Alignment-Lab-AI/GutenDialogue · Datasets at Hugging Face

book_id stringlengths 2 6	title stringclasses 1 value	author stringclasses 1 value	conversations listlengths 1 5.07k
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Well, he began, brusquely," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is such a delicate matter, began Kendal," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, said the old gentleman, rather enjoying the young man's evident discomfiture," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boon I have to ask, began Kendal," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is it so bad as that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could never imagine what it is that I wish to ask," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I might guess, perhaps," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely you--you couldn't have noticed the one great wish of my heart, gasped Kendal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I--" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Come and see me in my library this evening, said Doctor Bryan, grasping the young man's hand," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are too good, sir," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "How could he possibly have divined that I was thinking of asking him for money?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Of course he heard me playing on the piano, for I thumped as loud as ever I could; but he did not come in. It seems to me he is trying 'to cool off,' as we girls in the bindery used to say." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I was just about to go for you, said the friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor has something to say to you. Surely it was the work of Providence that you happened along just now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I--I am dying, Harry! gasped the doctor;" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell--tell--them at home--that--everything--must go--on--the same--until--after--my will--has--been read--and that--must not be--until--six--months--after--my--decease." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Guess who it is, Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it--can it be you, Harry--Mr. Kendal?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you wish it were some one else, Dorothy?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "How dare you frighten me so, Harry Kendal?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you so very displeased? he inquired, reproachfully, adding quietly:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If that is the case, I beg your pardon. I shall never so trespass again;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gracious! I have done it now!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I wasn't so very angry, she began, hesitatingly, picking nervously at the blue ribbons which tied her long, curling hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said I wasn't so very angry! repeated Dorothy, nervously. He heard her, but never turned his head, and Dorothy was at a loss what to say next to mend matters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you like a rose?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thanks--no!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or would you like me to show you a new book of poems I just bought?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You needn't mind. Pray don't trouble yourself," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I wouldn't show you the book now, to save your life! she cried, her breath coming and going in panting gasps, and her cheeks flaming as scarlet as the deep-red rose she had brought him as a peace-offering;" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Won't you let me comfort you?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I have something to say to you, Dorothy, he whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is this: I love you! Will you be my wife?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You frighten me!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is alarming--being kissed--and especially when you're not used to it. But that does not answer my question. Will you marry me, or will you not?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't know! cried Dorothy, faintly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You mustn't ask me; you must talk to Mrs. Kemp about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I might talk to Mrs. Kemp about changing my room in the house, or ask her concerning anything belonging to the household, but I couldn't think of asking her to find me a wife and to seal the bargain for me. The 'Yes' or 'No' must be said by the girl herself, as she is the one who is to live with me and to make the best or the worst of the bargain through life. Now, Dorothy, I want a plain, straightforward answer. Tell me, will you be my bride?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I--don't know what to say! gasped Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't marry anybody, I think." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Am I to understand, then, he asked, in a constrained voice," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, I don't know! cried Dorothy, melting into fresh, quick tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I--I--should want to ask somebody about it first before I said 'Yes.'" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You dislike me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, no, no! I like you. Won't you believe me?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Believe you? Why do you insist upon making me uncivil? he replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I do _not_ believe you! I dare say you fancy that you are telling the truth; but if another man were to come on the scene with a few thousands a year more, and a higher position in the social scale, you would have a very different answer for him at your tongue's end." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You must answer me, here and now!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, at last--at last, my hero, my ideal has turned from a block of marble to human clay, and tells me that he loves me and wants me to be his wife--me--a silly little thing like me!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What in the world is the matter here, child? she cried, in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was afraid there were burglars, or Heaven knows what, up here in this room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, something so funny has just happened! she gasped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You will be as much surprised as I was, Mrs. Kemp, when you hear it." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, do come in! cried Dorothy, excitedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have something that I want to tell you--I want you to decide for me what is best to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will give you the best advice I can," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've just had a--a proposal of--of marriage. There! the whole secret is out!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You do not ask me who it is that wants me," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was very easy to see that for myself, she responded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every one could tell that Harry Kendal was very fond of you, my dear, and that sooner or later he would ask you to marry him. But tell me, what answer did you make him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I ran away without making any answer at all, confessed Dorothy, shamefacedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought I could write him a note and put my answer in it--ever so much better than to look up into his face and tell him, she faltered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder that girls can ever say 'Yes' right up and down, then and there; it seems so bold a thing to do. Why, I never felt so embarrassed in my life. When I tried to say something my tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth. I trembled from head to foot, and--oh, gracious!--he must have heard how my heart thumped. I know I must have acted like the greatest simpleton the world ever held. Wasn't it wonderful to think that he wanted to marry me? I can't understand it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is not so very wonderful, but very natural, responded Mrs. Kemp, warmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I do not know whether it is wise to tell you so or not, but you are really beautiful. Every one thinks so hereabouts. And then you are not too young to marry--you are seventeen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I'm not a bit wise," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You are quite wise enough to suit the exacting eyes of love, declared the housekeeper, reassuringly," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will you help me to write the note to him? cried Dorothy, drawing up a hassock, and slipping down upon it at her companion's feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I want to write it stiff and proud, as though I didn't care much, and I want to get all the big words in it that I can." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course I will help you, replied Mrs. Kemp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it's many a year since I wrote a love letter, and I'm a little awkward at it now. But as long as it conveys the idea of 'Yes' to him, your ardent lover will think it the grandest epistle that ever a young girl wrote." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "She is mine!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "The first thing I shall have to do will be to teach the girl how to write a legible letter," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "It's all very well _now_, with rosy love in their sky; but delays are dangerous," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "This year there is no one to cheer the boys on in their good work," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll do it, cried Dorothy, and before the echo of her words had died away rousing cheers broke from her lips, that were answered back heartily by the crowd assembled with an enthusiastic" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hip, hip, hurrah, and a tiger!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "For Heaven's sake, stop, you tom-boy! he cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stop disgracing me!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You shall not coerce me as if I were your very slave! she said, smiting her little hands together and pushing him from her, forgetting in her great anger whether or not her action accorded well with her dignity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They cheered me, and I shall respond!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Pile on the barrels! cried one enthusiastic fellow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether the election is going Democratic or Republican, let's all give three cheers for the incoming governor!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, my God! my eyes--my eyes! the sparks--the sparks have flown into them! They are burning! Oh, God!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will not throw me off now because I am blind, Harry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Katy, do I look very horrible? she would whisper, in a breath of intense agony, over and over again a hundred times during the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are there not cruel scars on my face? Oh, God! the terrible fire burned my eyes to their sockets--dry. Surely I must be a thing so horrible to the sight, that people who see me turn away quickly, suppressing a cry on their lips. Is it not so?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, no, miss! Believe me, there is not a scar on your pretty face. Your cheeks have lost a little of their bloom, that is all, and the white lids gently cover your poor eyes, and the long lashes sweep your cheeks. You look as though you were walking in your sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But tell me, Katy, sobbed Dorothy," }, { "from": "human", "value": "And why not, miss? returned the little maid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely, with your affliction, he should love you doubly more than he ever did before. You needn't fear about my not dressing you in your prettiest, Miss Dorothy. Sure, I'm always making little bows and fancy things for your dresses, and twining the loveliest of flowers in your pretty golden hair!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "How grand a plan it would be to bring the girl to Gray Gables to be a companion to Dorothy until she marries!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, thank you--thank you for the happy thought, Mrs. Kemp! she cried;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When does your niece come, Mrs. Kemp?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I expect Iris to come to-morrow," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Has she come?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, miss," }, { "from": "human", "value": "What is she like?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Why don't you answer me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She--she is about your height, stammered Katy," }, { "from": "human", "value": "and Katy lifted up her face to heaven, clasping her hands, whispering to herself:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "May God forgive me! It is my first lie!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "She must be a very happy girl, and light of heart," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "They have forgotten me," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will tell them you are waiting," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Dorothy sent me in search of you, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What does she want?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She says she is so lonesome, sir, and sent me to tell you so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is there a minute of my life that she is not sending for me--expecting me to be at her beck and call? he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am going out into the conservatory to get some flowers for Miss Vincent. I guess it won't hurt Dorothy to wait a little while, will it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is that what I shall tell her?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tell her whatever you like," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Are they coming?