“Go away, saying ‘moral perceptions.’ I don’t know what Dr. Towne will think either. Well, what’s did can’t be undid! Now Gerald says that I sha’n’t put it off, but that I’ve got to marry him on that day. I know that you think it is horrid, but you never have lovers, so you don’t know! I don’t see why, either. You are a great deal prettier than I am. When I am tired, I am the lookingest thing, but you always look sweet and peaceful. Don’t you think that I ought to please father and stay home? Why don’t you say something? Are you struck dumb?”
“I can not understand it—yet.”
“I think that I have made it plain enough,” cried Sue, angrily. “You must be very stupid. You like Gerald so much—I used to be jealous—that you ought to be glad for him!”
“I do like him. I like him so well, Sue, that I want him to have a faithful and true wife. O, Sue! Sue Greyson! What are you to take that man’s life into your hands?”
“I don’t know what you mean. I love him, of course! If you think so much of him, why don’t you marry him?”
“The question is not worth a reply.”
“You ought to comfort me; I haven’t any mother,” returned Sue, miserably.
“It is well for her that you haven’t.”
“I don’t see why you can’t let me be comfortable,” whined Sue; “every thing would be lovely if you didn’t spoil it all. Gerald is as wild as a lunatic. He shall write to Stacey or father shall, or I’ll be married beforehand and send him the paper. I could do it in ten days. Do come home with me, I want you to see my wedding dress! It’s too lovely for any thing. My travelling dress is an elegant brown; I got brown to please Stacey, but Gerald likes it.”
“It’s a good idea to choose a color that gentlemen like generally; life is so uncertain.”