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[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of J.D. Salinger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, an what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the first place, that stuff bores me, and in the second place, my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything pretty personal about them. They're quite touchy about anything like that, especially my father. They're nice and all—I'm not saying that—but they're also touchy as hell. Besides, I'm not going to tell you my whole goddam autobiography or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll just tell you about this madman stuff that happened to me around last Christmas just before I got pretty run-down and had to come out here and take it easy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean that's all I told D.B. about, and he's my brother and all. He's in Hollywood. That isn't too far from this crumby place, and he comes over and visits me practically every week end. He's going to drive me home when I go home next month maybe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He just got a Jaguar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of those little English jobs that can do around two hundred miles an hour. It cost him damn near four thousand bucks. He's got a lot of dough, now. He didn't use to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He used to be just a regular writer, when he was home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wrote this terrific book of short stories, The Secret Goldfish, in case you never heard of him. The best one in it was \"The Secret Goldfish.\" It was about this little kid that wouldn't let anybody look at his goldfish because he'd bought it with his own money. It killed me. Now he's out in Hollywood, D.B., being a prostitute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If there's one thing I hate, it's the movies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't even mention them to me.\n\nWhere I want to start telling is the day I left Pencey Prep. Pencey Prep is this school that's in Agerstown, Pennsylvania. You probably heard of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You've probably seen the ads, anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They advertise in about a thousand magazines, always showing some hotshot guy on a horse jumping over a fence. Like as if all you ever did at Pencey was play polo all the time. I never even once saw a horse anywhere near the place. And underneath the guy on the horse's picture, it always says: \"Since 1888 we have been molding boys into splendid, clear-thinking young men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Strictly for the birds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They don't do any damn more molding at Pencey than they do at any other school. And I didn't know anybody there that was splendid and clear-thinking and all. Maybe two guys. If that many. And they probably came to Pencey that way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, it was the Saturday of the football game with Saxon Hall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The game with Saxon Hall was supposed to be a very big deal around Pencey. It was the last game of the year, and you were supposed to commit suicide or something if old Pencey didn't win. I remember around three o'clock that afternoon I was standing way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill, right next to this crazy cannon that was in the Revolutionary War and all. You could see the whole field from there, and you could see the two teams bashing each other all over the place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You couldn't see the grandstand too hot, but you could hear them all yelling, deep and terrific on the Pencey side, because practically the whole school except me was there, and scrawny and faggy on the Saxon Hall side, because the visiting team hardly ever brought many people with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were never many girls at all at the football games. Only seniors were allowed to bring girls with them. It was a terrible school, no matter how you looked at it. I like to be somewhere at least where you can see a few girls around once in a while, even if they're only scratching their arms or blowing their noses or even just giggling or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Selma Thurmer—she was the headmaster's daughter—showed up at the games quite often, but she wasn't exactly the type that drove you mad with desire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was a pretty nice girl, though. I sat next to her once in the bus from Agerstown and we sort of struck up a conversation. I liked her. She had a big nose and her nails were all bitten down and bleedy-looking and she had on those damn falsies that point all over the place, but you felt sort of sorry for her. What I liked about her, she didn't give you a lot of horse manure about what a great guy her father was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She probably knew what a phony slob he was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reason I was standing way up on Thomsen Hill, instead of down at the game, was because I'd just got back from New York with the fencing team. I was the goddam manager of the fencing team. Very big deal. We'd gone in to New York that morning for this fencing meet with McBurney School. Only, we didn't have the meet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I left all the foils and equipment and stuff on the goddam subway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't all my fault. I had to keep getting up to look at this map, so we'd know where to get off. So we got back to Pencey around two-thirty instead of around dinnertime. The whole team ostracized me the whole way back on the train." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was pretty funny, in a way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other reason I wasn't down at the game was because I was on my way to say good-by to old Spencer, my history teacher. He had the grippe, and I figured I probably wouldn't see him again till Christmas vacation started. He wrote me this note saying he wanted to see me before I went home. He knew I wasn't coming back to Pencey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I forgot to tell you about that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They kicked me out. I wasn't supposed to come back after Christmas vacation on account of I was flunking four subjects and not applying myself and all. They gave me frequent warning to start applying myself—especially around midterms, when my parents came up for a conference with old Thurmer—but I didn't do it. So I got the ax." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They give guys the ax quite frequently at Pencey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It has a very good academic rating, Pencey. It really does.\n\nAnyway, it was December and all, and it was cold as a witch's teat, especially on top of that stupid hill. I only had on my reversible and no gloves or anything. The week before that, somebody'd stolen my camel's-hair coat right out of my room, with my fur-lined gloves right in the pocket and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencey was full of crooks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite a few guys came from these very wealthy families, but it was full of crooks anyway. The more expensive a school is, the more crooks it has—I'm not kidding. Anyway, I kept standing next to that crazy cannon, looking down at the game and freezing my ass off. Only, I wasn't watching the game too much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What I was really hanging around for, I was trying to feel some kind of a good-by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean I've left schools and places I didn't even know I was leaving them. I hate that. I don't care if it's a sad good-by or a bad goodby, but when I leave a place I like to know I'm leaving it. If you don't, you feel even worse.\n\nI was lucky. All of a sudden I thought of something that helped make me know I was getting the hell out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I suddenly remembered this time, in around October, that I and Robert Tichener and Paul Campbell were chucking a football around, in front of the academic building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were nice guys, especially Tichener. It was just before dinner and it was getting pretty dark out, but we kept chucking the ball around anyway. It kept getting darker and darker, and we could hardly see the ball any more, but we didn't want to stop doing what we were doing. Finally we had to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This teacher that taught biology, Mr. Zambesi, stuck his head out of this window in the academic building and told us to go back to the dorm and get ready for dinner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I get a chance to remember that kind of stuff, I can get a good-by when I need one—at least, most of the time I can. As soon as I got it, I turned around and started running down the other side of the hill, toward old Spencer's house. He didn't live on the campus. He lived on Anthony Wayne Avenue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I ran all the way to the main gate, and then I waited a second till I got my breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have no wind, if you want to know the truth. I'm quite a heavy smoker, for one thing—that is, I used to be. They made me cut it out. Another thing, I grew six and a half inches last year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's also how I practically got t.b." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and came out here for all these goddam checkups and stuff. I'm pretty healthy, though.\n\nAnyway, as soon as I got my breath back I ran across Route 204. It was icy as hell and I damn near fell down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't even know what I was running for—I guess I just felt like it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After I got across the road, I felt like I was sort of disappearing. It was that kind of a crazy afternoon, terrifically cold, and no sun out or anything, and you felt like you were disappearing every time you crossed a road.\n\nBoy, I rang that doorbell fast when I got to old Spencer's house. I was really frozen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My ears were hurting and I could hardly move my fingers at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"C'mon, c'mon,\" I said right out loud, almost, \"somebody open the door.\" Finally old Mrs. Spencer opened. it. They didn't have a maid or anything, and they always opened the door themselves. They didn't have too much dough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Holden!\" Mrs. Spencer said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How lovely to see you! Come in, dear! Are you frozen to death?\" I think she was glad to see me. She liked me. At least, I think she did.\n\nBoy, did I get in that house fast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How are you, Mrs. Spencer?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. \"How's Mr. Spencer?\"\n\n\"Let me take your coat, dear,\" she said. She didn't hear me ask her how Mr. Spencer was. She was sort of deaf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hung up my coat in the hall closet, and I sort of brushed my hair back with my hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wear a crew cut quite frequently and I never have to comb it much. \"How've you been, Mrs. Spencer?\" I said again, only louder, so she'd hear me.\n\n\"I've been just fine, Holden.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like J.D. Salinger would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They each had their own room and all. They were both around seventy years old, or even more than that. They got a bang out of things, though—in a haif-assed way, of course. I know that sounds mean to say, but I don't mean it mean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I just mean that I used to think about old Spencer quite a lot, and if you thought about him too much, you wondered what the heck he was still living for." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean he was all stooped over, and he had very terrible posture, and in class, whenever he dropped a piece of chalk at the blackboard, some guy in the first row always had to get up and pick it up and hand it to him. That's awful, in my opinion. But if you thought about him just enough and not too much, you could figure it out that he wasn't doing too bad for himself. For instance, one Sunday when some other guys and I were over there for hot chocolate, he showed us this old beat-up Navajo blanket that he and Mrs. Spencer'd bought off some Indian in Yellowstone Park." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could tell old Spencer'd got a big bang out of buying it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's what I mean. You take somebody old as hell, like old Spencer, and they can get a big bang out of buying a blanket.\n\nHis door was open, but I sort of knocked on it anyway, just to be polite and all. I could see where he was sitting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was sitting in a big leather chair, all wrapped up in that blanket I just told you about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked over at me when I knocked. \"Who's that?\" he yelled. \"Caulfield? Come in, boy.\" He was always yelling, outside class." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It got on your nerves sometimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The minute I went in, I was sort of sorry I'd come. He was reading the Atlantic Monthly, and there were pills and medicine all over the place, and everything smelled like Vicks Nose Drops. It was pretty depressing. I'm not too crazy about sick people, anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What made it even more depressing, old Spencer had on this very sad, ratty old bathrobe that he was probably born in or something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't much like to see old guys in their pajamas and bathrobes anyway. Their bumpy old chests are always showing. And their legs. Old guys' legs, at beaches and places, always look so white and unhairy. \"Hello, sir,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got your note. Thanks a lot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd written me this note asking me to stop by and say good-by before vacation started, on account of I wasn't coming back. \"You didn't have to do all that. I'd have come over to say good-by anyway.\"\n\n\"Have a seat there, boy,\" old Spencer said. He meant the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sat down on it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How's your grippe, sir?\"\n\n\"M'boy, if I felt any better I'd have to send for the doctor,\" old Spencer said. That knocked him out. He started chuckling like a madman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he finally straightened himself out and said, \"Why aren't you down at the game? I thought this was the day of the big game.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is. I was. Only, I just got back from New York with the fencing team,\" I said. Boy, his bed was like a rock.\n\nHe started getting serious as hell. I knew he would." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you're leaving us, eh?\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir. I guess I am.\"\n\nHe started going into this nodding routine. You never saw anybody nod as much in your life as old Spencer did. You never knew if he was nodding a lot because he was thinking and all, or just because he was a nice old guy that didn't know his ass from his elbow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did Dr. Thurmer say to you, boy? I understand you had quite a little chat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, we did. We really did. I was in his office for around two hours, I guess.\"\n\n\"What'd he say to you?\"\n\n\"Oh... well, about Life being a game and all. And how you should play it according to the rules. He was pretty nice about it. I mean he didn't hit the ceiling or anything. He just kept talking about Life being a game and all. You know.\"\n\n\"Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir. I know it is. I know it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Game, my ass. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it's a game, all right—I'll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren't any hot-shots, then what's a game about it? Nothing. No game." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has Dr. Thurmer written to your parents yet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "old Spencer asked me.\n\n\"He said he was going to write them Monday.\"\n\n\"Have you yourself communicated with them?\"\n\n\"No, sir, I haven't communicated with them, because I'll probably see them Wednesday night when I get home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And how do you think they'll take the news?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well... they'll be pretty irritated about it,\" I said. \"They really will. This is about the fourth school I've gone to.\" I shook my head. I shake my head quite a lot. \"Boy!\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I also say \"Boy!\" quite a lot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Partly because I have a lousy vocabulary and partly because I act quite young for my age sometimes. I was sixteen then, and I'm seventeen now, and sometimes I act like I'm about thirteen. It's really ironical, because I'm six foot two and a half and I have gray hair. I really do. The one side of my head—the right side—is full of millions of gray hairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've had them ever since I was a kid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And yet I still act sometimes like I was only about twelve. Everybody says that, especially my father. It's partly true, too, but it isn't all true. People always think something's all true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't give a damn, except that I get bored sometimes when people tell me to act my age." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes I act a lot older than I am—I really do—but people never notice it. People never notice anything.\n\nOld Spencer started nodding again. He also started picking his nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made out like he was only pinching it, but he was really getting the old thumb right in there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I guess he thought it was all right to do because it was only me that was in the room. I didn't care, except that it's pretty disgusting to watch somebody pick their nose.\n\nThen he said, \"I had the privilege of meeting your mother and dad when they had their little chat with Dr. Thurmer some weeks ago. They're grand people.\"\n\n\"Yes, they are. They're very nice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Grand. There's a word I really hate. It's a phony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I could puke every time I hear it.\n\nThen all of a sudden old Spencer looked like he had something very good, something sharp as a tack, to say to me. He sat up more in his chair and sort of moved around. It was a false alarm, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All he did was lift the Atlantic Monthly off his lap and try to chuck it on the bed, next to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He missed. It was only about two inches away, but he missed anyway. I got up and picked it up and put it down on the bed. All of a sudden then, I wanted to get the hell out of the room. I could feel a terrific lecture coming on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't mind the idea so much, but I didn't feel like being lectured to and smell Vicks Nose Drops and look at old Spencer in his pajamas and bathrobe all at the same time. I really didn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It started, all right. \"What's the matter with you, boy?\" old Spencer said. He said it pretty tough, too, for him. \"How many subjects did you carry this term?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Five. And how many are you failing in?\"\n\n\"Four.\" I moved my ass a little bit on the bed. It was the hardest bed I ever sat on. \"I passed English all right,\" I said, \"because I had all that Beowulf and Lord Randal My Son stuff when I was at the Whooton School. I mean I didn't have to do any work in English at all hardly, except write compositions once in a while.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wasn't even listening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hardly ever listened to you when you said something.\n\n\"I flunked you in history because you knew absolutely nothing.\"\n\n\"I know that, sir. Boy, I know it. You couldn't help it.\"\n\n\"Absolutely nothing,\" he said over again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's something that drives me crazy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When people say something twice that way, after you admit it the first time. Then he said it three times. \"But absolutely nothing. I doubt very much if you opened your textbook even once the whole term. Did you? Tell the truth, boy.\"\n\n\"Well, I sort of glanced through it a couple of times,\" I told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't want to hurt his feelings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was mad about history.\n\n\"You glanced through it, eh?\" he said—very sarcastic. \"Your, ah, exam paper is over there on top of my chiffonier. On top of the pile. Bring it here, please.\"\n\nIt was a very dirty trick, but I went over and brought it over to him—I didn't have any alternative or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I sat down on his cement bed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, you can't imagine how sorry I was getting that I'd stopped by to say good-by to him.