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very soon now, miss," }, { "from": "human", "value": "What delayed them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I think they were getting a cup of tea for the strange young lady, miss. You know she came quite a long way, and she must be very tired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why, that is very true, said Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder that I never thought of that before. It seemed as though I was not missed," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Shall Miss Vincent see me soon, Harry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very soon now," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you like her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like her? he cried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why, she is charming!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is she fair of face?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The most beautiful girl I have ever seen!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "They say you went down to the train to meet her," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "And all during the drive home we had the greatest kind of a laugh over my ludicrous mishap. It was forming each other's acquaintance under difficulties, as she phrased it. I can truthfully say that I never was so much embarrassed before a young girl in all my life. But do you know, Dorothy, he went on," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will be sure to like her, cried Harry, enthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will go and fetch her to you now." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Dorothy, said Mrs. Kemp," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Welcome to Gray Gables, Miss Vincent--Iris, she said in her sweet, tremulous, girlish voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I would cross the room to where you are standing, if I could, but I can not. I can not look upon your face to welcome you, for--I am--blind!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There could not be a sweeter welcome, Dorothy--if I may call you so--and I am sure we shall get on famously together," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "If I should judge by the tone of her voice and the words she utters, my fancy would lead me to believe that she was very beautiful, thought Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then Katy said that she was plain, very plain of face, although Harry has said that she was beautiful. No doubt he wanted to leave a good impression on my mind regarding her." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Do you think you will like Gray Gables?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seems pleasant enough, returned Iris, with a yawn;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quite a number." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are they very jolly, or are they terribly dull?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, about as jolly as Mr. Kendal, laughed Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's not so very jolly, and yet he is wonderfully good company." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, he is indeed, assented Miss Vincent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is he rich?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, returned Dorothy;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Handsome and poor! That's too bad--that's a poor combination! sighed Miss Vincent, her countenance falling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But tell me about him, Dorothy, and--and how he ever happened to take a fancy to a quiet little mouse like yourself. I have heard that it was your guardian's wish, as he was dying, and that the idea was quite a surprise to him--to Mr. Kendal, I mean. Is that true?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Does he make love to you very much? whispered Iris, laying her soft cheek close against the blind girl's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Forgive the question, but, do you know, I have always had a longing to know just what engaged people said to each other and how they acted--whether they grew more affectionate, or, after the grand climax of an engagement had been entered into, if--if somehow they did not act a little constrained toward each other." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You do not answer me, murmured Miss Vincent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, please don't be unkind, Dorothy, when I'm just dying to know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, said Dorothy, waxing very confidential, after the fashion of girls," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll tell you _my_ experience; but mind, I don't say that it is like every other girl's. Harry has been just a trifle bashful ever since the afternoon that he asked me to--to be his wife, and just a little constrained; but I always account for it in this way: that he does not want me to think him silly and spoony. He has grown, oh! ever so dignified. Why, he hardly ever says anything more about love--he thinks he has said all there is to say. And his caresses are the same way--just a little bit constrained, you know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thank you, dear, ever so much, for gratifying my curiosity," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew it--I knew it! Handsome Harry Kendal does not love this girl with whom they have forced him into a betrothal. No wonder he looks sad and melancholy, with a prospect before him of marrying a blind wife! Ah, me! it is too dreadful a fate to even contemplate." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Poor little simpletons! Before they engage themselves they ought to have been sure that they held their lovers' hearts completely. It were better for them to realize before than after marriage that the men they meant to stake their all upon could prove fickle at the first opportunity when a pretty girl crossed their paths." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "When do you have breakfast?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At eight o'clock, said Dorothy;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, dear! then I shall have to get up at once, cried Iris;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two hours! cried Dorothy, amazed, adding:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why, just put on a wrapper. Nobody here ever thinks of making a toilet to appear at the breakfast-table. There is no one but Mrs. Kemp, Harry, you and I." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What is that? she cried, in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, Miss Vincent, the house must be on fire!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You delightful, innocent little goose! she cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am only curling my bangs with an iron heated over the gas, and I'm trying the tongs on paper to see that they are not too hot. I put my curls up in paper last night, but the horrid old things wouldn't curl because of the damp atmosphere, and-- She did not finish the sentence for Dorothy supplied it in her own mind--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good-morning, Miss Vincent; good-morning, Dorothy!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "And can I never again ride Black Beauty?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I am sorry it is raining, Miss Vincent, he said," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, yes! declared Iris;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That would be a very slight ambition to gratify, returned Harry Kendal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You may have--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Black Beauty," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I have always been thinking of buying a pony for my niece, and if she is a very good girl, she may get one for Christmas." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Would to God that I had died ere I had lived to see this horrible change take place in my idolized son!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Heaven have mercy! It is Jack--Jack Garner!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I feel such a great pity for him, she would say;" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "It matters little to me now, he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wealth has no charms for me." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Of course this will make a great change in Jack's prospects. He says that we shall soon leave the little cottage and go out West somewhere--Barbara and I and himself--and that we will leave New York City far behind us, as there is no tie that binds him here now." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Why, what in the world can be the matter with Jessie? he cried, raising her in his strong arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is she ill? Let us send for a physician--quick!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stay! said his mother, as he deposited Jessie on the sofa and turned quickly to put this last thought into execution." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jessie's trouble is one which no physician can alleviate. It is an affair of the heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An affair of the heart? he repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely not, mother. Why, I have known Jessie ever since I can remember, and I never knew her to have a beau." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps she has given her heart to some one who does not return her love--who may not even know of it," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impossible, declared Jack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have known her for years, I say, and if there was an affair of the heart between Jessie and any of the young men at the bindery, I should have known something of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you _sure_, Jack?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know of one whom she loves, and who, she knows, never thinks of her. When his life hung in jeopardy her secret was revealed to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely you _do not_--you _can not_ mean, mother--that she--that I--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, that is what I mean, returned Mrs. Garner, quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jessie Staples loves _you_, my boy; but do not be hard on the poor girl. Remember, love goes where it is sent. She never intended that you should know it. She did not breathe a word about it to any one. It was by the merest chance that we made the discovery, and she does not dream that we know it." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What am I to say--what am I to do, mother, if--if--your surmises be actually true?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They are not surmises, my boy, returned his mother;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You know that I like Jessie, he went on, huskily;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her secret fell from my lips in an unguarded moment, she answered, slowly," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dorothy is _not false_ to me! he cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If an angel from heaven should tell me so I would not believe it. She is my betrothed bride. She wears my betrothal-ring upon her little hand. No matter where she is, she is true to me--true as God's promise. Shame has caused her to hide herself from me, because she was so foolish as to go with another on an excursion on Labor Day. But I have forgiven all that long ago. Oh, Heaven! if I could but let her know it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A young girl who can leave you for months without a word does not care for you, my boy, she answered, sadly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely there is great truth in the words that 'Love is blind,' if you can not be made to see this." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Mother! he cried, hoarsely," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Some one ought to give her a hint of what is going on," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I wonder if they think we are fools!" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Why not give a grand ball, she suggested," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Even so, she declared," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gray Gables ought not to be shut up and barricaded. You need to have a little life to keep your spirits up. You are just dying for some kind of liveliness. And poor Harry! every one is feeling sorry for him. They say he is growing so dull." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do they say that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes--and more, assented Iris." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And for that reason I would advise you to study appearances, so that every one may know that he is happy--at least, let them think he is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then let the ball be given, by all means," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Of all the girls I ever met, I dislike her the most," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh! of course we must invite her, said Dorothy, when her friend's name was brought under discussion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mustn't we, Harry?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You must settle the matter, Harry," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let me suggest a better way, he replied, gallantly, as he took his seat at the table again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You two girls arrange it between yourselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But we do not think we will come to an agreement, pouted Iris." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will have to choose for Dorothy and me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must decline," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must say 'Yes' or 'No,' said Dorothy, never dreaming that his answer would be in the negative, for on the week that she had first come to Gray Gables he had said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must introduce you at once to Alice Lee, who lives across the way. She is a lovely, quiet girl, and I know you will like her." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You must answer 'Yes' or 'No,' pouted Iris, impatiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Come, we are wasting time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must choose," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Alice Lee had better not be invited to the ball, he said, huskily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is my decision." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Mr. Kendal--Harry--I--I have sprained my ankle! I can not walk!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am so sorry--so sorry that I let you undertake this trip with me. Let me carry you back to the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My--my ankle is not sprained, she faltered;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am so thankful that it is no worse, Iris," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you have cared so very much if I had sprained my ankle?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Would you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Does not your own heart teach you that, Iris?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh! if I could only believe what my heart would fain tell me, she murmured," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I would be so happy!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it told you that I--I love you, he cried," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, aunt! she cried," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am so glad that you happened along just now. I--I hurt my foot, and it was so painful that I had to sit down and rest; and Mr. Kendal was kind enough to remain here with me a few moments, although--although--besides the invitations we had to mail, he had other important letters to go out to-day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Are you quite sure your ankle is not sprained, my dear? cried Mrs. Kemp, in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wisest thing to do will be to come home with me at once, and we will send for a doctor to examine it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "See, it is better now--almost as good as new, she declared," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "We may as well be going," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will go with you both as far as the postoffice," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You do not seem to be in any hurry to-day," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No; for it is not often that I indulge myself in going out for a stroll, answered Mrs. Kemp," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You are the very person I am looking for, ma'am, he cried, breathlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is something the matter with the range, and they are all in a stew over it, not knowing what to do until you come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good gracious! if I step out of the house for a moment something is sure to happen, cried the good old lady, despairingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Say that I will be there directly, John;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why need we hasten? said Kendal, in a low voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is the pleasantest part of the afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am in no hurry," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We will linger here in this delightful spot, and I will gather you some autumn leaves, cried Harry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you like that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, she assented;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing would give me more pleasure, he declared;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have never heard it, she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do tell me what it is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bye and bye, with your permission, while we are weaving the garlands, Harry answered, with a rich, mellow laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If I should tell you beforehand, you might refuse to accept my services altogether." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it so bad as that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You had better use the word _good_ instead of bad. The idea would be more pleasant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not knowing what you are talking about, and not possessing the key to solve the riddle of your incomprehensible words, I had better make no further reply, lest I get into deep water, she pouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But really you have aroused my curiosity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, when we have the first wreath made, then, and not until then, will I tell you what they say of the youth and maiden who weave autumn leaves for each other, and together. Come and sit on this mossy ledge. I will spread my overcoat upon it. It shall be your throne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will be a queen, but where will be my king?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your king will come a-wooing all in good time," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, aren't they lovely! cried Iris, delightedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I fairly adore autumn leaves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I did not know that you had such an eye for the beautiful in nature," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I adore everything that is handsome," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now you look indeed a queen! cried Harry, raising one gracefully, and laying it on the girl's dark curls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You remind me just now of pictures I have seen of Undine and the woodland nymphs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah! but Undine had no heart," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What pretty poetry! sighed Iris." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, it seems to me that you have some beautiful sentiment, set to rhyme, to express almost every thought! You must love poetry. Does--does Dorothy care for it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is strange, mused Iris." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I should think that you would inspire her with a love for it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If it is not in one's soul, how can you expect to find it there, he retorted, rather bitterly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, Dorothy has no love for poetry, flowers, or birds, nor, in fact, anything that other young girls care for. I imagine she would quite as soon prefer a garden filled with hollyhocks and morning-glories to the daintiest flowers that ever bloomed. Alas, there are few tastes in common between us!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What a pity!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you believe that there is a true mate for each heart, Iris?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I might better ask _you_ that question, she answered, evasively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are engaged--_you_ seem to have found a heart that is the mate for your own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you think there is such a thing as making a mistake, even in so grave a matter? he asked, huskily," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Have you been eavesdropping?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I have but just turned the bend in the road, she replied, with sweet girlish dignity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your question, Miss Vincent, surprises me, she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have no need to answer it, I think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But you always do happen around just when people least expect you, Alice Lee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hope my old friends will always find my presence welcome," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be sure, you are welcome, interposed Kendal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Vincent and I were only conversing upon the salient points of a new novel we finished reading yesterday. If you would care to hear it, I shall be pleased to go over the plot with you, and hear your opinion regarding it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I fear it would not benefit you, for I am not much of a novel reader, and understand very little of plots and plotting." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What about the autumn-leaf mystery? she exclaimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You know you were to tell me all about it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you promise not to be angry with me, Iris? he answered, in his deep, musical voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You know I can not help old adages--I do not make them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why should I be angry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, then, said Kendal, fixing his dark eyes full upon her," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What were you thinking of, Harry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of what or whom should I be thinking but yourself, Dorothy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It could not have been a very pleasant thought, I fear, for you sighed deeply," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is all your fancy, Dorothy, he declared--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have heard of it, but thought the words rather misplaced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I assure you they are quite true and practicable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where is Iris?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am sure I do not know," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I want to have a real long talk with you, Harry, she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have heard that there should be nothing but the utmost confidence between engaged lovers. Shall it not be so with us?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Harry, she whispered," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I want you to tell me--is it true--what they are all saying--that you have ceased to love me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All saying! he echoed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who is saying it? What old busybodies are sticking their noses in my affairs now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it isn't true, is it, Harry? she breathed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I should want to die if I thought it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Look here, Dorothy, he cried," }, { "from": "human", "value": "But answer my question, 'Yes' or 'No?' pleaded Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I am waiting for your answer, Harry." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I try to picture what our future life will be together, Harry," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't let us talk about it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I like to, she insisted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is my constant thought by night and by day. And, oh! I shall try to make you so happy. I shall go out dining with you every day, if you like, and I will always wear a little veil over my face, that no one need know as they pass us by that your bride is blind. And I shall try to be so wise, and learn to talk with you upon the subjects you love best. You will not be ashamed of me, will you, Harry?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do wish, Dorothy, that you would cease your harping on the same old subject! he cried, worriedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You annoy me so!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You talk like a child, Dorothy, he cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you expect me to be dancing attendance upon you all the time?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No; I have ceased to expect that, murmured the girl, choking back a sob--" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hope, he cried," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Let me tell you the truth, Harry, she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am trying not to be jealous, as hard as ever I can; but, oh! there seems such a coldness between us lately. My intuition--my heart tells me so. Everything has changed since Iris came, she repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am glad you have some one to go with you on your rambles, as I used to do--some one to walk and read with you, as I once did. But when I think of it, and picture you two together, and know that she takes the same place by your side that I was wont to take, can you wonder that my heart throbs with a slow, dull pain?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Women magnify everything! cried Kendal, harshly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I suppose you will begrudge me a moment's comfort where another young girl is concerned, because you can not participate in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder that you can find comfort, as you phrase it, with another, said Dorothy, with a little tremor in her voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have never heard that any other society was satisfying to an engaged lover than that of the sweetheart whom he avers to love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men differ in their tastes and inclinations, he retorted laconically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do not choose to be tied down and governed by one woman's whims, nor to be dictated to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You should not speak of it in that way, Harry, whispered the girl in a choking voice;" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I propose that we finish this interesting subject at some future time, he said, carelessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have some important letters to write, and if you will excuse me for a little while, I should be very glad." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Miss Dorothy, she cried," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am not ill, Katy, she said, wearily," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will ring when you want me, Miss Dorothy," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, said Dorothy, wearily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now go and leave me, that's a good girl;" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Poor soul! poor soul! she cried;" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "The grand rascal! muttered the girl;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, how long have I slept, Katy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "An hour or such a matter, responded the girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They have all been to dinner, but I thought sleep would be better for you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How long since? cried Dorothy, springing from the sofa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And did they not send up for me?