the Belle of Spring Beach for a time."
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm awfully sorry about it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's nothing to be sorry about, Madame Nan, she cried, gaily;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, you WILL!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the Country Club summer dance! said Beatrice, regretfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Patty, how can you be reconciled to missing that? It's the event of the season! A fancy dance, you know. A sort of Kirmess. Oh, DON'T go away!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't go away!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't go away from us, Patty, Patty, We can't part with the likes of you! Stay, and be Queen of the Pageant, Patty, Patty, Patty, tender and true. Though you are not very pretty, Patty, Though you are liked by a very few; We will put up with you, Patty, Patty,-- Patty, Patty, stay with us, do!"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want to stay at this place, I don't like it any more! I am going to the mountains, Where I've never been before. I shall tramp the mountain pathways, I shall climb the mountain's peak; I don't want to stay in this place, So I'll go away next week!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right for you! declared Jack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go on, and joy go with you! But don't you send me any picture postcards of yourself lost in a perilous mountain fastness,--'cause I won't come and rescue you. So there!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is a mountain fastness? demanded Patty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It sounds frisky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn't, replied Jack;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, as long as they keep on prowling, they certainly can't harm me. It all sounds rather interesting. At any rate, the ice-covered walls sound cool. You must admit Spring Beach is a hot place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All places are hot in hot weather, observed Beatrice, sapiently;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, agreed Lora,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's your heated imagination, said Jack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's really about eighty-four in the shade."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's move around into the shade, then, said Patty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This side of the veranda is getting sunny."
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You people, began Patty, after Nan had left them,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know it, said Beatrice,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not at all, Bee. She has stayed here three months to please me, and turn about is fair play."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's Fairfield play, at any rate, put in Jack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're a trump, Patty, to take it so sweetly. I wish you didn't have to go, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So say we all of us,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You must write me all about the Pageant, girls,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't I write too, though I'm not a girl?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! cried Patty, holding up her hands in pretended horror."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn't receive a letter from a young man!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, try it, said Jack, laughing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll help you. You've no idea how easy it is! Have you never had a letter from a man?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From papa,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Papa, nothing! You get letters from those New York chaps, don't you, now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who New York chaps?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, that Harper kid and that Farrington cub and that Hepworth old gentleman!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What pretty pet names you call them! Yes, I get letters from them, but they're my lifelong friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's the position I'm applying for. Don't you need one more L. L. F.?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd have a farewell party myself, said Patty, thoughtfully,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And our house party comes that very day! said Beatrice, regretfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And Captain Sayre is coming. He's the most stunning man! He's our second cousin, and older than we are, but he's just grand, isn't he, Lora?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; and he'd adore Patty. Oh, girlie, DON'T go!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I'll kidnap Patty, said Jack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The day they start, I'll waylay the party as they board the train, and carry Patty off by force."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'd have to get out a force of militia, laughed Patty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father Fairfield is of a sharp-eyed disposition. You couldn't carry off his daughter under his nose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strategy! whispered Jack, in a deep, mysterious voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could manage it, somehow, I'm sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it wouldn't do any good. He'd just come back after me, and we'd take the next train. But, oh, girls, I do wish I could stay here! I never had such a disappointment before. I've grown to love this place; and all you people; and my dear Camilla!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a shame! declared Jack, as he noted the drops trembling on the long, curled lashes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, girls, I'm going home before I express myself too strongly."
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To go away from all this, she thought,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Live in a trunk, I s'pose, she went on to herself;"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Patricia Fairfield! she exclaimed to her own reflection."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You ought to be ashamed of yourself! YOU, who are supposed to be of amiable disposition, YOU whom people call 'Sunshine,' because of your good nature, YOU who have every joy and every blessing that heart can wish, you look like a sour-faced, cross-grained, disgruntled old maid! So there now! And, Miss, do you want to know what _I_ think of you? She picked up her hair brush, and shook it at the flushed, angry face in the mirror."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, _I_ think you're a monster of selfishness! You're a dragon of ingratitude! And a griffin of cross-patchedness! Now, Miss, WILL you drop this attitude of injured innocence, and act like a civilised human being?"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's better! she said, wagging her head at the pretty, smiling face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, never again, Patty Fairfield, let me see you looking mopy or peevish about anything! Mind, not about anything at all! You have enough blessings and pleasures to make up for any disappointments that may come to you. So, now that you've braced up, just STAY braced up! See?"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, mind you, Patricia, not a whimper out of you to-morrow! Not a shadow of a shade of disappointment on your fair young brow? Only happy smiles and pleasant words, and just MAKE yourself enjoy the prospect of those poky, gloomy, horrid old mountains!"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Mona, you look a little,--er,--hasty!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,--yes,--and well I may! she panted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What DO you think, Patty? Oh, Mr. Fairfield, DO say yes! Coax him to, won't you, Mrs. Fairfield! Oh, I can't tell you,--I daren't! I just KNOW you won't do it! Oh, Patty, do,--DO!"
}
] |
5264
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mona Galbraith, said Patty, laughing,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, don't say that, Patty! exclaimed Mona, laughing herself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "ANYTHING but that! It must be convincing,--it must,--it MUST!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it meant for a roaring farce? asked Mr. Fairfield, politely,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think it's a problem play,"
}
] |
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