\n\nHe started handling my exam paper like it was a turd or something. \"We studied the Egyptians from November 4th to December 2nd,\" he said. \"You chose to write about them for the optional essay question. Would you care to hear what you had to say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, sir, not very much,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He read it anyway, though. You can't stop a teacher when they want to do something. They just do it.\n\nThe Egyptians were an ancient race of Caucasians residing in one of the northern sections of Africa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The latter as we all know is the largest continent in the Eastern Hemisphere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had to sit there and listen to that crap. It certainly was a dirty trick. The Egyptians are extremely interesting to us today for various reasons. Modern science would still like to know what the secret ingredients were that the Egyptians used when they wrapped up dead people so that their faces would not rot for innumerable centuries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This interesting riddle is still quite a challenge to modern science in the twentieth century." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped reading and put my paper down. I was beginning to sort of hate him. \"Your essay, shall we say, ends there,\" he said in this very sarcastic voice. You wouldn't think such an old guy would be so sarcastic and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"However, you dropped me a little note, at the bottom of the page,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know I did,\" I said. I said it very fast because I wanted to stop him before he started reading that out loud. But you couldn't stop him. He was hot as a firecracker.\"\n\n\"DEAR MR. SPENCER [he read out loud]. That is all I know about the Egyptians. I can't seem to get very interested in them although your lectures are very interesting. It is all right with me if you flunk me though as I am flunking everything else except English anyway.\"\n\nRespectfully yours, HOLDEN CAULFIELD.\"\n\nHe put my goddam paper down then and looked at me like he'd just beaten hell out of me in ping-pong or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't think I'll ever forgive him for reading me that crap out loud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wouldn't've read it out loud to him if he'd written it—I really wouldn't. In the first place, I'd only written that damn note so that he wouldn't feel too bad about flunking me.\n\n\"Do you blame me for flunking you, boy?\" he said.\n\n\"No, sir! I certainly don't,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wished to hell he'd stop calling me \"boy\" all the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried chucking my exam paper on the bed when he was through with it. Only, he missed again, naturally. I had to get up again and pick it up and put it on top of the Atlantic Monthly. It's boring to do that every two minutes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What would you have done in my place?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said. \"Tell the truth, boy.\"\n\nWell, you could see he really felt pretty lousy about flunking me. So I shot the bull for a while. I told him I was a real moron, and all that stuff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I told him how I would've done exactly the same thing if I'd been in his place, and how most people didn't appreciate how tough it is being a teacher." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That kind of stuff. The old bull.\n\nThe funny thing is, though, I was sort of thinking of something else while I shot the bull. I live in New York, and I was thinking about the lagoon in Central Park, down near Central Park South. I was wondering if it would be frozen over when I got home, and if it was, where did the ducks go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was wondering where the ducks went when the lagoon got all icy and frozen over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wondered if some guy came in a truck and took them away to a zoo or something. Or if they just flew away.\n\nI'm lucky, though. I mean I could shoot the old bull to old Spencer and think about those ducks at the same time. It's funny. You don't have to think too hard when you talk to a teacher." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of a sudden, though, he interrupted me while I was shooting the bull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was always interrupting you.\n\n\"How do you feel about all this, boy? I'd be very interested to know. Very interested.\"\n\n\"You mean about my flunking out of Pencey and all?\" I said. I sort of wished he'd cover up his bumpy chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't such a beautiful view." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I'm not mistaken, I believe you also had some difficulty at the Whooton School and at Elkton Hills.\" He didn't say it just sarcastic, but sort of nasty, too.\n\n\"I didn't have too much difficulty at Elkton Hills,\" I told him. \"I didn't exactly flunk out or anything. I just quit, sort of.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, may I ask?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why? Oh, well it's a long story, sir. I mean it's pretty complicated.\" I didn't feel like going into the whole thing with him. He wouldn't have understood it anyway. It wasn't up his alley at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the biggest reasons I left Elkton Hills was because I was surrounded by phonies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's all. They were coming in the goddam window. For instance, they had this headmaster, Mr. Haas, that was the phoniest bastard I ever met in my life. Ten times worse than old Thurmer. On Sundays, for instance, old Haas went around shaking hands with everybody's parents when they drove up to school." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd be charming as hell and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except if some boy had little old funny-looking parents. You should've seen the way he did with my roommate's parents. I mean if a boy's mother was sort of fat or corny-looking or something, and if somebody's father was one of those guys that wear those suits with very big shoulders and corny black-and-white shoes, then old Hans would just shake hands with them and give them a phony smile and then he'd go talk, for maybe a half an hour, with somebody else's parents. I can't stand that stuff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It drives me crazy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It makes me so depressed I go crazy. I hated that goddam Elkton Hills.\n\nOld Spencer asked me something then, but I didn't hear him. I was thinking about old Haas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What, sir?\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you have any particular qualms about leaving Pencey?\"\n\n\"Oh, I have a few qualms, all right. Sure... but not too many. Not yet, anyway. I guess it hasn't really hit me yet. It takes things a while to hit me. All I'm doing right now is thinking about going home Wednesday. I'm a moron.\"\n\n\"Do you feel absolutely no concern for your future, boy?\"\n\n\"Oh, I feel some concern for my future, all right. Sure. Sure, I do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought about it for a minute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not too much, I guess. Not too much, I guess.\"\n\n\"You will,\" old Spencer said. \"You will, boy. You will when it's too late.\"\n\nI didn't like hearing him say that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It made me sound dead or something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was very depressing. \"I guess I will,\" I said.\n\n\"I'd like to put some sense in that head of yours, boy. I'm trying to help you. I'm trying to help you, if I can.\"\n\nHe really was, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could see that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was just that we were too much on opposite sides ot the pole, that's all. \"I know you are, sir,\" I said. \"Thanks a lot. No kidding. I appreciate it. I really do.\" I got up from the bed then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, I couldn't've sat there another ten minutes to save my life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The thing is, though, I have to get going now. I have quite a bit of equipment at the gym I have to get to take home with me. I really do.\" He looked up at me and started nodding again, with this very serious look on his face. I felt sorry as hell for him, all of a sudden. But I just couldn't hang around there any longer, the way we were on opposite sides of the pole, and the way he kept missing the bed whenever he chucked something at it, and his sad old bathrobe with his chest showing, and that grippy smell of Vicks Nose Drops all over the place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, sir. Don't worry about me,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean it. I'll be all right. I'm just going through a phase right now. Everybody goes through phases and all, don't they?\"\n\n\"I don't know, boy. I don't know.\"\n\nI hate it when somebody answers that way. \"Sure. Sure, they do,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean it, sir. Please don't worry about me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sort of put my hand on his shoulder. \"Okay?\" I said.\n\n\"Wouldn't you like a cup of hot chocolate before you go? Mrs. Spencer would be—\"\n\n\"I would, I really would, but the thing is, I have to get going. I have to go right to the gym. Thanks, though. Thanks a lot, sir.\"\n\nThen we shook hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And all that crap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It made me feel sad as hell, though.\n\n\"I'll drop you a line, sir. Take care of your grippe, now.\"\n\n\"Good-by, boy.\"\n\nAfter I shut the door and started back to the living room, he yelled something at me, but I couldn't exactly hear him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as J.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's awful. If I'm on my way to the store to buy a magazine, even, and somebody asks me where I'm going, I'm liable to say I'm going to the opera. It's terrible. So when I told old Spencer I had to go to the gym and get my equipment and stuff, that was a sheer lie. I don't even keep my goddam equipment in the gym.\n\nWhere I lived at Pencey, I lived in the Ossenburger Memorial Wing of the new dorms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only for juniors and seniors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was a junior. My roommate was a senior. It was named after this guy Ossenburger that went to Pencey. He made a pot of dough in the undertaking business after he got out of Pencey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What he did, he started these undertaking parlors all over the country that you could get members of your family buried for about five bucks apiece." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You should see old Ossenburger. He probably just shoves them in a sack and dumps them in the river. Anyway, he gave Pencey a pile of dough, and they named our wing alter him. The first football game of the year, he came up to school in this big goddam Cadillac, and we all had to stand up in the grandstand and give him a locomotive—that's a cheer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, the next morning, in chapel, be made a speech that lasted about ten hours." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started off with about fifty corny jokes, just to show us what a regular guy he was. Very big deal. Then he started telling us how he was never ashamed, when he was in some kind of trouble or something, to get right down his knees and pray to God. He told us we should always pray to God—talk to Him and all—wherever we were. He told us we ought to think of Jesus as our buddy and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said he talked to Jesus all the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even when he was driving his car. That killed me. I just see the big phony bastard shifting into first gear and asking Jesus to send him a few more stiffs. The only good part of his speech was right in the middle of it. He was telling us all about what a swell guy he was, what a hot-shot and all, then all of a sudden this guy sitting in the row in front of me, Edgar Marsalla, laid this terrific fart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a very crude thing to do, in chapel and all, but it was also quite amusing. Old Marsalla." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He damn near blew the roof off. Hardly anybody laughed out loud, and old Ossenburger made out like he didn't even hear it, but old Thurmer, the headmaster, was sitting right next to him on the rostrum and all, and you could tell he heard it. Boy, was he sore. He didn't say anything then, but the next night he made us have compulsory study hall in the academic building and he came up and made a speech." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said that the boy that had created the disturbance in chapel wasn't fit to go to Pencey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We tried to get old Marsalla to rip off another one, right while old Thurmer was making his speech, but be wasn't in the right mood. Anyway, that's where I lived at Pencey. Old Ossenburger Memorial Wing, in the new dorms.\n\nIt was pretty nice to get back to my room, after I left old Spencer, because everybody was down at the game, and the heat was on in our room, for a change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It felt sort of cosy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I took off my coat and my tie and unbuttoned my shirt collar; and then I put on this hat that I'd bought in New York that morning. It was this red hunting hat, with one of those very, very long peaks. I saw it in the window of this sports store when we got out of the subway, just after I noticed I'd lost all the goddam foils. It only cost me a buck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The way I wore it, I swung the old peak way around to the back—very corny, I'll admit, but I liked it that way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I looked good in it that way. Then I got this book I was reading and sat down in my chair. There were two chairs in every room. I had one and my roommate, Ward Stradlater, had one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The arms were in sad shape, because everybody was always sitting on them, but they were pretty comfortable chairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The book I was reading was this book I took out of the library by mistake. They gave me the wrong book, and I didn't notice it till I got back to my room. They gave me Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen. I thought it was going to stink, but it didn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a very good book." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot. My favorite author is my brother D.B., and my next favorite is Ring Lardner. My brother gave me a book by Ring Lardner for my birthday, just before I went to Pencey. It had these very funny, crazy plays in it, and then it had this one story about a traffic cop that falls in love with this very cute girl that's always speeding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only, he's married, the cop, so be can't marry her or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then this girl gets killed, because she's always speeding. That story just about killed me. What I like best is a book that's at least funny once in a while. I read a lot of classical books, like The Return of the Native and all, and I like them, and I read a lot of war books and mysteries and all, but they don't knock me out too much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That doesn't happen much, though. I wouldn't mind calling this Isak Dinesen up. And Ring Lardner, except that D.B. told me he's dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You take that book Of Human Bondage, by Somerset Maugham, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I read it last summer. It's a pretty good book and all, but I wouldn't want to call Somerset Maugham up. I don't know, He just isn't the kind of guy I'd want to call up, that's all. I'd rather call old Thomas Hardy up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I like that Eustacia Vye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, I put on my new hat and sat down and started reading that book Out of Africa. I'd read it already, but I wanted to read certain parts over again. I'd only read about three pages, though, when I heard somebody coming through the shower curtains. Even without looking up, I knew right away who it was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Robert Ackley, this guy that roomed right next to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a shower right between every two rooms in our wing, and about eighty-five times a day old Ackley barged in on me. He was probably the only guy in the whole dorm, besides me, that wasn't down at the game. He hardly ever went anywhere. He was a very peculiar guy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a senior, and he'd been at Pencey the whole four years and all, but nobody ever called him anything except \"Ackley.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even Herb Gale, his own roommate, ever called him \"Bob\" or even \"Ack.\" If he ever gets married, his own wife'll probably call him \"Ackley.\" He was one of these very, very tall, round-shouldered guys—he was about six four—with lousy teeth. The whole time he roomed next to me, I never even once saw him brush his teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They always looked mossy and awful, and he damn near made you sick if you saw him in the dining room with his mouth full of mashed potatoes and peas or something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides that, he had a lot of pimples. Not just on his forehead or his chin, like most guys, but all over his whole face. And not only that, he had a terrible personality. He was also sort of a nasty guy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wasn't too crazy about him, to tell you the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I could feel him standing on the shower ledge, right behind my chair, taking a look to see if Stradlater was around. He hated Stradlater's guts and he never came in the room if Stradlater was around. He hated everybody's guts, damn near.\n\nHe came down off the shower ledge and came in the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hi,\" he said. He always said it like he was terrifically bored or terrifically tired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't want you to think he was visiting you or anything. He wanted you to think he'd come in by mistake, for God's sake.\n\n\"Hi,\" I said, but I didn't look up from my book. With a guy like Ackley, if you looked up from your book you were a goner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You were a goner anyway, but not as quick if you didn't look up right away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started walking around the room, very slow and all, the way he always did, picking up your personal stuff off your desk and chiffonier. He always picked up your personal stuff and looked at it. Boy, could he get on your nerves sometimes. \"How was the fencing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said. He just wanted me to quit reading and enjoying myself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't give a damn about the fencing. \"We win, or what?\" he said.\n\n\"Nobody won,\" I said. Without looking up, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He always made you say everything twice.\n\n\"Nobody won,\" I said. I sneaked a look to see what he was fiddling around with on my chiffonier. He was looking at this picture of this girl I used to go around with in New York, Sally Hayes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must've picked up that goddam picture and looked at it at least five thousand times since I got it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He always put it back in the wrong place, too, when he was finished. He did it on purpose. You could tell.\n\n\"Nobody won,\" he said. \"How come?\"\n\n\"I left the goddam foils and stuff on the subway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I still didn't look up at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On the subway, for Chrissake! Ya lost them, ya mean?\"\n\n\"We got on the wrong subway. I had to keep getting up to look at a goddam map on the wall.\"\n\nHe came over and stood right in my light. \"Hey,\" I said. \"I've read this same sentence about twenty times since you came in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anybody else except Ackley would've taken the goddam hint." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not him, though. \"Think they'll make ya pay for em?\" he said.\n\n\"I don't know, and I don't give a damn. How 'bout sitting down or something, Ackley kid? You're right in my goddam light.\" He didn't like it when you called him \"Ackley kid.\" He was always telling me I was a goddam kid, because I was sixteen and he was eighteen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It drove him mad when I called him \"Ackley kid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept standing there. He was exactly the kind of a guy that wouldn't get out of your light when you asked him to. He'd do it, finally, but it took him a lot longer if you asked him to. \"What the hellya reading?\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Goddam book.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shoved my book back with his hand so that he could see the name of it. \"Any good?\" he said.\n\n\"This sentence I'm reading is terrific.