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did they forget me?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It looks very much like it, Miss Dorothy, she answered;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can not eat, sighed Dorothy, and she murmured under her breath:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, they forgot me--forgot me! Come here, my good girl, she went on, very nervously;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I want you to slip down quietly, Katy, she said--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Are you going down to-night, Miss Dorothy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If it isn't too late, she answered, in a tremulous voice, adding:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I want you to lay out the prettiest dress I have, and some nice ribbon for my hair, before you go. I can be dressing while you are gone; it will save that much time." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Do let me persuade you to sing for me, Iris, he was saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In what have I so far offended you that you are so ungracious to me this evening, Iris?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do not know that I am any different to-night from what I have always been, pouted the beauty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I simply do not feel like singing, that is all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You have changed your mood very suddenly, Iris, he declared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You asked me to come into the drawing-room to hear you sing, and now you tell me that you have changed your mind. What am I to think?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whatever you please," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tell me one thing, Iris, he murmured, a little hoarsely, bending nearer over the pretty, willful coquette;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will not listen to you!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I repeat, what have I done to offend you, my dear girl?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Say to yourself that it was surely not my intention nor my will. You asked me to come to the library to listen to some poems. When I stepped into the room I saw at a glance that you had quite forgotten the appointment, Harry, by the picture that met my glance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I did not ask her in there, Iris, he said, huskily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I found her in there when I entered the apartment. She was evidently waiting for me. She met me with tears and reproaches, and if there is anything that is detestable to a man it is that line of conduct, believe me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why did you not come in when you came to the door?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because I thought that two was company--three would be a crowd," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said, huskily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You know that but too well by this time, don't you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Great Scott! they are almost kissing each other, the two vipers! panted Katy to herself, her blood fairly boiling in her veins at the sight of this billing and cooing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, if I only dared put poor Miss Dorothy on her guard!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A-hem, a-hem! she coughed, pantingly;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "turning and addressing herself to Iris," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly, said Iris, springing up from the piano stool with a face flushed as red as a peony and a very confused look in her eyes;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will go at once;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd like to choke that little imp of a maid! Whenever I am talking to Harry Kendal, if I turn around I find her at my elbow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remain a moment, he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wish to see you." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me, how long have you been standing there, girl?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wisest girls are those who never see or hear anything," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I may as well come to the point and say that you are not to mention to any one anything that has taken place in this house--especially in this room to-night. Now here is something that may help you to remember the old adage that 'silence is golden.'" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "The grand rascal! she muttered;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, said Dorothy, quite as soon as she had opened the door," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Only Mr. Kendal, miss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought I heard voices," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Vincent was there when I entered the room, but left a moment or so after," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Were they talking together? And what were they talking about?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That I can not say, miss," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Were they speaking so low that you could not hear them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, no, miss! quite loud; but I was not listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it were not so late, I would go down stairs, she said, reflectively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, there's the ball to-morrow night. I will be up late, so I suppose it would be just as well for me to rest to-night, for I want to look my best, Katy. I would give the world to look bright and gay as any girl there. I could hear the music, the patter of dancing feet, and the sound of merry laughter. And, oh, Katy! perhaps I might forget for a few brief moments my terrible affliction. I know Harry will be happy amid the brilliant throng, and that thought alone will be joy enough for me. You shall sit with me, Katy, to hold my wraps, my flowers, my fan, and--and you must watch sharp, and tell me, Katy, if he dances with any pretty girl the second time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must not think for one moment I am jealous, Katy, she said," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly not," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have asked Iris what she intends to wear, but for some reason she does not tell me, so I want you to notice particularly what she has on, and if she looks very pretty. But then, I think she is sure to look nice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shall look very closely, you may be sure of that, responded Katy," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You know that he would like to, she murmured, faintly," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "throwing out her little white hands and beating the air as she sobbed aloud in her agony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why can I not enter into his joys, and share them with him as others do? Oh, Katy! will I not make but a sorry wife for my handsome king--my idol? I wonder what he can find about me to hold me still dear in his eyes, for I am no longer pretty, willful, madcap Dorothy, as they once called me." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "You are the young lady of the house, said Mrs. Kemp, turning to Dorothy with a puzzled air," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, no, no! cut in Dorothy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My--my affliction makes that an impossibility. _You_ must do it, Mrs. Kemp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Really, child, my presence is so much of a necessity in looking after the servants and overlooking affairs in general that I assure you I can not be spared even for a brief half hour; so, as near as I can see, Iris must take your place for that occasion, with Mr. Kendal, to welcome your guests. What do you say, my dear?" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm sure I do not mind doing so, if the arrangement suits Mr. Kendal and--Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, yes, Iris can help me receive the guests, he declared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a happy thought! I supposed I alone was to be delegated to that task. Yes, let us settle it in that manner, by all means." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "I--I can not bear it! she sobbed, flinging herself face downward on the carpet with a wretched little sob." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In everything she seems to come between me and my lover! Oh, I wish to Heaven that Iris Vincent would go away! Harry has not been the same to me since she has been beneath this roof. They tell me it is my imagination, but my heart tells me it is no idle fancy. _She_ will be standing by my lover's side receiving _my_ guests! Oh, angels up in Heaven, forgive me if the pangs of jealousy, cruel as death, spring up in my poor heart at that bitter thought! And another thought:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Harry is beginning to depend so much upon her society. Now, if I ask, 'Where is Harry?' the answer is, 'Out driving or walking or singing with Iris.' Katy tells me she is very plain of face--nay, even homely. If she were beautiful I should be in terror too horrible for words. It is wicked of me, but, oh! I can not help but thank God she is not fair of face, to attract my darling from me." } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now, Katy, said her young mistress," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, dear Miss Dorothy, _please_ don't talk so! cried Katy, aghast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm sure it isn't right, if I may make so bold as to say so to you. I have always heard it said: 'Never cross a bridge of trouble until you come to it.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have made your dress look so lovely, Miss Dorothy, she cried, bravely attempting to turn her thoughts into another channel," }, { "from": "human", "value": "How have you arranged it, Katy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is your new white tulle, miss, that I picked out--the one that you had made to go to parties in, providing you were ever asked to any, the first week you came to Gray Gables, you remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, yes, murmured Dorothy, clasping her little hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I remember so well how nice it looked on me, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You looked like an angel in it! declared Katy; resuming:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, it's that one, miss, and I have been embroidering flowers all over the front of it as a surprise for you, and, oh, they look perfectly magnificent on it!--just as though some one stood near you and threw a great handful of blossoms over you and they clung to your white tulle dress just where they fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What kind of flowers are they?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wisteria blossoms," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You have embroidered purple wisteria blossoms all over my ball dress?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Katy! she cried, in a choking voice," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't believe in all those old women's superstitions, miss, declared Katy, stoutly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I imagine that it was got up by some muddy-complexioned creature, whose only annoyance was that the pretty blossoms didn't look good on her, and consequently she gave them a bad name to keep others from wearing them. There's plenty of such things being done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, I shall not mind the old adage about wisteria blossoms and tears. I'll wear the dress anyhow, Katy, come what may. But do you know what Iris is going to wear? I haven't been able to find out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor has any one, ma'am, muttered Katy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She has been making up her ball dress in her own room for the past fortnight, and keeps the door securely fastened; but we shall see very soon now, for it is quite time to dress, and she has to be ready first to receive the guests. I heard Mr. Kendal telling her so, a few moments since, as they passed through the corridor just as I opened the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shall I commence now to arrange your toilet?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't want to go into the ball-room until all the guests have arrived, and then I want to slip in quietly, said Dorothy;" } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me, she whispered, nervously clutching the girl's hand," } ]
29776	Unknown Title	Unknown Author	[ { "from": "human", "value": "What a magnificent-looking girl that Iris Vincent is! cried one of the young girls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fame of her great beauty is spreading everywhere; but I never dreamed she was as beautiful as the description I have heard of her, and I find she far surpasses it. I wonder that poor, blind Dorothy Glenn is not jealous that her affianced husband should pay the girl so much attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This is the first time I have seen her, replied her companion," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have you deceived me--_me_, a poor blind girl? she cried in a terrible voice that sounded like a cry from the tomb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You told me that the girl who had come beneath this roof was homely and terribly plain. _They_ say she is beautiful. Oh, God! have you deceived me? I must know the truth at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katy, repeated Dorothy, in a shrill, awful whisper," }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's fine feathers that make fine birds to-night, she rejoined, faintly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No wonder they think Iris Vincent looks well to-night. She's rigged out like a real peacock; and her face is painted, too. I can see it clear across the room; and I am quite sure that Mr. Kendal has noticed it; and I've heard him say that if there's anything which he detests, it's girls who whiten their faces with chalk." } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Well, he began, brusquely," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is such a delicate matter, began Kendal," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, said the old gentleman, rather enjoying the young man's evident discomfiture," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boon I have to ask, began Kendal," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is it so bad as that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could never imagine what it is that I wish to ask," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I might guess, perhaps," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely you--you couldn't have noticed the one great wish of my heart, gasped Kendal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I--" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Come and see me in my library this evening, said Doctor Bryan, grasping the young man's hand," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are too good, sir," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "How could he possibly have divined that I was thinking of asking him for money?" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Of course he heard me playing on the piano, for I thumped as loud as ever I could; but he did not come in. It seems to me he is trying 'to cool off,' as we girls in the bindery used to say." } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "I was just about to go for you, said the friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor has something to say to you. Surely it was the work of Providence that you happened along just now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I--I am dying, Harry! gasped the doctor;" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell--tell--them at home--that--everything--must go--on--the same--until--after--my will--has--been read--and that--must not be--until--six--months--after--my--decease." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Guess who it is, Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it--can it be you, Harry--Mr. Kendal?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you wish it were some one else, Dorothy?" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "How dare you frighten me so, Harry Kendal?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you so very displeased? he inquired, reproachfully, adding quietly:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If that is the case, I beg your pardon. I shall never so trespass again;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gracious! I have done it now!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "I wasn't so very angry, she began, hesitatingly, picking nervously at the blue ribbons which tied her long, curling hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said I wasn't so very angry! repeated Dorothy, nervously. He heard her, but never turned his head, and Dorothy was at a loss what to say next to mend matters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you like a rose?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thanks--no!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or would you like me to show you a new book of poems I just bought?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You needn't mind. Pray don't trouble yourself," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "I wouldn't show you the book now, to save your life! she cried, her breath coming and going in panting gasps, and her cheeks flaming as scarlet as the deep-red rose she had brought him as a peace-offering;" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Won't you let me comfort you?" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "I have something to say to you, Dorothy, he whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is this: I love you! Will you be my wife?" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "You frighten me!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is alarming--being kissed--and especially when you're not used to it. But that does not answer my question. Will you marry me, or will you not?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't know! cried Dorothy, faintly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You mustn't ask me; you must talk to Mrs. Kemp about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I might talk to Mrs. Kemp about changing my room in the house, or ask her concerning anything belonging to the household, but I couldn't think of asking her to find me a wife and to seal the bargain for me. The 'Yes' or 'No' must be said by the girl herself, as she is the one who is to live with me and to make the best or the worst of the bargain through life. Now, Dorothy, I want a plain, straightforward answer. Tell me, will you be my bride?" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "I--don't know what to say! gasped Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't marry anybody, I think." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Am I to understand, then, he asked, in a constrained voice," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, I don't know! cried Dorothy, melting into fresh, quick tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I--I--should want to ask somebody about it first before I said 'Yes.'" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "You dislike me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, no, no! I like you. Won't you believe me?" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Believe you? Why do you insist upon making me uncivil? he replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I do _not_ believe you! I dare say you fancy that you are telling the truth; but if another man were to come on the scene with a few thousands a year more, and a higher position in the social scale, you would have a very different answer for him at your tongue's end." } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "You must answer me, here and now!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, at last--at last, my hero, my ideal has turned from a block of marble to human clay, and tells me that he loves me and wants me to be his wife--me--a silly little thing like me!" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "What in the world is the matter here, child? she cried, in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was afraid there were burglars, or Heaven knows what, up here in this room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, something so funny has just happened! she gasped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You will be as much surprised as I was, Mrs. Kemp, when you hear it." } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, do come in! cried Dorothy, excitedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have something that I want to tell you--I want you to decide for me what is best to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will give you the best advice I can," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've just had a--a proposal of--of marriage. There! the whole secret is out!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You do not ask me who it is that wants me," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was very easy to see that for myself, she responded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every one could tell that Harry Kendal was very fond of you, my dear, and that sooner or later he would ask you to marry him. But tell me, what answer did you make him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I ran away without making any answer at all, confessed Dorothy, shamefacedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought I could write him a note and put my answer in it--ever so much better than to look up into his face and tell him, she faltered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder that girls can ever say 'Yes' right up and down, then and there; it seems so bold a thing to do. Why, I never felt so embarrassed in my life. When I tried to say something my tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth. I trembled from head to foot, and--oh, gracious!--he must have heard how my heart thumped. I know I must have acted like the greatest simpleton the world ever held. Wasn't it wonderful to think that he wanted to marry me? I can't understand it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is not so very wonderful, but very natural, responded Mrs. Kemp, warmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I do not know whether it is wise to tell you so or not, but you are really beautiful. Every one thinks so hereabouts. And then you are not too young to marry--you are seventeen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I'm not a bit wise," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You are quite wise enough to suit the exacting eyes of love, declared the housekeeper, reassuringly," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will you help me to write the note to him? cried Dorothy, drawing up a hassock, and slipping down upon it at her companion's feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I want to write it stiff and proud, as though I didn't care much, and I want to get all the big words in it that I can." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course I will help you, replied Mrs. Kemp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it's many a year since I wrote a love letter, and I'm a little awkward at it now. But as long as it conveys the idea of 'Yes' to him, your ardent lover will think it the grandest epistle that ever a young girl wrote." } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "She is mine!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "The first thing I shall have to do will be to teach the girl how to write a legible letter," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "It's all very well _now_, with rosy love in their sky; but delays are dangerous," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "This year there is no one to cheer the boys on in their good work," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll do it, cried Dorothy, and before the echo of her words had died away rousing cheers broke from her lips, that were answered back heartily by the crowd assembled with an enthusiastic" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hip, hip, hurrah, and a tiger!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "For Heaven's sake, stop, you tom-boy! he cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stop disgracing me!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "You shall not coerce me as if I were your very slave! she said, smiting her little hands together and pushing him from her, forgetting in her great anger whether or not her action accorded well with her dignity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They cheered me, and I shall respond!" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Pile on the barrels! cried one enthusiastic fellow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether the election is going Democratic or Republican, let's all give three cheers for the incoming governor!" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, my God! my eyes--my eyes! the sparks--the sparks have flown into them! They are burning! Oh, God!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will not throw me off now because I am blind, Harry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No!" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Katy, do I look very horrible? she would whisper, in a breath of intense agony, over and over again a hundred times during the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are there not cruel scars on my face? Oh, God! the terrible fire burned my eyes to their sockets--dry. Surely I must be a thing so horrible to the sight, that people who see me turn away quickly, suppressing a cry on their lips. Is it not so?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, no, miss! Believe me, there is not a scar on your pretty face. Your cheeks have lost a little of their bloom, that is all, and the white lids gently cover your poor eyes, and the long lashes sweep your cheeks. You look as though you were walking in your sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But tell me, Katy, sobbed Dorothy," }, { "from": "human", "value": "And why not, miss? returned the little maid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely, with your affliction, he should love you doubly more than he ever did before. You needn't fear about my not dressing you in your prettiest, Miss Dorothy. Sure, I'm always making little bows and fancy things for your dresses, and twining the loveliest of flowers in your pretty golden hair!" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "How grand a plan it would be to bring the girl to Gray Gables to be a companion to Dorothy until she marries!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, thank you--thank you for the happy thought, Mrs. Kemp! she cried;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When does your niece come, Mrs. Kemp?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I expect Iris to come to-morrow," } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Has she come?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, miss," }, { "from": "human", "value": "What is she like?" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Why don't you answer me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She--she is about your height, stammered Katy," }, { "from": "human", "value": "and Katy lifted up her face to heaven, clasping her hands, whispering to herself:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "May God forgive me! It is my first lie!" } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "She must be a very happy girl, and light of heart," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "They have forgotten me," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will tell them you are waiting," } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Dorothy sent me in search of you, sir," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What does she want?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She says she is so lonesome, sir, and sent me to tell you so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is there a minute of my life that she is not sending for me--expecting me to be at her beck and call? he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am going out into the conservatory to get some flowers for Miss Vincent. I guess it won't hurt Dorothy to wait a little while, will it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is that what I shall tell her?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tell her whatever you like," } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Are they coming?