\" I can be quite sarcastic when I'm in the mood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't get It, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started walking around the room again, picking up all my personal stuff, and Stradlater's. Finally, I put my book down on the floor. You couldn't read anything with a guy like Ackley around. It was impossible.\n\nI slid way the hell down in my chair and watched old Ackley making himself at home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was feeling sort of tired from the trip to New York and all, and I started yawning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I started horsing around a little bit. Sometimes I horse around quite a lot, just to keep from getting bored. What I did was, I pulled the old peak of my hunting hat around to the front, then pulled it way down over my eyes. That way, I couldn't see a goddam thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I'm going blind,\" I said in this very hoarse voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mother darling, everything's getting so dark in here.\"\n\n\"You're nuts. I swear to God,\" Ackley said.\n\n\"Mother darling, give me your hand, Why won't you give me your hand?\"\n\n\"For Chrissake, grow up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I started groping around in front of me, like a blind guy, but without getting up or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I kept saying, \"Mother darling, why won't you give me your hand?\" I was only horsing around, naturally. That stuff gives me a bang sometimes. Besides, I know it annoyed hell out of old Ackley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He always brought out the old sadist in me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was pretty sadistic with him quite often. Finally, I quit, though. I pulled the peak around to the back again, and relaxed.\n\n\"Who belongsa this?\" Ackley said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was holding my roommate's knee supporter up to show me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That guy Ackley'd pick up anything. He'd even pick up your jock strap or something. I told him it was Stradlater's. So he chucked it on Stradlater's bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He got it off Stradlater's chiffonier, so he chucked it on the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He came over and sat down on the arm of Stradlater's chair. He never sat down in a chair. Just always on the arm. \"Where the hellja get that hat?\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"New York.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How much?\"\n\n\"A buck.\"\n\n\"You got robbed.\" He started cleaning his goddam fingernails with the end of a match. He was always cleaning his fingernails." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was funny, in a way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His teeth were always mossy-looking, and his ears were always dirty as hell, but he was always cleaning his fingernails. I guess he thought that made him a very neat guy. He took another look at my hat while he was cleaning them. \"Up home we wear a hat like that to shoot deer in, for Chrissake,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a deer shooting hat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like hell it is.\" I took it off and looked at it. I sort of closed one eye, like I was taking aim at it. \"This is a people shooting hat,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I shoot people in this hat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your folks know you got kicked out yet?\"\n\n\"Nope.\"\n\n\"Where the hell's Stradlater at, anyway?\"\n\n\"Down at the game. He's got a date.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I yawned. I was yawning all over the place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For one thing, the room was too damn hot. It made you sleepy. At Pencey, you either froze to death or died of the heat.\n\n\"The great Stradlater,\" Ackley said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—Hey. Lend me your scissors a second, willya? Ya got 'em handy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I packed them already. They're way in the top of the closet.\"\n\n\"Get 'em a second, willya?\" Ackley said, \"I got this hangnail I want to cut off.\"\n\nHe didn't care if you'd packed something or not and had it way in the top of the closet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I got them for him though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nearly got killed doing it, too. The second I opened the closet door, Stradlater's tennis racket—in its wooden press and all—fell right on my head. It made a big clunk, and it hurt like hell. It damn near killed old Ackley, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He started laughing in this very high falsetto voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept laughing the whole time I was taking down my suitcase and getting the scissors out for him. Something like that—a guy getting hit on the head with a rock or something—tickled the pants off Ackley. \"You have a damn good sense of humor, Ackley kid,\" I told him. \"You know that?\" I handed him the scissors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lemme be your manager. I'll get you on the goddam radio.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sat down in my chair again, and he started cutting his big horny-looking nails. \"How 'bout using the table or something?\" I said. \"Cut 'em over the table, willya? I don't feel like walking on your crumby nails in my bare feet tonight.\" He kept right on cutting them over the floor, though. What lousy manners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's Stradlater's date?\" he said. He was always keeping tabs on who Stradlater was dating, even though he hated Stradlater's guts.\n\n\"I don't know. Why?\"\n\n\"No reason. Boy, I can't stand that sonuvabitch. He's one sonuvabitch I really can't stand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's crazy about you. He told me he thinks you're a goddam prince,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I call people a \"prince\" quite often when I'm horsing around. It keeps me from getting bored or something.\n\n\"He's got this superior attitude all the time,\" Ackley said. \"I just can't stand the sonuvabitch. You'd think he—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you mind cutting your nails over the table, hey?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. \"I've asked you about fifty—\"\n\n\"He's got this goddam superior attitude all the time,\" Ackley said. \"I don't even think the sonuvabitch is intelligent. He thinks he is. He thinks he's about the most—\"\n\n\"Ackley! For Chrissake. Willya please cut your crumby nails over the table? I've asked you fifty times.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He started cutting his nails over the table, for a change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only way he ever did anything was if you yelled at him.\n\nI watched him for a while. Then I said, \"The reason you're sore at Stradlater is because he said that stuff about brushing your teeth once in a while. He didn't mean to insult you, for cryin' out loud. He didn't say it right or anything, but he didn't mean anything insulting. All he meant was you'd look better and feel better if you sort of brushed your teeth once in a while.\"\n\n\"I brush my teeth. Don't gimme that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, you don't. I've seen you, and you don't,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't say it nasty, though. I felt sort of sorry for him, in a way. I mean it isn't too nice, naturally, if somebody tells you you don't brush your teeth. \"Stradlater's all right He's not too bad,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't know him, thats the trouble.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I still say he's a sonuvabitch. He's a conceited sonuvabitch.\"\n\n\"He's conceited, but he's very generous in some things. He really is,\" I said. \"Look. Suppose, for instance, Stradlater was wearing a tie or something that you liked. Say he had a tie on that you liked a helluva lot—I'm just giving you an example, now. You know what he'd do? He'd probably take it off and give it ta you. He really would. Or—you know what he'd do? He'd leave it on your bed or something. But he'd give you the goddam tie. Most guys would probably just—\"\n\n\"Hell,\" Ackley said. \"If I had his dough, I would, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, you wouldn't.\" I shook my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you wouldn't, Ackley kid. If you had his dough, you'd be one of the biggest—\"\n\n\"Stop calling me 'Ackley kid,' God damn it. I'm old enough to be your lousy father.\"\n\n\"No, you're not.\" Boy, he could really be aggravating sometimes. He never missed a chance to let you know you were sixteen and he was eighteen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the first place, I wouldn't let you in my goddam family,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, just cut out calling me—\"\n\nAll of a sudden the door opened, and old Stradlater barged in, in a big hurry. He was always in a big hurry. Everything was a very big deal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came over to me and gave me these two playful as hell slaps on both cheeks—which is something that can be very annoying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen,\" he said. \"You going out anywheres special tonight?\"\n\n\"I don't know. I might. What the hell's it doing out—snowing?\" He had snow all over his coat.\n\n\"Yeah. Listen. If you're not going out anyplace special, how 'bout lending me your hound's-tooth jacket?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who won the game?\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's only the half. We're leaving,\" Stradlater said. \"No kidding, you gonna use your hound's-tooth tonight or not? I spilled some crap all over my gray flannel.\"\n\n\"No, but I don't want you stretching it with your goddam shoulders and all,\" I said. We were practically the same heighth, but he weighed about twice as much as I did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had these very broad shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't stretch it.\" He went over to the closet in a big hurry. \"How'sa boy, Ackley?\" he said to Ackley. He was at least a pretty friendly guy, Stradlater." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was partly a phony kind of friendly, but at least he always said hello to Ackley and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ackley just sort of grunted when he said \"How'sa boy?\" He wouldn't answer him, but he didn't have guts enough not to at least grunt. Then he said to me, \"I think I'll get going. See ya later.\"\n\n\"Okay,\" I said. He never exactly broke your heart when he went back to his own room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Stradlater started taking off his coat and tie and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think maybe I'll take a fast shave,\" he said. He had a pretty heavy beard. He really did.\n\n\"Where's your date?\" I asked him.\n\n\"She's waiting in the Annex.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of J.D. Salinger." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't have anything special to do, so I went down to the can and chewed the rag with him while he was shaving. We were the only ones in the can, because everybody was still down at the game. It was hot as hell and the windows were all steamy. There were about ten washbowls, all right against the wall. Stradlater had the middle one. I sat down on the one right next to him and started turning the cold water on and off—this nervous habit I have. Stradlater kept whistling 'Song of India\" while he shaved. He had one of those very piercing whistles that are practically never in tune, and he always picked out some song that's hard to whistle even if you're a good whistler, like \"Song of India\" or \"Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.\" He could really mess a song up.\n\nYou remember I said before that Ackley was a slob in his personal habits?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, so was Stradlater, but in a different way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stradlater was more of a secret slob. He always looked all right, Stradlater, but for instance, you should've seen the razor he shaved himself with. It was always rusty as hell and full of lather and hairs and crap. He never cleaned it or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He always looked good when he was finished fixing himself up, but he was a secret slob anyway, if you knew him the way I did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reason he fixed himself up to look good was because he was madly in love with himself. He thought he was the handsomest guy in the Western Hemisphere. He was pretty handsome, too—I'll admit it. But he was mostly the kind of a handsome guy that if your parents saw his picture in your Year Book, they'd right away say, \"Who's this boy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean he was mostly a Year Book kind of handsome guy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew a lot of guys at Pencey I thought were a lot handsomer than Stradlater, but they wouldn't look handsome if you saw their pictures in the Year Book. They'd look like they had big noses or their ears stuck out. I've had that experience frequently.\n\nAnyway, I was sitting on the washbowl next to where Stradlater was shaving, sort of turning the water on and off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I still had my red hunting hat on, with the peak around to the back and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I really got a bang out of that hat.\n\n\"Hey,\" Stradlater said. \"Wanna do me a big favor?\"\n\n\"What?\" I said. Not too enthusiastic. He was always asking you to do him a big favor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You take a very handsome guy, or a guy that thinks he's a real hot-shot, and they're always asking you to do them a big favor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just because they're crazy about themseif, they think you're crazy about them, too, and that you're just dying to do them a favor. It's sort of funny, in a way.\n\n\"You goin' out tonight?\" he said.\n\n\"I might. I might not. I don't know. Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got about a hundred pages to read for history for Monday,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How 'bout writing a composition for me, for English? I'll be up the creek if I don't get the goddam thing in by Monday, the reason I ask. How 'bout it?\"\n\nIt was very ironical. It really was.\n\n\"I'm the one that's flunking out of the goddam place, and you're asking me to write you a goddam composition,\" I said.\n\n\"Yeah, I know. The thing is, though, I'll be up the creek if I don't get it in. Be a buddy. Be a buddyroo. Okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't answer him right away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suspense is good for some bastards like Stradlater.\n\n\"What on?\" I said.\n\n\"Anything. Anything descriptive. A room. Or a house. Or something you once lived in or something— you know. Just as long as it's descriptive as hell.\" He gave out a big yawn while he said that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which is something that gives me a royal pain in the ass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean if somebody yawns right while they're asking you to do them a goddam favor. \"Just don't do it too good, is all,\" he said. \"That sonuvabitch Hartzell thinks you're a hot-shot in English, and he knows you're my roommate. So I mean don't stick all the commas and stuff in the right place.\"\n\nThat's something else that gives me a royal pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean if you're good at writing compositions and somebody starts talking about commas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stradlater was always doing that. He wanted you to think that the only reason he was lousy at writing compositions was because he stuck all the commas in the wrong place. He was a little bit like Ackley, that way. I once sat next to Ackley at this basketball game." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We had a terrific guy on the team, Howie Coyle, that could sink them from the middle of the floor, without even touching the backboard or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ackley kept saying, the whole goddam game, that Coyle had a perfect build for basketball. God, how I hate that stuff.\n\nI got bored sitting on that washbowl after a while, so I backed up a few feet and started doing this tap dance, just for the hell of it. I was just amusing myself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't really tap-dance or anything, but it was a stone floor in the can, and it was good for tap-dancing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I started imitating one of those guys in the movies. In one of those musicals. I hate the movies like poison, but I get a bang imitating them. Old Stradlater watched me in the mirror while he was shaving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All I need's an audience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm an exhibitionist. \"I'm the goddarn Governor's son,\" I said. I was knocking myself out. Tap-dancing all over the place. \"He doesn't want me to be a tap dancer. He wants me to go to Oxford. But it's in my goddam blood, tap-dancing.\" Old Stradlater laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't have too bad a sense of humor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the opening night of the Ziegfeld Follies.\" I was getting out of breath. I have hardly any wind at all. \"The leading man can't go on. He's drunk as a bastard. So who do they get to take his place? Me, that's who. The little ole goddam Governor's son.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where'dja get that hat?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stradlater said. He meant my hunting hat. He'd never seen it before.\n\nI was out of breath anyway, so I quit horsing around. I took off my hat and looked at it for about the ninetieth time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got it in New York this morning. For a buck. Ya like it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stradlater nodded. \"Sharp,\" he said. He was only flattering me, though, because right away he said, \"Listen. Are ya gonna write that composition for me? I have to know.\"\n\n\"If I get the time, I will. If I don't, I won't,\" I said. I went over and sat down at the washbowl next to him again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's your date?\" I asked him. \"Fitzgerald?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hell, no! I told ya. I'm through with that pig.\"\n\n\"Yeah? Give her to me, boy. No kidding. She's my type.\"\n\n\"Take her... She's too old for you.\"\n\nAll of a sudden—for no good reason, really, except that I was sort of in the mood for horsing around—I felt like jumping off the washbowl and getting old Stradlater in a half nelson." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's a wrestling hold, in case you don't know, where you get the other guy around the neck and choke him to death, if you feel like it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I did it. I landed on him like a goddam panther.\n\n\"Cut it out, Holden, for Chrissake!\" Stradlater said. He didn't feel like horsing around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was shaving and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wuddaya wanna make me do—cut my goddam head off?\"\n\nI didn't let go, though. I had a pretty good half nelson on him. \"Liberate yourself from my viselike grip.\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Je-sus Christ.\" He put down his razor, and all of a sudden jerked his arms up and sort of broke my hold on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a very strong guy. I'm a very weak guy. \"Now, cut out the crap,\" he said. He started shaving himself all over again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He always shaved himself twice, to look gorgeous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his crumby old razor.\n\n\"Who is your date if it isn't Fitzgerald?\" I asked him. I sat down on the washbowl next to him again. \"That Phyllis Smith babe?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. It was supposed to he, but the arrangements got all screwed up. I got Bud Thaw's girl's roommate now... Hey. I almost forgot. She knows you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who does?\" I said.\n\n\"My date.\"\n\n\"Yeah?\" I said. \"What's her name?\" I was pretty interested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm thinking... Uh. Jean Gallagher.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, I nearly dropped dead when he said that.\n\n\"Jane Gallagher,\" I said. I even got up from the washbowl when he said that. I damn near dropped dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're damn right I know her. She practically lived right next door to me, the summer before last. She had this big damn Doberman pinscher. That's how I met her. Her dog used to keep coming over in our—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're right in my light, Holden, for Chrissake,\" Stradlater said. \"Ya have to stand right there?\"\n\nBoy, was I excited, though. I really was.\n\n\"Where is she?\" I asked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I oughta go down and say hello to her or something. Where is she? In the Annex?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah.\"\n\n\"How'd she happen to mention me? Does she go to B.M. now? She said she might go there. She said she might go to Shipley, too. I thought she went to Shipley. How'd she happen to mention me?\" I was pretty excited. I really was.\n\n\"I don't know, for Chrissake. Lift up, willya? You're on my towel,\" Stradlater said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was sitting on his stupid towel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jane Gallagher,\" I said. I couldn't get over it. \"Jesus H. Christ.\"\n\nOld Stradlater was putting Vitalis on his hair. My Vitalis.\n\n\"She's a dancer,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ballet and all. She used to practice about two hours every day, right in the middle of the hottest weather and all. She was worried that it might make her legs lousy—all thick and all. I used to play checkers with her all the time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You used to play what with her all the time?\"\n\n\"Checkers.\"\n\n\"Checkers, for Chrissake!\"\n\n\"Yeah. She wouldn't move any of her kings. What she'd do, when she'd get a king, she wouldn't move it. She'd just leave it in the back row. She'd get them all lined up in the back row. Then she'd never use them. She just liked the way they looked when they were all in the back row.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stradlater didn't say anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That kind of stuff doesn't interest most people.\n\n\"Her mother belonged to the same club we did,\" I said. \"I used to caddy once in a while, just to make some dough. I caddy'd for her mother a couple of times. She went around in about a hundred and seventy, for nine holes.\"\n\nStradlater wasn't hardly listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was combing his gorgeous locks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I oughta go down and at least say hello to her,\" I said.\n\n\"Why don'tcha?\"\n\n\"I will, in a minute.\"\n\nHe started parting his hair all over again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took him about an hour to comb his hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Her mother and father were divorced. Her mother was married again to some booze hound,\" I said. \"Skinny guy with hairy legs. I remember him. He wore shorts all the time. Jane said he was supposed to be a playwright or some goddam thing, but all I ever saw him do was booze all the time and listen to every single goddam mystery program on the radio. And run around the goddam house, naked. With Jane around, and all.\"\n\n\"Yeah?\" Stradlater said. That really interested him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "About the booze hound running around the house naked, with Jane around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stradlater was a very sexy bastard.\n\n\"She had a lousy childhood. I'm not kidding.\"\n\nThat didn't interest Stradlater, though. Only very sexy stuff interested him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jane Gallagher. Jesus..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't get her off my mind. I really couldn't. \"I oughta go down and say hello to her, at least.\"\n\n\"Why the hell don'tcha, instead of keep saying it?\" Stradlater said.\n\nI walked over to the window, but you couldn't see out of it, it was so steamy from all the heat in the can.. \"I'm not in the mood right now,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wasn't, either. You have to be in the mood for those things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought she went to Shipley. I could've sworn she went to Shipley.\" I walked around the can for a little while. I didn't have anything else to do. \"Did she enjoy the game?\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, I guess so. I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did she tell you we used to play checkers all the time, or anything?\"\n\n\"I don't know. For Chrissake, I only just met her,\" Stradlater said. He was finished combing his goddam gorgeous hair. He was putting away all his crumby toilet articles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen. Give her my regards, willya?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay,\" Stradlater said, but I knew he probably wouldn't. You take a guy like Stradlater, they never give your regards to people.\n\nHe went back to the room, but I stuck around in the can for a while, thinking about old Jane. Then I went back to the room, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stradlater was putting on his tie, in front of the mirror, when I got there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He spent around half his goddam life in front of the mirror. I sat down in my chair and sort of watched him for a while.\n\n\"Hey,\" I said. \"Don't tell her I got kicked out, willya?\"\n\n\"Okay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was one good thing about Stradlater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You didn't have to explain every goddam little thing with him, the way you had to do with Ackley. Mostly, I guess, because he wasn't too interested. That's really why. Ackley, it was different. Ackley was a very nosy bastard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put on my hound's-tooth jacket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jesus, now, try not to stretch it all over the place\" I said. I'd only worn it about twice.\n\n\"I won't. Where the hell's my cigarettes?\"\n\n\"On the desk.\" He never knew where he left anything. \"Under your muffler.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put them in his coat pocket—my coat pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pulled the peak of my hunting hat around to the front all of a sudden, for a change. I was getting sort of nervous, all of a sudden. I'm quite a nervous guy. \"Listen, where ya going on your date with her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked him. \"Ya know yet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. New York, if we have time. She only signed out for nine-thirty, for Chrissake.\"\n\nI didn't like the way he said it, so I said, \"The reason she did that, she probably just didn't know what a handsome, charming bastard you are. If she'd known, she probably would've signed out for nine-thirty in the morning.\"\n\n\"Goddam right,\" Stradlater said. You couldn't rile him too easily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was too conceited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No kidding, now. Do that composition for me,\" he said. He had his coat on, and he was all ready to go. \"Don't knock yourself out or anything, but just make it descriptive as hell. Okay?\"\n\nI didn't answer him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't feel like it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All I said was, \"Ask her if she still keeps all her kings in the back row.\"\n\n\"Okay,\" Stradlater said, but I knew he wouldn't. \"Take it easy, now.\" He banged the hell out of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sat there for about a half hour after he left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean I just sat in my chair, not doing anything. I kept thinking about Jane, and about Stradlater having a date with her and all. It made me so nervous I nearly went crazy. I already told you what a sexy bastard Stradlater was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of a sudden, Ackley barged back in again, through the damn shower curtains, as usual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For once in my stupid life, I was really glad to see him. He took my mind off the other stuff.\n\nHe stuck around till around dinnertime, talking about all the guys at Pencey that he hated their guts, and squeezing this big pimple on his chin. He didn't even use his handkerchief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't even think the bastard had a handkerchief, if you want to know the truth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never saw him use one, anyway." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as J.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We always had the same meal on Saturday nights at Pencey. It was supposed to be a big deal, because they gave you steak. I'll bet a thousand bucks the reason they did that was because a lot of guys' parents came up to school on Sunday, and old Thurmer probably figured everybody's mother would ask their darling boy what he had for dinner last night, and he'd say, \"Steak.\" What a racket. You should've seen the steaks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were these little hard, dry jobs that you could hardly even cut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You always got these very lumpy mashed potatoes on steak night, and for dessert you got Brown Betty, which nobody ate, except maybe the little kids in the lower school that didn't know any better—and guys like Ackley that ate everything.\n\nIt was nice, though, when we got out of the dining room. There were about three inches of snow on the ground, and it was still coming down like a madman. It looked pretty as hell, and we all started throwing snowballs and horsing around all over the place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was very childish, but everybody was really enjoying themselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't have a date or anything, so I and this friend of mine, Mal Brossard, that was on the wrestling team, decided we'd take a bus into Agerstown and have a hamburger and maybe see a lousy movie. Neither of us felt like sitting around on our ass all night. I asked Mal if he minded if Ackley came along with us. The reason I asked was because Ackley never did anything on Saturday night, except stay in his room and squeeze his pimples or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mal said he didn't mind but that he wasn't too crazy about the idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't like Ackley much. Anyway, we both went to our rooms to get ready and all, and while I was putting on my galoshes and crap, I yelled over and asked old Ackley if he wanted to go to the movies. He could hear me all right through the shower curtains, but he didn't answer me right away. He was the kind of a guy that hates to answer you right away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally he came over, through the goddam curtains, and stood on the shower ledge and asked who was going besides me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He always had to know who was going. I swear, if that guy was shipwrecked somewhere, and you rescued him in a goddam boat, he'd want to know who the guy was that was rowing it before he'd even get in. I told him Mal Brossard was going. He said, \"That bastard... All right. Wait a second.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You'd think he was doing you a big favor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took him about five hours to get ready. While he was doing it, I went over to my window and opened it and packed a snowball with my bare hands. The snow was very good for packing. I didn't throw it at anything, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I started to throw it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At a car that was parked across the street. But I changed my mind. The car looked so nice and white. Then I started to throw it at a hydrant, but that looked too nice and white, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally I didn't throw it at anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All I did was close the window and walk around the room with the snowball, packing it harder. A little while later, I still had it with me when I and Brossnad and Ackley got on the bus. The bus driver opened the doors and made me throw it out. I told him I wasn't going to chuck it at anybody, but he wouldn't believe me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People never believe you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brossard and Ackley both had seen the picture that was playing, so all we did, we just had a couple of hamburgers and played the pinball machine for a little while, then took the bus back to Pencey. I didn't care about not seeing the movie, anyway. It was supposed to be a comedy, with Cary Grant in it, and all that crap. Besides, I'd been to the movies with Brossard and Ackley before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They both laughed like hyenas at stuff that wasn't even funny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't even enjoy sitting next to them in the movies.\n\nIt was only about a quarter to nine when we got back to the dorm. Old Brossard was a bridge fiend, and he started looking around the dorm for a game. Old Ackley parked himself in my room, just for a change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only, instead of sitting on the arm of Stradlater's chair, he laid down on my bed, with his face right on my pillow and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started talking in this very monotonous voice, and picking at all his pimples. I dropped about a thousand hints, but I couldn't get rid of him. All he did was keep talking in this very monotonous voice about some babe he was supposed to have had sexual intercourse with the summer before. He'd already told me about it about a hundred times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every time he told it, it was different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One minute he'd be giving it to her in his cousin's Buick, the next minute he'd be giving it to her under some boardwalk. It was all a lot of crap, naturally. He was a virgin if ever I saw one. I doubt if he ever even gave anybody a feel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, finally I had to come right out and tell him that I had to write a composition for Stradlater, and that he had to clear the hell out, so I could concentrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He finally did, but he took his time about it, as usual. After he left, I put on my pajamas and bathrobe and my old hunting hat, and started writing the composition.\n\nThe thing was, I couldn't think of a room or a house or anything to describe the way Stradlater said he had to have. I'm not too crazy about describing rooms and houses anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So what I did, I wrote about my brother Allie's baseball mitt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a very descriptive subject. It really was. My brother Allie had this left-handed fielder's mitt. He was left-handed. The thing that was descriptive about it, though, was that he had poems written all over the fingers and the pocket and everywhere. In green ink. He wrote them on it so that he'd have something to read when he was in the field and nobody was up at bat. He's dead now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He got leukemia and died when we were up in Maine, on July 18, 1946." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You'd have liked him. He was two years younger than I was, but he was about fifty times as intelligent. He was terrifically intelligent. His teachers were always writing letters to my mother, telling her what a pleasure it was having a boy like Allie in their class." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And they weren't just shooting the crap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They really meant it. But it wasn't just that he was the most intelligent member in the family. He was also the nicest, in lots of ways. He never got mad at anybody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People with red hair are supposed to get mad very easily, but Allie never did, and he had very red hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll tell you what kind of red hair he had. I started playing golf when I was only ten years old. I remember once, the summer I was around twelve, teeing off and all, and having a hunch that if I turned around all of a sudden, I'd see Allie. So I did, and sure enough, he was sitting on his bike outside the fence—there was this fence that went all around the course—and he was sitting there, about a hundred and fifty yards behind me, watching me tee off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's the kind of red hair he had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God, he was a nice kid, though. He used to laugh so hard at something he thought of at the dinner table that he just about fell off his chair. I was only thirteen, and they were going to have me psychoanalyzed and all, because I broke all the windows in the garage. I don't blame them. I really don't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I slept in the garage the night he died, and I broke all the goddam windows with my fist, just for the hell of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I even tried to break all the windows on the station wagon we had that summer, but my hand was already broken and everything by that time, and I couldn't do it. It was a very stupid thing to do, I'll admit, but I hardly didn't even know I was doing it, and you didn't know Allie. My hand still hurts me once in a while when it rains and all, and I can't make a real fist any more—not a tight one, I mean—but outside of that I don't care much. I mean I'm not going to be a goddam surgeon or a violinist or anything anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, that's what I wrote Stradlater's composition about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Old Allie's baseball mitt. I happened to have it with me, in my suitcase, so I got it out and copied down the poems that were written on it. All I had to do was change Allie's name so that nobody would know it was my brother and not Stradlater's. I wasn't too crazy about doing it, but I couldn't think of anything else descriptive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, I sort of liked writing about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took me about an hour, because I had to use Stradlater's lousy typewriter, and it kept jamming on me. The reason I didn't use my own was because I'd lent it to a guy down the hall.\n\nIt was around ten-thirty, I guess, when I finished it. I wasn't tired, though, so I looked out the window for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't snowing out any more, but every once in a while you could hear a car somewhere not being able to get started." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could also hear old Ackley snoring. Right through the goddam shower curtains you could hear him. He had sinus trouble and he couldn't breathe too hot when he was asleep. That guy had just about everything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sinus trouble, pimples, lousy teeth, halitosis, crumby fingernails." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You had to feel a little sorry for the crazy sonuvabitch." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nJ.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some things are hard to remember." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm thinking now of when Stradlater got back from his date with Jane. I mean I can't remember exactly what I was doing when I heard his goddam stupid footsteps coming down the corridor. I probably was still looking out the window, but I swear I can't remember. I was so damn worried, that's why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I really worry about something, I don't just fool around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I even have to go to the bathroom when I worry about something. Only, I don't go. I'm too worried to go. I don't want to interrupt my worrying to go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you knew Stradlater, you'd have been worried, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd double-dated with that bastard a couple of times, and I know what I'm talking about. He was unscrupulous. He really was.\n\nAnyway, the corridor was all linoleum and all, and you could hear his goddam footsteps coming right towards the room. I don't even remember where I was sitting when he came in—at the window, or in my chair or his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I swear I can't remember." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He came in griping about how cold it was out. Then he said, \"Where the hell is everybody? It's like a goddam morgue around here.\" I didn't even bother to answer him. If he was so goddam stupid not to realize it was Saturday night and everybody was out or asleep or home for the week end, I wasn't going to break my neck telling him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He started getting undressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't say one goddam word about Jane. Not one. Neither did I. I just watched him. All he did was thank me for letting him wear my hound's-tooth. He hung it up on a hanger and put it in the closet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then when he was taking off his tie, he asked me if I'd written his goddam composition for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told him it was over on his goddam bed. He walked over and read it while he was unbuttoning his shirt. He stood there, reading it, and sort of stroking his bare chest and stomach, with this very stupid expression on his face. He was always stroking his stomach or his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was mad about himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All of a sudden, he said, \"For Chrissake, Holden. This is about a goddam baseball glove.\"\n\n\"So what?\" I said. Cold as hell.\n\n\"Wuddaya mean so what? I told ya it had to be about a goddam room or a house or something.\"\n\n\"You said it had to be descriptive. What the hell's the difference if it's about a baseball glove?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God damn it.\" He was sore as hell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was really furious. \"You always do everything backasswards.\" He looked at me. \"No wonder you're flunking the hell out of here,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't do one damn thing the way you're supposed to. I mean it. Not one damn thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, give it back to me, then,\" I said. I went over and pulled it right out of his goddam hand. Then I tore it up.\n\n\"What the hellja do that for?