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very soon now, miss," }, { "from": "human", "value": "What delayed them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I think they were getting a cup of tea for the strange young lady, miss. You know she came quite a long way, and she must be very tired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why, that is very true, said Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder that I never thought of that before. It seemed as though I was not missed," } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Shall Miss Vincent see me soon, Harry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very soon now," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you like her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like her? he cried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why, she is charming!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is she fair of face?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The most beautiful girl I have ever seen!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "They say you went down to the train to meet her," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "And all during the drive home we had the greatest kind of a laugh over my ludicrous mishap. It was forming each other's acquaintance under difficulties, as she phrased it. I can truthfully say that I never was so much embarrassed before a young girl in all my life. But do you know, Dorothy, he went on," } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will be sure to like her, cried Harry, enthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will go and fetch her to you now." } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Dorothy, said Mrs. Kemp," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Welcome to Gray Gables, Miss Vincent--Iris, she said in her sweet, tremulous, girlish voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I would cross the room to where you are standing, if I could, but I can not. I can not look upon your face to welcome you, for--I am--blind!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There could not be a sweeter welcome, Dorothy--if I may call you so--and I am sure we shall get on famously together," } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "If I should judge by the tone of her voice and the words she utters, my fancy would lead me to believe that she was very beautiful, thought Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then Katy said that she was plain, very plain of face, although Harry has said that she was beautiful. No doubt he wanted to leave a good impression on my mind regarding her." } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Do you think you will like Gray Gables?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seems pleasant enough, returned Iris, with a yawn;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quite a number." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are they very jolly, or are they terribly dull?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, about as jolly as Mr. Kendal, laughed Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's not so very jolly, and yet he is wonderfully good company." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, he is indeed, assented Miss Vincent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is he rich?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, returned Dorothy;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Handsome and poor! That's too bad--that's a poor combination! sighed Miss Vincent, her countenance falling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But tell me about him, Dorothy, and--and how he ever happened to take a fancy to a quiet little mouse like yourself. I have heard that it was your guardian's wish, as he was dying, and that the idea was quite a surprise to him--to Mr. Kendal, I mean. Is that true?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Does he make love to you very much? whispered Iris, laying her soft cheek close against the blind girl's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Forgive the question, but, do you know, I have always had a longing to know just what engaged people said to each other and how they acted--whether they grew more affectionate, or, after the grand climax of an engagement had been entered into, if--if somehow they did not act a little constrained toward each other." } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "You do not answer me, murmured Miss Vincent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, please don't be unkind, Dorothy, when I'm just dying to know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, said Dorothy, waxing very confidential, after the fashion of girls," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll tell you _my_ experience; but mind, I don't say that it is like every other girl's. Harry has been just a trifle bashful ever since the afternoon that he asked me to--to be his wife, and just a little constrained; but I always account for it in this way: that he does not want me to think him silly and spoony. He has grown, oh! ever so dignified. Why, he hardly ever says anything more about love--he thinks he has said all there is to say. And his caresses are the same way--just a little bit constrained, you know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thank you, dear, ever so much, for gratifying my curiosity," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew it--I knew it! Handsome Harry Kendal does not love this girl with whom they have forced him into a betrothal. No wonder he looks sad and melancholy, with a prospect before him of marrying a blind wife! Ah, me! it is too dreadful a fate to even contemplate." } ]

29776

Unknown Title

Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Poor little simpletons! Before they engage themselves they ought to have been sure that they held their lovers' hearts completely. It were better for them to realize before than after marriage that the men they meant to stake their all upon could prove fickle at the first opportunity when a pretty girl crossed their paths." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "When do you have breakfast?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At eight o'clock, said Dorothy;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, dear! then I shall have to get up at once, cried Iris;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two hours! cried Dorothy, amazed, adding:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why, just put on a wrapper. Nobody here ever thinks of making a toilet to appear at the breakfast-table. There is no one but Mrs. Kemp, Harry, you and I." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What is that? she cried, in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, Miss Vincent, the house must be on fire!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You delightful, innocent little goose! she cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am only curling my bangs with an iron heated over the gas, and I'm trying the tongs on paper to see that they are not too hot. I put my curls up in paper last night, but the horrid old things wouldn't curl because of the damp atmosphere, and-- She did not finish the sentence for Dorothy supplied it in her own mind--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good-morning, Miss Vincent; good-morning, Dorothy!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "And can I never again ride Black Beauty?" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I am sorry it is raining, Miss Vincent, he said," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, yes! declared Iris;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That would be a very slight ambition to gratify, returned Harry Kendal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You may have--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Black Beauty," } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "I have always been thinking of buying a pony for my niece, and if she is a very good girl, she may get one for Christmas." } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Would to God that I had died ere I had lived to see this horrible change take place in my idolized son!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Heaven have mercy! It is Jack--Jack Garner!" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "I feel such a great pity for him, she would say;" } ]

29776

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Unknown Author

[ { "from": "human", "value": "It matters little to me now, he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wealth has no charms for me." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Of course this will make a great change in Jack's prospects. He says that we shall soon leave the little cottage and go out West somewhere--Barbara and I and himself--and that we will leave New York City far behind us, as there is no tie that binds him here now." } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Why, what in the world can be the matter with Jessie? he cried, raising her in his strong arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is she ill? Let us send for a physician--quick!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stay! said his mother, as he deposited Jessie on the sofa and turned quickly to put this last thought into execution." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jessie's trouble is one which no physician can alleviate. It is an affair of the heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An affair of the heart? he repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely not, mother. Why, I have known Jessie ever since I can remember, and I never knew her to have a beau." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps she has given her heart to some one who does not return her love--who may not even know of it," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Impossible, declared Jack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have known her for years, I say, and if there was an affair of the heart between Jessie and any of the young men at the bindery, I should have known something of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are you _sure_, Jack?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know of one whom she loves, and who, she knows, never thinks of her. When his life hung in jeopardy her secret was revealed to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely you _do not_--you _can not_ mean, mother--that she--that I--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, that is what I mean, returned Mrs. Garner, quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jessie Staples loves _you_, my boy; but do not be hard on the poor girl. Remember, love goes where it is sent. She never intended that you should know it. She did not breathe a word about it to any one. It was by the merest chance that we made the discovery, and she does not dream that we know it." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What am I to say--what am I to do, mother, if--if--your surmises be actually true?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They are not surmises, my boy, returned his mother;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You know that I like Jessie, he went on, huskily;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her secret fell from my lips in an unguarded moment, she answered, slowly," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dorothy is _not false_ to me! he cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If an angel from heaven should tell me so I would not believe it. She is my betrothed bride. She wears my betrothal-ring upon her little hand. No matter where she is, she is true to me--true as God's promise. Shame has caused her to hide herself from me, because she was so foolish as to go with another on an excursion on Labor Day. But I have forgiven all that long ago. Oh, Heaven! if I could but let her know it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A young girl who can leave you for months without a word does not care for you, my boy, she answered, sadly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely there is great truth in the words that 'Love is blind,' if you can not be made to see this." } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Mother! he cried, hoarsely," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Some one ought to give her a hint of what is going on," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I wonder if they think we are fools!" } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Why not give a grand ball, she suggested," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Even so, she declared," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gray Gables ought not to be shut up and barricaded. You need to have a little life to keep your spirits up. You are just dying for some kind of liveliness. And poor Harry! every one is feeling sorry for him. They say he is growing so dull." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do they say that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes--and more, assented Iris." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And for that reason I would advise you to study appearances, so that every one may know that he is happy--at least, let them think he is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then let the ball be given, by all means," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Of all the girls I ever met, I dislike her the most," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh! of course we must invite her, said Dorothy, when her friend's name was brought under discussion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mustn't we, Harry?" } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You must settle the matter, Harry," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let me suggest a better way, he replied, gallantly, as he took his seat at the table again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You two girls arrange it between yourselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But we do not think we will come to an agreement, pouted Iris." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will have to choose for Dorothy and me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must decline," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must say 'Yes' or 'No,' said Dorothy, never dreaming that his answer would be in the negative, for on the week that she had first come to Gray Gables he had said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must introduce you at once to Alice Lee, who lives across the way. She is a lovely, quiet girl, and I know you will like her." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You must answer 'Yes' or 'No,' pouted Iris, impatiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Come, we are wasting time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must choose," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Alice Lee had better not be invited to the ball, he said, huskily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is my decision." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Mr. Kendal--Harry--I--I have sprained my ankle! I can not walk!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am so sorry--so sorry that I let you undertake this trip with me. Let me carry you back to the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My--my ankle is not sprained, she faltered;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am so thankful that it is no worse, Iris," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you have cared so very much if I had sprained my ankle?" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Would you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Does not your own heart teach you that, Iris?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh! if I could only believe what my heart would fain tell me, she murmured," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I would be so happy!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it told you that I--I love you, he cried," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, aunt! she cried," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am so glad that you happened along just now. I--I hurt my foot, and it was so painful that I had to sit down and rest; and Mr. Kendal was kind enough to remain here with me a few moments, although--although--besides the invitations we had to mail, he had other important letters to go out to-day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Are you quite sure your ankle is not sprained, my dear? cried Mrs. Kemp, in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wisest thing to do will be to come home with me at once, and we will send for a doctor to examine it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "See, it is better now--almost as good as new, she declared," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "We may as well be going," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will go with you both as far as the postoffice," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You do not seem to be in any hurry to-day," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No; for it is not often that I indulge myself in going out for a stroll, answered Mrs. Kemp," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You are the very person I am looking for, ma'am, he cried, breathlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is something the matter with the range, and they are all in a stew over it, not knowing what to do until you come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good gracious! if I step out of the house for a moment something is sure to happen, cried the good old lady, despairingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Say that I will be there directly, John;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why need we hasten? said Kendal, in a low voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is the pleasantest part of the afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am in no hurry," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We will linger here in this delightful spot, and I will gather you some autumn leaves, cried Harry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would you like that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, she assented;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing would give me more pleasure, he declared;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have never heard it, she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do tell me what it is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bye and bye, with your permission, while we are weaving the garlands, Harry answered, with a rich, mellow laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If I should tell you beforehand, you might refuse to accept my services altogether." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it so bad as that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You had better use the word _good_ instead of bad. The idea would be more pleasant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not knowing what you are talking about, and not possessing the key to solve the riddle of your incomprehensible words, I had better make no further reply, lest I get into deep water, she pouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But really you have aroused my curiosity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, when we have the first wreath made, then, and not until then, will I tell you what they say of the youth and maiden who weave autumn leaves for each other, and together. Come and sit on this mossy ledge. I will spread my overcoat upon it. It shall be your throne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will be a queen, but where will be my king?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your king will come a-wooing all in good time," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, aren't they lovely! cried Iris, delightedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I fairly adore autumn leaves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I did not know that you had such an eye for the beautiful in nature," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I adore everything that is handsome," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now you look indeed a queen! cried Harry, raising one gracefully, and laying it on the girl's dark curls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You remind me just now of pictures I have seen of Undine and the woodland nymphs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah! but Undine had no heart," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What pretty poetry! sighed Iris." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, it seems to me that you have some beautiful sentiment, set to rhyme, to express almost every thought! You must love poetry. Does--does Dorothy care for it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is strange, mused Iris." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I should think that you would inspire her with a love for it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If it is not in one's soul, how can you expect to find it there, he retorted, rather bitterly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, Dorothy has no love for poetry, flowers, or birds, nor, in fact, anything that other young girls care for. I imagine she would quite as soon prefer a garden filled with hollyhocks and morning-glories to the daintiest flowers that ever bloomed. Alas, there are few tastes in common between us!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What a pity!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you believe that there is a true mate for each heart, Iris?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I might better ask _you_ that question, she answered, evasively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are engaged--_you_ seem to have found a heart that is the mate for your own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you think there is such a thing as making a mistake, even in so grave a matter? he asked, huskily," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Have you been eavesdropping?" } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I have but just turned the bend in the road, she replied, with sweet girlish dignity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your question, Miss Vincent, surprises me, she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have no need to answer it, I think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But you always do happen around just when people least expect you, Alice Lee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hope my old friends will always find my presence welcome," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be sure, you are welcome, interposed Kendal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Vincent and I were only conversing upon the salient points of a new novel we finished reading yesterday. If you would care to hear it, I shall be pleased to go over the plot with you, and hear your opinion regarding it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I fear it would not benefit you, for I am not much of a novel reader, and understand very little of plots and plotting." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What about the autumn-leaf mystery? she exclaimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You know you were to tell me all about it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you promise not to be angry with me, Iris? he answered, in his deep, musical voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You know I can not help old adages--I do not make them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why should I be angry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, then, said Kendal, fixing his dark eyes full upon her," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What were you thinking of, Harry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of what or whom should I be thinking but yourself, Dorothy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It could not have been a very pleasant thought, I fear, for you sighed deeply," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is all your fancy, Dorothy, he declared--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have heard of it, but thought the words rather misplaced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I assure you they are quite true and practicable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where is Iris?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am sure I do not know," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I want to have a real long talk with you, Harry, she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have heard that there should be nothing but the utmost confidence between engaged lovers. Shall it not be so with us?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Harry, she whispered," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I want you to tell me--is it true--what they are all saying--that you have ceased to love me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All saying! he echoed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who is saying it? What old busybodies are sticking their noses in my affairs now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it isn't true, is it, Harry? she breathed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I should want to die if I thought it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Look here, Dorothy, he cried," }, { "from": "human", "value": "But answer my question, 'Yes' or 'No?' pleaded Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I am waiting for your answer, Harry." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I try to picture what our future life will be together, Harry," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't let us talk about it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I like to, she insisted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is my constant thought by night and by day. And, oh! I shall try to make you so happy. I shall go out dining with you every day, if you like, and I will always wear a little veil over my face, that no one need know as they pass us by that your bride is blind. And I shall try to be so wise, and learn to talk with you upon the subjects you love best. You will not be ashamed of me, will you, Harry?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do wish, Dorothy, that you would cease your harping on the same old subject! he cried, worriedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You annoy me so!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You talk like a child, Dorothy, he cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you expect me to be dancing attendance upon you all the time?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No; I have ceased to expect that, murmured the girl, choking back a sob--" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hope, he cried," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Let me tell you the truth, Harry, she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am trying not to be jealous, as hard as ever I can; but, oh! there seems such a coldness between us lately. My intuition--my heart tells me so. Everything has changed since Iris came, she repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am glad you have some one to go with you on your rambles, as I used to do--some one to walk and read with you, as I once did. But when I think of it, and picture you two together, and know that she takes the same place by your side that I was wont to take, can you wonder that my heart throbs with a slow, dull pain?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Women magnify everything! cried Kendal, harshly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I suppose you will begrudge me a moment's comfort where another young girl is concerned, because you can not participate in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder that you can find comfort, as you phrase it, with another, said Dorothy, with a little tremor in her voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have never heard that any other society was satisfying to an engaged lover than that of the sweetheart whom he avers to love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men differ in their tastes and inclinations, he retorted laconically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do not choose to be tied down and governed by one woman's whims, nor to be dictated to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You should not speak of it in that way, Harry, whispered the girl in a choking voice;" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I propose that we finish this interesting subject at some future time, he said, carelessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have some important letters to write, and if you will excuse me for a little while, I should be very glad." } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Miss Dorothy, she cried," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am not ill, Katy, she said, wearily," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You will ring when you want me, Miss Dorothy," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, said Dorothy, wearily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now go and leave me, that's a good girl;" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Poor soul! poor soul! she cried;" } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "The grand rascal! muttered the girl;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, how long have I slept, Katy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "An hour or such a matter, responded the girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They have all been to dinner, but I thought sleep would be better for you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How long since? cried Dorothy, springing from the sofa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And did they not send up for me?