\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't even answer him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I just threw the pieces in the wastebasket. Then I lay down on my bed, and we both didn't say anything for a long time. He got all undressed, down to his shorts, and I lay on my bed and lit a cigarette. You weren't allowed to smoke in the dorm, but you could do it late at night when everybody was asleep or out and nobody could smell the smoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, I did it to annoy Stradlater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It drove him crazy when you broke any rules. He never smoked in the dorm. It was only me.\n\nHe still didn't say one single solitary word about Jane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So finally I said, \"You're back pretty goddam late if she only signed out for nine-thirty. Did you make her be late signing in?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was sitting on the edge of his bed, cutting his goddam toenails, when I asked him that. \"Coupla minutes,\" he said. \"Who the hell signs out for nine-thirty on a Saturday night?\" God, how I hated him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you go to New York?\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ya crazy? How the hell could we go to New York if she only signed out for nine-thirty?\"\n\n\"That's tough.\"\n\nHe looked up at me. \"Listen,\" he said, \"if you're gonna smoke in the room, how 'bout going down to the can and do it? You may be getting the hell out of here, but I have to stick around long enough to graduate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I ignored him. I really did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I went right on smoking like a madman. All I did was sort of turn over on my side and watched him cut his damn toenails. What a school. You were always watching somebody cut their damn toenails or squeeze their pimples or something.\n\n\"Did you give her my regards?\" I asked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hell he did, the bastard.\n\n\"What'd she say?\" I said. \"Did you ask her if she still keeps all her kings in the back row?\"\n\n\"No, I didn't ask her. What the hell ya think we did all night—play checkers, for Chrissake?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't even answer him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God, how I hated him.\n\n\"If you didn't go to New York, where'd ya go with her?\" I asked him, after a little while. I could hardly keep my voice from shaking all over the place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, was I getting nervous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I just had a feeling something had gone funny.\n\nHe was finished cutting his damn toenails. So he got up from the bed, in just his damn shorts and all, and started getting very damn playful. He came over to my bed and started leaning over me and taking these playful as hell socks at my shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cut it out,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where'd you go with her if you didn't go to New York?\"\n\n\"Nowhere. We just sat in the goddam car.\" He gave me another one of those playtul stupid little socks on the shoulder.\n\n\"Cut it out,\" I said. \"Whose car?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ed Banky's.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ed Banky was the basketball coach at Pencey. Old Stradlater was one of his pets, because he was the center on the team, and Ed Banky always let him borrow his car when he wanted it. It wasn't allowed for students to borrow faculty guys' cars, but all the athletic bastards stuck together. In every school I've gone to, all the athletic bastards stick together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stradlater kept taking these shadow punches down at my shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had his toothbrush in his hand, and he put it in his mouth. \"What'd you do?\" I said. \"Give her the time in Ed Banky's goddam car?\" My voice was shaking something awful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a thing to say. Want me to wash your mouth out with soap?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you?\"\n\n\"That's a professional secret, buddy.\"\n\nThis next part I don't remember so hot. All I know is I got up from the bed, like I was going down to the can or something, and then I tried to sock him, with all my might, right smack in the toothbrush, so it would split his goddam throat open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only, I missed. I didn't connect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All I did was sort of get him on the side of the head or something. It probably hurt him a little bit, but not as much as I wanted. It probably would've hurt him a lot, but I did it with my right hand, and I can't make a good fist with that hand. On account of that injury I told you about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, the next thing I knew, I was on the goddam floor and he was sitting on my chest, with his face all red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is, he had his goddam knees on my chest, and he weighed about a ton. He had hold of my wrists, too, so I couldn't take another sock at him. I'd've killed him.\n\n\"What the hell's the matter with you?\" he kept saying, and his stupid race kept getting redder and redder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get your lousy knees off my chest,\" I told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was almost bawling. I really was. \"Go on, get off a me, ya crumby bastard.\"\n\nHe wouldn't do it, though. He kept holding onto my wrists and I kept calling him a sonuvabitch and all, for around ten hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can hardly even remember what all I said to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told him he thought he could give the time to anybody he felt like. I told him he didn't even care if a girl kept all her kings in the back row or not, and the reason he didn't care was because he was a goddam stupid moron. He hated it when you called a moron. All morons hate it when you call them a moron." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shut up, now, Holden,\" he said with his big stupid red face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"just shut up, now.\"\n\n\"You don't even know if her first name is Jane or Jean, ya goddam moron!\"\n\n\"Now, shut up, Holden, God damn it—I'm warning ya,\" he said—I really had him going. \"If you don't shut up, I'm gonna slam ya one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get your dirty stinking moron knees off my chest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I letcha up, will you keep your mouth shut?\"\n\nI didn't even answer him.\n\nHe said it over again. \"Holden. If I letcha up, willya keep your mouth shut?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got up off me, and I got up, too. My chest hurt like hell from his dirty knees. \"You're a dirty stupid sonuvabitch of a moron,\" I told him.\n\nThat got him really mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shook his big stupid finger in my face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Holden, God damn it, I'm warning you, now. For the last time. If you don't keep your yap shut, I'm gonna—\"\n\n\"Why should I?\" I said—I was practically yelling. \"That's just the trouble with all you morons. You never want to discuss anything. That's the way you can always tell a moron. They never want to discuss anything intellig—\"\n\nThen he really let one go at me, and the next thing I knew I was on the goddam floor again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't remember if he knocked me out or not, but I don't think so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's pretty hard to knock a guy out, except in the goddam movies. But my nose was bleeding all over the place. When I looked up old Stradlater was standing practically right on top of me. He had his goddam toilet kit under his arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why the hell don'tcha shut up when I tellya to?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said. He sounded pretty nervous. He probably was scared he'd fractured my skull or something when I hit the floor. It's too bad I didn't. \"You asked for it, God damn it,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, did he look worried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't even bother to get up. I just lay there in the floor for a while, and kept calling him a moron sonuvabitch. I was so mad, I was practically bawling.\n\n\"Listen. Go wash your face,\" Stradlater said. \"Ya hear me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I told him to go wash his own moron face—which was a pretty childish thing to say, but I was mad as hell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told him to stop off on the way to the can and give Mrs. Schmidt the time. Mrs. Schmidt was the janitor's wife. She was around sixty-five.\n\nI kept sitting there on the floor till I heard old Stradlater close the door and go down the corridor to the can." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I got up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't find my goddam hunting hat anywhere. Finally I found it. It was under the bed. I put it on, and turned the old peak around to the back, the way I liked it, and then I went over and took a look at my stupid face in the mirror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You never saw such gore in your life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had blood all over my mouth and chin and even on my pajamas and bath robe. It partly scared me and it partly fascinated me. All that blood and all sort of made me look tough. I'd only been in about two fights in my life, and I lost both of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm not too tough." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm a pacifist, if you want to know the truth.\n\nI had a feeling old Ackley'd probably heard all the racket and was awake. So I went through the shower curtains into his room, just to see what the hell he was doing. I hardly ever went over to his room. It always had a funny stink in it, because he was so crumby in his personal habits." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nJ.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tiny bit of light came through the shower curtains and all from our room, and I could see him lying in bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew damn well he was wide awake. \"Ackley?\" I said. \"Y'awake?\"\n\n\"Yeah.\"\n\nIt was pretty dark, and I stepped on somebody's shoe on the floor and danm near fell on my head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ackley sort of sat up in bed and leaned on his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a lot of white stuff on his face, for his pimples. He looked sort of spooky in the dark. \"What the hellya doing, anyway?\" I said.\n\n\"Wuddaya mean what the hell am I doing? I was tryna sleep before you guys started making all that noise. What the hell was the fight about, anyhow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's the light?\" I couldn't find the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was sliding my hand all over the wall.\n\n\"Wuddaya want the light for?... Right next to your hand.\"\n\nI finally found the switch and turned It on. Old Ackley put his hand up so the light wouldn't hurt his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jesus!\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What the hell happened to you?\" He meant all the blood and all.\n\n\"I had a little goddam tiff with Stradlater,\" I said. Then I sat down on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They never had any chairs in their room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know what the hell they did with their chairs. \"Listen,\" I said, \"do you feel like playing a little Canasta?\" He was a Canasta fiend.\n\n\"You're still bleeding, for Chrissake. You better put something on it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It'll stop. Listen. Ya wanna play a little Canasta or don'tcha?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Canasta, for Chrissake. Do you know what time it is, by any chance?\"\n\n\"It isn't late. It's only around eleven, eleven-thirty.\"\n\n\"Only around!\" Ackley said. \"Listen. I gotta get up and go to Mass in the morning, for Chrissake. You guys start hollering and fighting in the middle of the goddam—What the hell was the fight about, anyhow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a long story. I don't wanna bore ya, Ackley. I'm thinking of your welfare,\" I told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never discussed my personal life with him. In the first place, he was even more stupid than Stradlater. Stradlater was a goddam genius next to Ackley. \"Hey,\" I said, \"is it okay if I sleep in Ely's bed tonight? He won't be back till tomorrow night, will he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I knew damn well he wouldn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ely went home damn near every week end.\n\n\"I don't know when the hell he's coming back,\" Ackley said.\n\nBoy, did that annoy me. \"What the hell do you mean you don't know when he's coming back? He never comes back till Sunday night, does he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, but for Chrissake, I can't just tell somebody they can sleep in his goddam bed if they want to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That killed me. I reached up from where I was sitting on the floor and patted him on the goddam shoulder. \"You're a prince, Ackley kid,\" I said. \"You know that?\"\n\n\"No, I mean it—I can't just tell somebody they can sleep in—\"\n\n\"You're a real prince. You're a gentleman and a scholar, kid,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He really was, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you happen to have any cigarettes, by any chance?—Say 'no' or I'll drop dead.\"\n\n\"No, I don't, as a matter of fact. Listen, what the hell was the fight about?\"\n\nI didn't answer him. All I did was, I got up and went over and looked out the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I felt so lonesome, all of a sudden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I almost wished I was dead.\n\n\"What the hell was the fight about, anyhow?\" Ackley said, for about the fiftieth time. He certainly was a bore about that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About you,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About me, for Chrissake?\"\n\n\"Yeah. I was defending your goddam honor. Stradlater said you had a lousy personality. I couldn't let him get away with that stuff.\"\n\nThat got him excited. \"He did? No kidding? He did?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I told him I was only kidding, and then I went over and laid down on Ely's bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, did I feel rotten. I felt so damn lonesome.\n\n\"This room stinks,\" I said. \"I can smell your socks from way over here. Don'tcha ever send them to the laundry?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you don't like it, you know what you can do,\" Ackley said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What a witty guy. \"How 'bout turning off the goddam light?\"\n\nI didn't turn it off right away, though. I just kept laying there on Ely's bed, thinking about Jane and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It just drove me stark staring mad when I thought about her and Stradlater parked somewhere in that fat-assed Ed Banky's car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every time I thought about it, I felt like jumping out the window. The thing is, you didn't know Stradlater. I knew him. Most guys at Pencey just talked about having sexual intercourse with girls all the time—like Ackley, for instance—but old Stradlater really did it. I was personally acquainted with at least two girls he gave the time to. That's the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me the story of your fascinating life, Ackley kid,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How 'bout turning off the goddam light? I gotta get up for Mass in the morning.\"\n\nI got up and turned it off, if it made him happy. Then I laid down on Ely's bed again.\n\n\"What're ya gonna do—sleep in Ely's bed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ackley said. He was the perfect host, boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I may. I may not. Don't worry about it.\"\n\n\"I'm not worried about it. Only, I'd hate like hell if Ely came in all of a sudden and found some guy—\"\n\n\"Relax. I'm not gonna sleep here. I wouldn't abuse your goddam hospitality.\"\n\nA couple of minutes later, he was snoring like mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I kept laying there in the dark anyway, though, trying not to think about old Jane and Stradlater in that goddam Ed Banky's car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was almost impossible. The trouble was, I knew that guy Stradlater's technique. That made it even worse. We once double-dated, in Ed Banky's car, and Stradlater was in the back, with his date, and I was in the front with mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a technique that guy had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What he'd do was, he'd start snowing his date in this very quiet, sincere voice—like as if he wasn't only a very handsome guy but a nice, sincere guy, too. I damn near puked, listening to him. His date kept saying, \"No—please. Please, don't. Please.\" But old Stradlater kept snowing her in this Abraham Lincoln, sincere voice, and finally there'd be this terrific silence in the back of the car." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was really embarrassing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't think he gave that girl the time that night—but damn near. Damn near.\n\nWhile I was laying there trying not to think, I heard old Stradlater come back from the can and go in our room. You could hear him putting away his crumby toilet articles and all, and opening the window. He was a fresh-air fiend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, a little while later, he turned off the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't even look around to see where I was at.\n\nIt was even depressing out in the street. You couldn't even hear any cars any more. I got feeling so lonesome and rotten, I even felt like waking Ackley up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, Ackley,\" I said, in sort of a whisper, so Stradlater couldn't hear me through the shower curtain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ackley didn't hear me, though.\n\n\"Hey, Ackley!\"\n\nHe still didn't hear me. He slept like a rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, Ackley!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard that, all right.\n\n\"What the hell's the matter with you?\" he said. \"I was asleep, for Chrissake.\"\n\n\"Listen. What's the routine on joining a monastery?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked him. I was sort of toying with the idea of joining one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you have to be a Catholic and all?\"\n\n\"Certainly you have to be a Catholic. You bastard, did you wake me just to ask me a dumb ques—\"\n\n\"Aah, go back to sleep. I'm not gonna join one anyway. The kind of luck I have, I'd probably join one with all the wrong kind of monks in it. All stupid bastards. Or just bastards.\"\n\nWhen I said that, old Ackley sat way the hell up in bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen,\" he said, \"I don't care what you say about me or anything, but if you start making cracks about my goddam religion, for Chrissake—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Relax,\" I said. \"Nobody's making any cracks about your goddam religion.\" I got up off Ely's bed, and started towards the door. I didn't want to hang around in that stupid atmosphere any more. I stopped on the way, though, and picked up Ackley's hand, and gave him a big, phony handshake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled it away from me. \"What's the idea?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said.\n\n\"No idea. I just want to thank you for being such a goddam prince, that's all,\" I said. I said it in this very sincere voice. \"You're aces, Ackley kid,\" I said. \"You know that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wise guy. Someday somebody's gonna bash your—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't even bother to listen to him. I shut the damn door and went out in the corridor.\n\nEverybody was asleep or out or home for the week end, and it was very, very quiet and depressing in the corridor. There was this empty box of Kolynos toothpaste outside Leahy and Hoffman's door, and while I walked down towards the stairs, I kept giving it a boot with this sheep-lined slipper I had on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What I thought I'd do, I thought I might go down and see what old Mal Brossard was doing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But all of a sudden, I changed my mind. All of a sudden, I decided what I'd really do, I'd get the hell out of Pencey—right that same night and all. I mean not wait till Wednesday or anything. I just didn't want to hang around any more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It made me too sad and lonesome." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So what I decided to do, I decided I'd take a room in a hotel in New York—some very inexpensive hotel and all—and just take it easy till Wednesday. Then, on Wednesday, I'd go home all rested up and feeling swell. I figured my parents probably wouldn't get old Thurmer's letter saying I'd been given the ax till maybe Tuesday or Wednesday. I didn't want to go home or anything till they got it and thoroughly digested it and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't want to be around when they first got it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My mother gets very hysterical. She's not too bad after she gets something thoroughly digested, though. Besides, I sort of needed a little vacation. My nerves were shot. They really were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, that's what I decided I'd do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I went back to the room and turned on the light, to start packing and all. I already had quite a few things packed. Old Stradlater didn't even wake up. I lit a cigarette and got all dressed and then I packed these two Gladstones I have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It only took me about two minutes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm a very rapid packer.\n\nOne thing about packing depressed me a little. I had to pack these brand-new ice skates my mother had practically just sent me a couple of days before. That depressed me. I could see my mother going in Spaulding's and asking the salesman a million dopy questions—and here I was getting the ax again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It made me feel pretty sad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bought me the wrong kind of skates—I wanted racing skates and she bought hockey—but it made me sad anyway. Almost every time somebody gives me a present, it ends up making me sad.\n\nAfter I got all packed, I sort of counted my dough. I don't remember exactly how much I had, but I was pretty loaded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My grandmother'd just sent me a wad about a week before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have this grandmother that's quite lavish with her dough. She doesn't have all her marbles any more—she's old as hell—and she keeps sending me money for my birthday about four times a year. Anyway, even though I was pretty loaded, I figured I could always use a few extra bucks. You never know. So what I did was, I went down the hail and woke up Frederick Woodruff, this guy I'd lent my typewriter to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked him how much he'd give me for it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a pretty wealthy guy. He said he didn't know. He said he didn't much want to buy it. Finally he bought it, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It cost about ninety bucks, and all he bought it for was twenty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was sore because I'd woke him up.\n\nWhen I was all set to go, when I had my bags and all, I stood for a while next to the stairs and took a last look down the goddam corridor. I was sort of crying. I don't know why." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of J.D. Salinger spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was too late to call up for a cab or anything, so I walked the whole way to the station. It wasn't too far, but it was cold as hell, and the snow made it hard for walking, and my Gladstones kept banging hell out of my legs. I sort of enjoyed the air and all, though. The only trouble was, the cold made my nose hurt, and right under my upper lip, where old Stradlater'd laid one on me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd smacked my lip right on my teeth, and it was pretty sore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My ears were nice and warm, though. That hat I bought had earlaps in it, and I put them on—I didn't give a damn how I looked. Nobody was around anyway. Everybody was in the sack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was quite lucky when I got to the station, because I only had to wait about ten minutes for a train." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While I waited, I got some snow in my hand and washed my face with it. I still had quite a bit of blood on.\n\nUsually I like riding on trains, especially at night, with the lights on and the windows so black, and one of those guys coming up the aisle selling coffee and sandwiches and magazines. I usually buy a ham sandwich and about four magazines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If I'm on a train at night, I can usually even read one of those dumb stories in a magazine without puking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You know. One of those stories with a lot of phony, lean-jawed guys named David in it, and a lot of phony girls named Linda or Marcia that are always lighting all the goddam Davids' pipes for them. I can even read one of those lousy stories on a train at night, usually. But this time, it was different. I just didn't feel like it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I just sort of sat and not did anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All I did was take off my hunting hat and put it in my pocket.\n\nAll of a sudden, this lady got on at Trenton and sat down next to me. Practically the whole car was empty, because it was pretty late and all, but she sat down next to me, instead of an empty seat, because she had this big bag with her and I was sitting in the front seat. She stuck the bag right out in the middle of the aisle, where the conductor and everybody could trip over it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had these orchids on, like she'd just been to a big party or something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was around forty or forty-five, I guess, but she was very good looking. Women kill me. They really do. I don't mean I'm oversexed or anything like that—although I am quite sexy. I just like them, I mean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're always leaving their goddam bags out in the middle of the aisle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, we were sitting there, and all of a sudden she said to me, \"Excuse me, but isn't that a Pencey Prep sticker?\" She was looking up at my suitcases, up on the rack.\n\n\"Yes, it is,\" I said. She was right. I did have a goddam Pencey sticker on one of my Gladstones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very corny, I'll admit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, do you go to Pencey?\" she said. She had a nice voice. A nice telephone voice, mostly. She should've carried a goddam telephone around with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I do,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, how lovely! Perhaps you know my son, then, Ernest Morrow? He goes to Pencey.\"\n\n\"Yes, I do. He's in my class.\"\n\nHer son was doubtless the biggest bastard that ever went to Pencey, in the whole crumby history of the school. He was always going down the corridor, after he'd had a shower, snapping his soggy old wet towel at people's asses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's exactly the kind of a guy he was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, how nice!\" the lady said. But not corny. She was just nice and all. \"I must tell Ernest we met,\" she said. \"May I ask your name, dear?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rudolf Schmidt,\" I told her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't feel like giving her my whole life history. Rudolf Schmidt was the name of the janitor of our dorm.\n\n\"Do you like Pencey?\" she asked me.\n\n\"Pencey? It's not too bad. It's not paradise or anything, but it's as good as most schools. Some of the faculty are pretty conscientious.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ernest just adores it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know he does,\" I said. Then I started shooting the old crap around a little bit. \"He adapts himself very well to things. He really does. I mean he really knows how to adapt himself.\"\n\n\"Do you think so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked me. She sounded interested as hell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ernest? Sure,\" I said. Then I watched her take off her gloves. Boy, was she lousy with rocks.\n\n\"I just broke a nail, getting out of a cab,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked up at me and sort of smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had a terrifically nice smile. She really did. Most people have hardly any smile at all, or a lousy one. \"Ernest's father and I sometimes worry about him,\" she said. \"We sometimes feel he's not a terribly good mixer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well. He's a very sensitive boy. He's really never been a terribly good mixer with other boys. Perhaps he takes things a little more seriously than he should at his age.\"\n\nSensitive. That killed me. That guy Morrow was about as sensitive as a goddam toilet seat.\n\nI gave her a good look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't look like any dope to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked like she might have a pretty damn good idea what a bastard she was the mother of. But you can't always tell—with somebody's mother, I mean. Mothers are all slightly insane. The thing is, though, I liked old Morrow's mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was all right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you care for a cigarette?\" I asked her.\n\nShe looked all around. \"I don't believe this is a smoker, Rudolf,\" she said. Rudolf. That killed me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's all right. We can smoke till they start screaming at us,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took a cigarette off me, and I gave her a light.\n\nShe looked nice, smoking. She inhaled and all, but she didn't wolf the smoke down, the way most women around her age do. She had a lot of charm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had quite a lot of sex appeal, too, if you really want to know." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was looking at me sort of funny. I may be wrong but I believe your nose is bleeding, dear, she said, all of a sudden.\n\nI nodded and took out my handkerchief. \"I got hit with a snowball,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One of those very icy ones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I probably would've told her what really happened, but it would've taken too long. I liked her, though. I was beginning to feel sort of sorry I'd told her my name was Rudolf Schmidt. \"Old Ernie,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's one of the most popular boys at Pencey. Did you know that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I didn't.\"\n\nI nodded. \"It really took everybody quite a long time to get to know him. He's a funny guy. A strange guy, in lots of ways—know what I mean? Like when I first met him. When I first met him, I thought he was kind of a snobbish person. That's what I thought. But he isn't. He's just got this very original personality that takes you a little while to get to know him.\"\n\nOld Mrs. Morrow didn't say anything, but boy, you should've seen her. I had her glued to her seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You take somebody's mother, all they want to hear about is what a hot-shot their son is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I really started chucking the old crap around. \"Did he tell you about the elections?\" I asked her. \"The class elections?\"\n\nShe shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had her in a trance, like. I really did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, a bunch of us wanted old Ernie to be president of the class. I mean he was the unanimous choice. I mean he was the only boy that could really handle the job,\" I said—boy, was I chucking it. \"But this other boy—Harry Fencer—was elected. And the reason he was elected, the simple and obvious reason, was because Ernie wouldn't let us nominate him. Because he's so darn shy and modest and all. He refused... Boy, he's really shy. You oughta make him try to get over that.\" I looked at her. \"Didn't he tell you about it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, he didn't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nodded. \"That's Ernie. He wouldn't. That's the one fault with him—he's too shy and modest. You really oughta get him to try to relax occasionally.\"\n\nRight that minute, the conductor came around for old Mrs. Morrow's ticket, and it gave me a chance to quit shooting it. I'm glad I shot it for a while, though. You take a guy like Morrow that's always snapping their towel at people's asses—really trying to hurt somebody with it—they don't just stay a rat while they're a kid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stay a rat their whole life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I'll bet, after all the crap I shot, Mrs. Morrow'll keep thinking of him now as this very shy, modest guy that wouldn't let us nominate him for president. She might. You can't tell. Mothers aren't too sharp about that stuff.\n\n\"Would you care for a cocktail?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked her. I was feeling in the mood for one myself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can go in the club car. All right?\"\n\n\"Dear, are you allowed to order drinks?\" she asked me. Not snotty, though. She was too charming and all to be snotty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, no, not exactly, but I can usually get them on account of my heighth,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I have quite a bit of gray hair.\" I turned sideways and showed her my gray hair. It fascinated hell out of her. \"C'mon, join me, why don't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I said. I'd've enjoyed having her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I really don't think I'd better. Thank you so much, though, dear,\" she said. \"Anyway, the club car's most likely closed. It's quite late, you know.\" She was right. I'd forgotten all about what time it was.\n\nThen she looked at me and asked me what I was afraid she was going to ask me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ernest wrote that he'd be home on Wednesday, that Christmas vacation would start on Wednesday,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope you weren't called home suddenly because of illness in the family.\" She really looked worried about it. She wasn't just being nosy, you could tell.\n\n\"No, everybody's fine at home,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's me. I have to have this operation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! I'm so sorry,\" she said. She really was, too. I was right away sorry I'd said it, but it was too late.\n\n\"It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no!\" She put her hand up to her mouth and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I'll be all right and everything! It's right near the outside. And it's a very tiny one. They can take it out in about two minutes.\"\n\nThen I started reading this timetable I had in my pocket. Just to stop lying. Once I get started, I can go on for hours if I feel like it. No kidding. Hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We didn't talk too much after that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She started reading this Vogue she had with her, and I looked out the window for a while. She got off at Newark. She wished me a lot of luck with the operation and all. She kept calling me Rudolf." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: J.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first thing I did when I got off at Penn Station, I went into this phone booth. I felt like giving somebody a buzz. I left my bags right outside the booth so that I could watch them, but as soon as I was inside, I couldn't think of anybody to call up. My brother D.B. was in Hollywood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My kid sister Phoebe goes to bed around nine o'clock—so I couldn't call her up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wouldn't've cared if I'd woke her up, but the trouble was, she wouldn't've been the one that answered the phone. My parents would be the ones. So that was out. Then I thought of giving Jane Gallagher's mother a buzz, and find out when Jane's vacation started, but I didn't feel like it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, it was pretty late to call up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I thought of calling this girl I used to go around with quite frequently, Sally Hayes, because I knew her Christmas vacation had started already—she'd written me this long, phony letter, inviting me over to help her trim the Christmas tree Christmas Eve and all—but I was afraid her mother'd answer the phone. Her mother knew my mother, and I could picture her breaking a goddam leg to get to the phone and tell my mother I was in New York. Besides, I wasn't crazy about talking to old Mrs. Hayes on the phone. She once told Sally I was wild." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said I was wild and that I had no direction in life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I thought of calling up this guy that went to the Whooton School when I was there, Carl Luce, but I didn't like him much. So I ended up not calling anybody. I came out of the booth, after about twenty minutes or so, and got my bags and walked over to that tunnel where the cabs are and got a cab.\n\nI'm so damn absent-minded, I gave the driver my regular address, just out of habit and all—I mean I completely forgot I was going to shack up in a hotel for a couple of days and not go home till vacation started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't think of it till we were halfway through the park." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I said, \"Hey, do you mind turning around when you get a chance? I gave you the wrong address. I want to go back downtown.\"\n\nThe driver was sort of a wise guy. \"I can't turn around here, Mac. This here's a one-way. I'll have to go all the way to Ninedieth Street now.\"\n\nI didn't want to start an argument." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay,\" I said. Then I thought of something, all of a sudden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, listen,\" I said. \"You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South? That little lake? By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it gets all frozen over? Do you happen to know, by any chance?\" I realized it was only one chance in a million.\n\nHe turned around and looked at me like I was a madman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What're ya tryna do, bud?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said. \"Kid me?\"\n\n\"No—I was just interested, that's all.\"\n\nHe didn't say anything more, so I didn't either. Until we came out of the park at Ninetieth Street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he said, \"All right, buddy. Where to?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, the thing is, I don't want to stay at any hotels on the East Side where I might run into some acquaintances of mine. I'm traveling incognito,\" I said. I hate saying corny things like \"traveling incognito.\" But when I'm with somebody that's corny, I always act corny too. \"Do you happen to know whose band's at the Taft or the New Yorker, by any chance?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No idear, Mac.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well—take me to the Edmont then,\" I said. \"Would you care to stop on the way and join me for a cocktail? On me. I'm loaded.\"\n\n\"Can't do it, Mac. Sorry.\" He certainly was good company. Terrific personality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We got to the Edmont Hotel, and I checked in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd put on my red hunting cap when I was in the cab, just for the hell of it, but I took it off before I checked in. I didn't want to look like a screwball or something. Which is really ironic. I didn't know then that the goddam hotel was full of perverts and morons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Screwballs all over the place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They gave me this very crumby room, with nothing to look out of the window at except the other side of the hotel. I didn't care much. I was too depressed to care whether I had a good view or not. The bellboy that showed me to the room was this very old guy around sixty-five." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was even more depressing than the room was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was one of those bald guys that comb all their hair over from the side to cover up the baldness. I'd rather be bald than do that. Anyway, what a gorgeous job for a guy around sixty-five years old. Carrying people's suitcases and waiting around for a tip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I suppose he wasn't too intelligent or anything, but it was terrible anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After he left, I looked out the window for a while, with my coat on and all. I didn't have anything else to do. You'd be surprised what was going on on the other side of the hotel. They didn't even bother to pull their shades down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I saw one guy, a gray-haired, very distinguished-looking guy with only his shorts on, do something you wouldn't believe me if I told you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First he put his suitcase on the bed. Then he took out all these women's clothes, and put them on. Real women's clothes—silk stockings, high-heeled shoes, brassiere, and one of those corsets with the straps hanging down and all. Then he put on this very tight black evening dress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I swear to God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he started walking up and down the room, taking these very small steps, the way a woman does, and smoking a cigarette and looking at himself in the mirror. He was all alone, too. Unless somebody was in the bathroom—I couldn't see that much. Then, in the window almost right over his, I saw a man and a woman squirting water out of their mouths at each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It probably was highballs, not water, but I couldn't see what they had in their glasses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, first he'd take a swallow and squirt it all over her, then she did it to him—they took turns, for God's sake. You should've seen them. They were in hysterics the whole time, like it was the funniest thing that ever happened. I'm not kidding, the hotel was lousy with perverts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was probably the only normal bastard in the whole place—and that isn't saying much." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I damn near sent a telegram to old Stradlater telling him to take the first train to New York. He'd have been the king of the hotel.\n\nThe trouble was, that kind of junk is sort of fascinating to watch, even if you don't want it to be. For instance, that girl that was getting water squirted all over her face, she was pretty good-looking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean that's my big trouble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In my mind, I'm probably the biggest sex maniac you ever saw. Sometimes I can think of very crumby stuff I wouldn't mind doing if the opportunity came up. I can even see how it might be quite a lot of fun, in a crumby way, and if you were both sort of drunk and all, to get a girl and squirt water or something all over each other's face. The thing is, though, I don't like the idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It stinks, if you analyze it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I think if you don't really like a girl, you shouldn't horse around with her at all, and if you do like her, then you're supposed to like her face, and if you like her face, you ought to be careful about doing crumby stuff to it, like squirting water all over it. It's really too bad that so much crumby stuff is a lot of fun sometimes. Girls aren't too much help, either, when you start trying not to get too crumby, when you start trying not to spoil anything really good. I knew this one girl, a couple of years ago, that was even crumbier than I was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, was she crumby!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We had a lot of fun, though, for a while, in a crumby way. Sex is something I really don't understand too hot. You never know where the hell you are. I keep making up these sex rules for myself, and then I break them right away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last year I made a rule that I was going to quit horsing around with girls that, deep down, gave me a pain in the ass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I broke it, though, the same week I made it—the same night, as a matter of fact. I spent the whole night necking with a terrible phony named Anne Louise Sherman. Sex is something I just don't understand. I swear to God I don't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I started toying with the idea, while I kept standing there, of giving old Jane a buzz—I mean calling her long distance at B.M., where she went, instead of calling up her mother to find out when she was coming home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You weren't supposed to call students up late at night, but I had it all figured out. I was going to tell whoever answered the phone that I was her uncle. I was going to say her aunt had just got killed in a car accident and I had to speak to her immediately. It would've worked, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only reason I didn't do it was because I wasn't in the mood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you're not in the mood, you can't do that stuff right.\n\nAfter a while I sat down in a chair and smoked a couple of cigarettes. I was feeling pretty horny. I have to admit it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, all of a sudden, I got this idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I took out my wallet and started looking for this address a guy I met at a party last summer, that went to Princeton, gave me. Finally I found it. It was all a funny color from my wallet, but you could still read it. It was the address of this girl that wasn't exactly a whore or anything but that didn't mind doing it once in a while, this Princeton guy told me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He brought her to a dance at Princeton once, and they nearly kicked him out for bringing her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She used to be a burlesque stripper or something. Anyway, I went over to the phone and gave her a buzz. Her name was Faith Cavendish, and she lived at the Stanford Arms Hotel on Sixty-fifth and Broadway. A dump, no doubt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a while, I didn t think she was home or something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobody kept answering. Then, finally, somebody picked up the phone.\n\n\"Hello?\" I said. I made my voice quite deep so that she wouldn't suspect my age or anything. I have a pretty deep voice anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello,\" this woman's voice said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None too friendly, either.\n\n\"Is this Miss Faith Cavendish?\"\n\n\"Who's this?\" she said. \"Who's calling me up at this crazy goddam hour?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That sort of scared me a little bit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I know it's quite late,\" I said, in this very mature voice and all. \"I hope you'll forgive me, but I was very anxious to get in touch with you.\" I said it suave as hell. I really did.\n\n\"Who is this?\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you don't know me, but I'm a friend of Eddie Birdsell's. He suggested that if I were in town sometime, we ought to get together for a cocktail or two.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who? You're a friend of who?\" Boy, she was a real tigress over the phone. She was damn near yelling at me.\n\n\"Edmund Birdsell. Eddie Birdsell,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I couldn't remember if his name was Edmund or Edward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I only met him once, at a goddam stupid party.\n\n\"I don't know anybody by that name, Jack. And if you think I enjoy bein' woke up in the middle—\"\n\n\"Eddie Birdsell? From Princeton?\" I said.\n\nYou could tell she was running the name over in her mind and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Birdsell, Birdsell... from Princeton... Princeton College?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's right,\" I said.\n\n\"You from Princeton College?\"\n\n\"Well, approximately.\"\n\n\"Oh... How is Eddie?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she said. \"This is certainly a peculiar time to call a person up, though. Jesus Christ.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's fine. He asked to be remembered to you.\"\n\n\"Well, thank you. Remember me to him,\" she said. \"He's a grand person. What's he doing now?\" She was getting friendly as hell, all of a sudden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, you know. Same old stuff,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How the hell did I know what he was doing? I hardly knew the guy. I didn't even know if he was still at Princeton. \"Look,\" I said. \"Would you be interested in meeting me for a cocktail somewhere?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By any chance do you have any idea what time it is?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said. \"What's your name, anyhow, may I ask?\" She was getting an English accent, all of a sudden. \"You sound a little on the young side.\"\n\nI laughed. \"Thank you for the compliment,\" I said— suave as hell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Holden Caulfield's my name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I should've given her a phony name, but I didn't think of it.\n\n\"Well, look, Mr. Cawffle. I'm not in the habit of making engagements in the middle of the night. I'm a working gal.\"\n\n\"Tomorrow's Sunday,\" I told her.\n\n\"Well, anyway. I gotta get my beauty sleep. You know how it is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought we might have just one cocktail together. It isn't too late.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well. You're very sweet,\" she said. \"Where ya callin' from? Where ya at now, anyways?\"\n\n\"Me? I'm in a phone booth.\"\n\n\"Oh,\" she said. Then there was this very long pause." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I'd like awfully to get together with you sometime, Mr. Cawffle. You sound very attractive. You sound like a very attractive person. But it is late.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could come up to your place.\"\n\n\"Well, ordinary, I'd say grand. I mean I'd love to have you drop up for a cocktail, but my roommate happens to be ill. She's been laying here all night without a wink of sleep. She just this minute closed her eyes and all. I mean.\"\n\n\"Oh. That's too bad.\"\n\n\"Where ya stopping at? Perhaps we could get together for cocktails tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't make it tomorrow,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tonight's the only time I can make it.\" What a dope I was. I shouldn't've said that.\n\n\"Oh. Well, I'm awfully sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll say hello to Eddie for you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Willya do that? I hope you enjoy your stay in New York. It's a grand place.\"\n\n\"I know it is. Thanks. Good night,\" I said. Then I hung up.\n\nBoy, I really fouled that up. I should've at least made it for cocktails or something." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of J.D. Salinger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still pretty early." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not sure what time it was, but it wasn't too late. The one thing I hate to do is go to bed when I'm not even tired. So I opened my suitcases and took out a clean shirt, and then I went in the bathroom and washed and changed my shirt. What I thought I'd do, I thought I'd go downstairs and see what the hell was going on in the Lavender Room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had this night club, the Lavender Room, in the hotel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While I was changing my shirt, I damn near gave my kid sister Phoebe a buzz, though. I certainly felt like talking to her on the phone. Somebody with sense and all. But I couldn't take a chance on giving her a buzz, because she was only a little kid and she wouldn't have been up, let alone anywhere near the phone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought of maybe hanging up if my parents answered, but that wouldn't've worked, either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd know it was me. My mother always knows it's me. She's psychic. But I certainly wouldn't have minded shooting the crap with old Phoebe for a while.\n\nYou should see her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You never saw a little kid so pretty and smart in your whole life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's really smart. I mean she's had all A's ever since she started school. As a matter of fact, I'm the only dumb one in the family. My brother D.B. 's a writer and all, and my brother Allie, the one that died, that I told you about, was a wizard. I'm the only really dumb one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But you ought to see old Phoebe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She has this sort of red hair, a little bit like Allie's was, that's very short in the summertime. In the summertime, she sticks it behind her ears. She has nice, pretty little ears. In the wintertime, it's pretty long, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes my mother braids it and sometimes she doesn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's really nice, though. She's only ten. She's quite skinny, like me, but nice skinny. Roller-skate skinny. I watched her once from the window when she was crossing over Fifth Avenue to go to the park, and that's what she is, roller-skate skinny. You'd like her. I mean if you tell old Phoebe something, she knows exactly what the hell you're talking about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean you can even take her anywhere with you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you take her to a lousy movie, for instance, she knows it's a lousy movie. If you take her to a pretty good movie, she knows it's a pretty good movie. D.B. and I took her to see this French movie, The Baker's Wife, with Raimu in it. It killed her. Her favorite is The 39 Steps, though, with Robert Donat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knows the whole goddam movie by heart, because I've taken her to see it about ten times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When old Donat comes up to this Scotch farmhouse, for instance, when he's running away from the cops and all, Phoebe'll say right out loud in the movie—right when the Scotch guy in the picture says it—\"Can you eat the herring?\" She knows all the talk by heart. And when this professor in the picture, that's really a German spy, sticks up his little finger with part of the middle joint missing, to show Robert Donat, old Phoebe beats him to it—she holds up her little finger at me in the dark, right in front of my face. She's all right. You'd like her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only trouble is, she's a little too affectionate sometimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's very emotional, for a child. She really is. Something else she does, she writes books all the time. Only, she doesn't finish them. They're all about some kid named Hazel Weatherfield—only old Phoebe spells it \"Hazle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Hazle Weatherfield is a girl detective." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's supposed to be an orphan, but her old man keeps showing up. Her old man's always a \"tall attractive gentleman about 20 years of age.\" That kills me. Old Phoebe. I swear to God you'd like her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was smart even when she was a very tiny little kid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was a very tiny little kid, I and Allie used to take her to the park with us, especially on Sundays. Allie had this sailboat he used to like to fool around with on Sundays, and we used to take old Phoebe with us. She'd wear white gloves and walk right between us, like a lady and all. And when Allie and I were having some conversation about things in general, old Phoebe'd be listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes you'd forget she was around, because she was such a little kid, but she'd let you know." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd interrupt you all the time. She'd give Allie or I a push or something, and say, \"Who? Who said that? Bobby or the lady?\" And we'd tell her who said it, and she'd say, \"Oh,\" and go right on listening and all. She killed Allie, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean he liked her, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's ten now, and not such a tiny little kid any more, but she still kills everybody—everybody with any sense, anyway.\n\nAnyway, she was somebody you always felt like talking to on the phone. But I was too afraid my parents would answer, and then they'd find out I was in New York and kicked out of Pencey and all. So I just finished putting on my shirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I got all ready and went down in the elevator to the lobby to see what was going on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except for a few pimpy-looking guys, and a few whory-looking blondes, the lobby was pretty empty. But you could hear the band playing in the Lavender Room, and so I went in there. It wasn't very crowded, but they gave me a lousy table anyway—way in the back. I should've waved a buck under the head-waiter's nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In New York, boy, money really talks—I'm not kidding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The band was putrid. Buddy Singer. Very brassy, but not good brassy—corny brassy. Also, there were very few people around my age in the place. In fact, nobody was around my age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were mostly old, show-offy-looking guys with their dates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except at the table right next to me. At the table right next to me, there were these three girls around thirty or so. The whole three of them were pretty ugly, and they all had on the kind of hats that you knew they didn't really live in New York, but one of them, the blonde one, wasn't too bad. She was sort of cute, the blonde one, and I started giving her the old eye a little bit, but just then the waiter came up for my order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it—I said it fast as hell, because if you hem and haw, they think you're under twenty-one and won't sell you any intoxicating liquor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had trouble with him anyway, though. \"I'm sorry, sir,\" he said, \"but do you have some verification of your age? Your driver's license, perhaps?\"\n\nI gave him this very cold stare, like he'd insulted the hell out of me, and asked him, \"Do I look like I'm under twenty-one?\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, sir, but we have our—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, okay,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I figured the hell with it. \"Bring me a Coke.\" He started to go away, but I called him back. \"Can'tcha stick a little rum in it or something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked him. I asked him very nicely and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't sit in a corny place like this cold sober. Can'tcha stick a little rum in it or something?\"\n\n\"I'm very sorry, sir...\" he said, and beat it on me. I didn't hold it against him, though. They lose their jobs if they get caught selling to a minor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm a goddam minor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I started giving the three witches at the next table the eye again. That is, the blonde one. The other two were strictly from hunger. I didn't do it crudely, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I just gave all three of them this very cool glance and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What they did, though, the three of them, when I did it, they started giggling like morons. They probably thought I was too young to give anybody the once-over. That annoyed hell out of me— you'd've thought I wanted to marry them or something. I should've given them the freeze, after they did that, but the trouble was, I really felt like dancing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm very fond of dancing, sometimes, and that was one of the times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So all of a sudden, I sort of leaned over and said, \"Would any of you girls care to dance?\" I didn't ask them crudely or anything. Very suave, in fact. But God damn it, they thought that was a panic, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They started giggling some more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not kidding, they were three real morons. \"C'mon,\" I said. \"I'll dance with you one at a time. All right? How 'bout it? C'mon!\" I really felt like dancing.\n\nFinally, the blonde one got up to dance with me, because you could tell I was really talking to her, and we walked out to the dance floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other two grools nearly had hysterics when we did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I certainly must've been very hard up to even bother with any of them.\n\nBut it was worth it. The blonde was some dancer. She was one of the best dancers I ever danced with." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm not kidding, some of these very stupid girls can really knock you out on a dance floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You take a really smart girl, and half the time she's trying to lead you around the dance floor, or else she's such a lousy dancer, the best thing to do is stay at the table and just get drunk with her.\n\n\"You really can dance,\" I told the blonde one. \"You oughta be a pro. I mean it. I danced with a pro once, and you're twice as good as she was. Did you ever hear of Marco and Miranda?\"\n\n\"What?\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wasn't even listening to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was looking all around the place.\n\n\"I said did you ever hear of Marco and Miranda?\"\n\n\"I don't know. No. I don't know.\"\n\n\"Well, they're dancers, she's a dancer. She's not too hot, though. She does everything she's supposed to, but she's not so hot anyway. You know when a girl's really a terrific dancer?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wudga say?\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wasn't listening to me, even. Her mind was wandering all over the place.\n\n\"I said do you know when a girl's really a terrific dancer?\"\n\n\"Uh-uh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well—where I have my hand on your back. If I think there isn't anything underneath my hand—no can, no legs, no feet, no anything—then the girl's really a terrific dancer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wasn't listening, though. So I ignored her for a while. We just danced. God, could that dopey girl dance. Buddy Singer and his stinking band was playing \"Just One of Those Things\" and even they couldn't ruin it entirely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's a swell song." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't try any trick stuff while we danced—I hate a guy that does a lot of show-off tricky stuff on the dance floor—but I was moving her around plenty, and she stayed with me. The funny thing is, I thought she was enjoying it, too, till all of a sudden she came out with this very dumb remark. \"I and my girl friends saw Peter Lorre last night,\" she said. \"The movie actor. In person. He was buyin' a newspaper. He's cute.