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did they forget me?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It looks very much like it, Miss Dorothy, she answered;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can not eat, sighed Dorothy, and she murmured under her breath:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, they forgot me--forgot me! Come here, my good girl, she went on, very nervously;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I want you to slip down quietly, Katy, she said--" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Are you going down to-night, Miss Dorothy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If it isn't too late, she answered, in a tremulous voice, adding:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I want you to lay out the prettiest dress I have, and some nice ribbon for my hair, before you go. I can be dressing while you are gone; it will save that much time." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Do let me persuade you to sing for me, Iris, he was saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In what have I so far offended you that you are so ungracious to me this evening, Iris?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do not know that I am any different to-night from what I have always been, pouted the beauty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I simply do not feel like singing, that is all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You have changed your mood very suddenly, Iris, he declared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You asked me to come into the drawing-room to hear you sing, and now you tell me that you have changed your mind. What am I to think?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whatever you please," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tell me one thing, Iris, he murmured, a little hoarsely, bending nearer over the pretty, willful coquette;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will not listen to you!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I repeat, what have I done to offend you, my dear girl?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Say to yourself that it was surely not my intention nor my will. You asked me to come to the library to listen to some poems. When I stepped into the room I saw at a glance that you had quite forgotten the appointment, Harry, by the picture that met my glance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I did not ask her in there, Iris, he said, huskily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I found her in there when I entered the apartment. She was evidently waiting for me. She met me with tears and reproaches, and if there is anything that is detestable to a man it is that line of conduct, believe me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why did you not come in when you came to the door?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because I thought that two was company--three would be a crowd," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said, huskily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You know that but too well by this time, don't you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Great Scott! they are almost kissing each other, the two vipers! panted Katy to herself, her blood fairly boiling in her veins at the sight of this billing and cooing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, if I only dared put poor Miss Dorothy on her guard!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A-hem, a-hem! she coughed, pantingly;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "turning and addressing herself to Iris," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly, said Iris, springing up from the piano stool with a face flushed as red as a peony and a very confused look in her eyes;" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will go at once;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd like to choke that little imp of a maid! Whenever I am talking to Harry Kendal, if I turn around I find her at my elbow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remain a moment, he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wish to see you." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me, how long have you been standing there, girl?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wisest girls are those who never see or hear anything," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I may as well come to the point and say that you are not to mention to any one anything that has taken place in this house--especially in this room to-night. Now here is something that may help you to remember the old adage that 'silence is golden.'" } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "The grand rascal! she muttered;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, said Dorothy, quite as soon as she had opened the door," } ]

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Only Mr. Kendal, miss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought I heard voices," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Vincent was there when I entered the room, but left a moment or so after," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Were they talking together? And what were they talking about?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That I can not say, miss," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Were they speaking so low that you could not hear them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, no, miss! quite loud; but I was not listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it were not so late, I would go down stairs, she said, reflectively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, there's the ball to-morrow night. I will be up late, so I suppose it would be just as well for me to rest to-night, for I want to look my best, Katy. I would give the world to look bright and gay as any girl there. I could hear the music, the patter of dancing feet, and the sound of merry laughter. And, oh, Katy! perhaps I might forget for a few brief moments my terrible affliction. I know Harry will be happy amid the brilliant throng, and that thought alone will be joy enough for me. You shall sit with me, Katy, to hold my wraps, my flowers, my fan, and--and you must watch sharp, and tell me, Katy, if he dances with any pretty girl the second time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must not think for one moment I am jealous, Katy, she said," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly not," }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have asked Iris what she intends to wear, but for some reason she does not tell me, so I want you to notice particularly what she has on, and if she looks very pretty. But then, I think she is sure to look nice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shall look very closely, you may be sure of that, responded Katy," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You know that he would like to, she murmured, faintly," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "throwing out her little white hands and beating the air as she sobbed aloud in her agony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why can I not enter into his joys, and share them with him as others do? Oh, Katy! will I not make but a sorry wife for my handsome king--my idol? I wonder what he can find about me to hold me still dear in his eyes, for I am no longer pretty, willful, madcap Dorothy, as they once called me." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "You are the young lady of the house, said Mrs. Kemp, turning to Dorothy with a puzzled air," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, no, no! cut in Dorothy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My--my affliction makes that an impossibility. _You_ must do it, Mrs. Kemp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Really, child, my presence is so much of a necessity in looking after the servants and overlooking affairs in general that I assure you I can not be spared even for a brief half hour; so, as near as I can see, Iris must take your place for that occasion, with Mr. Kendal, to welcome your guests. What do you say, my dear?" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm sure I do not mind doing so, if the arrangement suits Mr. Kendal and--Dorothy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, yes, Iris can help me receive the guests, he declared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a happy thought! I supposed I alone was to be delegated to that task. Yes, let us settle it in that manner, by all means." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "I--I can not bear it! she sobbed, flinging herself face downward on the carpet with a wretched little sob." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In everything she seems to come between me and my lover! Oh, I wish to Heaven that Iris Vincent would go away! Harry has not been the same to me since she has been beneath this roof. They tell me it is my imagination, but my heart tells me it is no idle fancy. _She_ will be standing by my lover's side receiving _my_ guests! Oh, angels up in Heaven, forgive me if the pangs of jealousy, cruel as death, spring up in my poor heart at that bitter thought! And another thought:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Harry is beginning to depend so much upon her society. Now, if I ask, 'Where is Harry?' the answer is, 'Out driving or walking or singing with Iris.' Katy tells me she is very plain of face--nay, even homely. If she were beautiful I should be in terror too horrible for words. It is wicked of me, but, oh! I can not help but thank God she is not fair of face, to attract my darling from me." } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Now, Katy, said her young mistress," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, dear Miss Dorothy, _please_ don't talk so! cried Katy, aghast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm sure it isn't right, if I may make so bold as to say so to you. I have always heard it said: 'Never cross a bridge of trouble until you come to it.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have made your dress look so lovely, Miss Dorothy, she cried, bravely attempting to turn her thoughts into another channel," }, { "from": "human", "value": "How have you arranged it, Katy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is your new white tulle, miss, that I picked out--the one that you had made to go to parties in, providing you were ever asked to any, the first week you came to Gray Gables, you remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, yes, murmured Dorothy, clasping her little hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I--I remember so well how nice it looked on me, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You looked like an angel in it! declared Katy; resuming:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, it's that one, miss, and I have been embroidering flowers all over the front of it as a surprise for you, and, oh, they look perfectly magnificent on it!--just as though some one stood near you and threw a great handful of blossoms over you and they clung to your white tulle dress just where they fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What kind of flowers are they?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wisteria blossoms," }, { "from": "human", "value": "You have embroidered purple wisteria blossoms all over my ball dress?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, Katy! she cried, in a choking voice," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't believe in all those old women's superstitions, miss, declared Katy, stoutly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I imagine that it was got up by some muddy-complexioned creature, whose only annoyance was that the pretty blossoms didn't look good on her, and consequently she gave them a bad name to keep others from wearing them. There's plenty of such things being done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, I shall not mind the old adage about wisteria blossoms and tears. I'll wear the dress anyhow, Katy, come what may. But do you know what Iris is going to wear? I haven't been able to find out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor has any one, ma'am, muttered Katy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She has been making up her ball dress in her own room for the past fortnight, and keeps the door securely fastened; but we shall see very soon now, for it is quite time to dress, and she has to be ready first to receive the guests. I heard Mr. Kendal telling her so, a few moments since, as they passed through the corridor just as I opened the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shall I commence now to arrange your toilet?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't want to go into the ball-room until all the guests have arrived, and then I want to slip in quietly, said Dorothy;" } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me, she whispered, nervously clutching the girl's hand," } ]

29776

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[ { "from": "human", "value": "What a magnificent-looking girl that Iris Vincent is! cried one of the young girls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fame of her great beauty is spreading everywhere; but I never dreamed she was as beautiful as the description I have heard of her, and I find she far surpasses it. I wonder that poor, blind Dorothy Glenn is not jealous that her affianced husband should pay the girl so much attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This is the first time I have seen her, replied her companion," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have you deceived me--_me_, a poor blind girl? she cried in a terrible voice that sounded like a cry from the tomb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You told me that the girl who had come beneath this roof was homely and terribly plain. _They_ say she is beautiful. Oh, God! have you deceived me? I must know the truth at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katy, repeated Dorothy, in a shrill, awful whisper," }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's fine feathers that make fine birds to-night, she rejoined, faintly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No wonder they think Iris Vincent looks well to-night. She's rigged out like a real peacock; and her face is painted, too. I can see it clear across the room; and I am quite sure that Mr. Kendal has noticed it; and I've heard him say that if there's anything which he detests, it's girls who whiten their faces with chalk." } ]