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're lucky,\" I told her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're really lucky. You know that?\" She was really a moron. But what a dancer. I could hardly stop myself from sort of giving her a kiss on the top of her dopey head—you know— right where the part is, and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She got sore when I did it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey! What's the idea?\"\n\n\"Nothing. No idea. You really can dance,\" I said. \"I have a kid sister that's only in the goddam fourth grade. You're about as good as she is, and she can dance better than anybody living or dead.\"\n\n\"Watch your language, if you don't mind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a lady, boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A queen, for Chrissake.\n\n\"Where you girls from?\" I asked her.\n\nShe didn't answer me, though. She was busy looking around for old Peter Lorre to show up, I guess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where you girls from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked her again.\n\n\"What?\" she said.\n\n\"Where you girls from? Don't answer if you don't feel like it. I don't want you to strain yourself.\"\n\n\"Seattle, Washington,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was doing me a big favor to tell me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a very good conversationalist,\" I told her. \"You know that?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nI let it drop. It was over her head, anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you feel like jitterbugging a little bit, if they play a fast one? Not corny jitterbug, not jump or anything—just nice and easy. Everybody'll all sit down when they play a fast one, except the old guys and the fat guys, and we'll have plenty of room. Okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's immaterial to me,\" she said. \"Hey—how old are you, anyhow?\"\n\nThat annoyed me, for some reason. \"Oh, Christ. Don't spoil it,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm twelve, for Chrissake. I'm big for my age.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen. I toleja about that. I don't like that type language,\" she said. \"If you're gonna use that type language, I can go sit down with my girl friends, you know.\"\n\nI apologized like a madman, because the band was starting a fast one. She started jitterbugging with me— but just very nice and easy, not corny." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was really good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All you had to do was touch her. And when she turned around, her pretty little butt twitched so nice and all. She knocked me out. I mean it. I was half in love with her by the time we sat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's the thing about girls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every time they do something pretty, even if they're not much to look at, or even if they're sort of stupid, you fall half in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are. Girls. Jesus Christ. They can drive you crazy. They really can.\n\nThey didn't invite me to sit down at their table— mostly because they were too ignorant—but I sat down anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blonde I'd been dancing with's name was Bernice something—Crabs or Krebs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two ugly ones' names were Marty and Laverne. I told them my name was Jim Steele, just for the hell of it. Then I tried to get them in a little intelligent conversation, but it was practically impossible. You had to twist their arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could hardly tell which was the stupidest of the three of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the whole three of them kept looking all around the goddam room, like as if they expected a flock of goddam movie stars to come in any minute. They probably thought movie stars always hung out in the Lavender Room when they came to New York, instead of the Stork Club or El Morocco and all. Anyway, it took me about a half hour to find out where they all worked and all in Seattle. They all worked in the same insurance office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked them if they liked it, but do you think you could get an intelligent answer out of those three dopes?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought the two ugly ones, Marty and Laverne, were sisters, but they got very insulted when I asked them. You could tell neither one of them wanted to look like the other one, and you couldn't blame them, but it was very amusing anyway.\n\nI danced with them all—the whole three of them—one at a time. The one ugly one, Laverne, wasn't too bad a dancer, but the other one, old Marty, was murder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Marty was like dragging the Statue of Liberty around the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only way I could even half enjoy myself dragging her around was if I amused myself a little. So I told her I just saw Gary Cooper, the movie star, on the other side of the floor.\n\n\"Where?\" she asked me—excited as hell. \"Where?\"\n\n\"Aw, you just missed him. He just went out. Why didn't you look when I told you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She practically stopped dancing, and started looking over everybody's heads to see if she could see him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, shoot!\" she said. I'd just about broken her heart— I really had. I was sorry as hell I'd kidded her. Some people you shouldn't kid, even if they deserve it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here's what was very funny, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When we got back to the table, old Marty told the other two that Gary Cooper had just gone out. Boy, old Laverne and Bernice nearly committed suicide when they heard that. They got all excited and asked Marty if she'd seen him and all. Old Mart said she'd only caught a glimpse of him. That killed me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bar was closing up for the night, so I bought them all two drinks apiece quick before it closed, and I ordered two more Cokes for myself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The goddam table was lousy with glasses. The one ugly one, Laverne, kept kidding me because I was only drinking Cokes. She had a sterling sense of humor. She and old Marty were drinking Tom Collinses—in the middle of December, for God's sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They didn't know any better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blonde one, old Bernice, was drinking bourbon and water. She was really putting it away, too. The whole three of them kept looking for movie stars the whole time. They hardly talked—even to each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Marty talked more than the other two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept saying these very corny, boring things, like calling the can the \"little girls' room,\" and she thought Buddy Singer's poor old beat-up clarinet player was really terrific when he stood up and took a couple of ice-cold hot licks. She called his clarinet a \"licorice stick.\" Was she corny. The other ugly one, Laverne, thought she was a very witty type. She kept asking me to call up my father and ask him what he was doing tonight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She kept asking me if my father had a date or not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four times she asked me that—she was certainly witty. Old Bernice, the blonde one, didn't say hardly anything at all. Every time I'd ask her something, she said \"What?\" That can get on your nerves after a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of a sudden, when they finished their drink, all three of them stood up on me and said they had to get to bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They said they were going to get up early to see the first show at Radio City Music Hall. I tried to get them to stick around for a while, but they wouldn't. So we said good-by and all. I told them I'd look them up in Seattle sometime, if I ever got there, but I doubt if I ever will." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Look them up, I mean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With cigarettes and all, the check came to about thirteen bucks. I think they should've at least offered to pay for the drinks they had before I joined them—I wouldn't've let them, naturally, but they should've at least offered. I didn't care much, though. They were so ignorant, and they had those sad, fancy hats on and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And that business about getting up early to see the first show at Radio City Music Hall depressed me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If somebody, some girl in an awful-looking hat, for instance, comes all the way to New York—from Seattle, Washington, for God's sake—and ends up getting up early in the morning to see the goddam first show at Radio City Music Hall, it makes me so depressed I can't stand it. I'd've bought the whole three of them a hundred drinks if only they hadn't told me that.\n\nI left the Lavender Room pretty soon after they did. They were closing it up anyway, and the band had quit a long time ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the first place, it was one of those places that are very terrible to be in unless you have somebody good to dance with, or unless the waiter lets you buy real drinks instead of just Cokes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There isn't any night club in the world you can sit in for a long time unless you can at least buy some liquor and get drunk. Or unless you're with some girl that really knocks you out." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of J.D. Salinger." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All of a sudden, on my way out to the lobby, I got old Jane Gallagher on the brain again. I got her on, and I couldn't get her off. I sat down in this vomity-looking chair in the lobby and thought about her and Stradlater sitting in that goddam Ed Banky's car, and though I was pretty damn sure old Stradlater hadn't given her the time—I know old Jane like a book—I still couldn't get her off my brain. I knew her like a book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I really did. I mean, besides checkers, she was quite fond of all athletic sports, and after I got to know her, the whole summer long we played tennis together almost every morning and golf almost every afternoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I really got to know her quite intimately. I don't mean it was anything physical or anything—it wasn't—but we saw each other all the time. You don't always have to get too sexy to get to know a girl.\n\nThe way I met her, this Doberman pinscher she had used to come over and relieve himself on our lawn, and my mother got very irritated about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She called up Jane's mother and made a big stink about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My mother can make a very big stink about that kind of stuff. Then what happened, a couple of days later I saw Jane laying on her stomach next to the swimming pool, at the club, and I said hello to her. I knew she lived in the house next to ours, but I'd never conversed with her before or anything. She gave me the big freeze when I said hello that day, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had a helluva time convincing her that I didn't give a good goddam where her dog relieved himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could do it in the living room, for all I cared. Anyway, after that, Jane and I got to be friends and all. I played golf with her that same afternoon. She lost eight balls, I remember." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eight. I had a terrible time getting her to at least open her eyes when she took a swing at the ball." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I improved her game immensely, though. I'm a very good golfer. If I told you what I go around in, you probably wouldn't believe me. I almost was once in a movie short, but I changed my mind at the last minute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I figured that anybody that hates the movies as much as I do, I'd be a phony if I let them stick me in a movie short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was a funny girl, old Jane. I wouldn't exactly describe her as strictly beautiful. She knocked me out, though. She was sort of muckle-mouthed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean when she was talking and she got excited about something, her mouth sort of went in about fifty directions, her lips and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That killed me. And she never really closed it all the way, her mouth. It was always just a little bit open, especially when she got in her golf stance, or when she was reading a book. She was always reading, and she read very good books. She read a lot of poetry and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was the only one, outside my family, that I ever showed Allie's baseball mitt to, with all the poems written on it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd never met Allie or anything, because that was her first summer in Maine—before that, she went to Cape Cod—but I told her quite a lot about him. She was interested in that kind of stuff.\n\nMy mother didn't like her too much. I mean my mother always thought Jane and her mother were sort of snubbing her or something when they didn't say hello." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My mother saw them in the village a lot, because Jane used to drive to market with her mother in this LaSalle convertible they had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My mother didn't think Jane was pretty, even. I did, though. I just liked the way she looked, that's all.\n\nI remember this one afternoon. It was the only time old Jane and I ever got close to necking, even." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a Saturday and it was raining like a bastard out, and I was over at her house, on the porch—they had this big screened-in porch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were playing checkers. I used to kid her once in a while because she wouldn't take her kings out of the back row. But I didn't kid her much, though. You never wanted to kid Jane too much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think I really like it best when you can kid the pants off a girl when the opportunity arises, but it's a funny thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girls I like best are the ones I never feel much like kidding. Sometimes I think they'd like it if you kidded them—in fact, I know they would—but it's hard to get started, once you've known them a pretty long time and never kidded them. Anyway, I was telling you about that afternoon Jane and I came close to necking. It was raining like hell and we were out on her porch, and all of a sudden this booze hound her mother was married to came out on the porch and asked Jane if there were any cigarettes in the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't know him too well or anything, but he looked like the kind of guy that wouldn't talk to you much unless he wanted something off you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a lousy personality. Anyway, old Jane wouldn't answer him when he asked her if she knew where there was any cigarettes. So the guy asked her again, but she still wouldn't answer him. She didn't even look up from the game." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally the guy went inside the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he did, I asked Jane what the hell was going on. She wouldn't even answer me, then. She made out like she was concentrating on her next move in the game and all. Then all of a sudden, this tear plopped down on the checkerboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On one of the red squares—boy, I can still see it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She just rubbed it into the board with her finger. I don't know why, but it bothered hell out of me. So what I did was, I went over and made her move over on the glider so that I could sit down next to her—I practically sat down in her lap, as a matter of fact. Then she really started to cry, and the next thing I knew, I was kissing her all over—anywhere—her eyes, her nose, her forehead, her eyebrows and all, her ears—her whole face except her mouth and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sort of wouldn't let me get to her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, it was the closest we ever got to necking. After a while, she got up and went in and put on this red and white sweater she had, that knocked me out, and we went to a goddam movie. I asked her, on the way, if Mr. Cudahy—that was the booze hound's name—had ever tried to get wise with her. She was pretty young, but she had this terrific figure, and I wouldn't've put it past that Cudahy bastard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said no, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never did find out what the hell was the matter. Some girls you practically never find out what's the matter.\n\nI don't want you to get the idea she was a goddam icicle or something, just because we never necked or horsed around much. She wasn't. I held hands with her all the time, for instance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That doesn't sound like much, I realize, but she was terrific to hold hands with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most girls if you hold hands with them, their goddam hand dies on you, or else they think they have to keep moving their hand all the time, as if they were afraid they'd bore you or something. Jane was different. We'd get into a goddam movie or something, and right away we'd start holding hands, and we wouldn't quit till the movie was over. And without changing the position or making a big deal out of it. You never even worried, with Jane, whether your hand was sweaty or not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All you knew was, you were happy. You really were." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One other thing I just thought of. One time, in this movie, Jane did something that just about knocked me out. The newsreel was on or something, and all of a sudden I felt this hand on the back of my neck, and it was Jane's. It was a funny thing to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean she was quite young and all, and most girls if you see them putting their hand on the back of somebody's neck, they're around twenty-five or thirty and usually they're doing it to their husband or their little kid—I do it to my kid sister Phoebe once in a while, for instance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But if a girl's quite young and all and she does it, it's so pretty it just about kills you.\n\nAnyway, that's what I was thinking about while I sat in that vomity-looking chair in the lobby. Old Jane. Every time I got to the part about her out with Stradlater in that damn Ed Banky's car, it almost drove me crazy. I knew she wouldn't let him get to first base with her, but it drove me crazy anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't even like to talk about it, if you want to know the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was hardly anybody in the lobby any more. Even all the whory-looking blondes weren't around any more, and all of a sudden I felt like getting the hell out of the place. It was too depressing. And I wasn't tired or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So I went up to my room and put on my coat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I also took a look out the window to see if all the perverts were still in action, but the lights and all were out now. I went down in the elevator again and got a cab and told the driver to take me down to Ernie's. Ernie's is this night club in Greenwich Village that my brother D.B. used to go to quite frequently before he went out to" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hollywood and prostituted himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He used to take me with him once in a while. Ernie's a big fat colored guy that plays the piano. He's a terrific snob and he won't hardly even talk to you unless you're a big shot or a celebrity or something, but he can really play the piano. He's so good he's almost corny, in fact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't exactly know what I mean by that, but I mean it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I certainly like to hear him play, but sometimes you feel like turning his goddam piano over. I think it's because sometimes when he plays, he sounds like the kind of guy that won't talk to you unless you're a big shot." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of J.D. Salinger spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cab I had was a real old one that smelled like someone'd just tossed his cookies in it. I always get those vomity kind of cabs if I go anywhere late at night. What made it worse, it was so quiet and lonesome out, even though it was Saturday night. I didn't see hardly anybody on the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now and then you just saw a man and a girl crossing a street, with their arms around each other's waists and all, or a bunch of hoodlumy-looking guys and their dates, all of them laughing like hyenas at something you could bet wasn't funny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "New York's terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night. You can hear it for miles. It makes you feel so lonesome and depressed. I kept wishing I could go home and shoot the bull for a while with old Phoebe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But finally, after I was riding a while, the cab driver and I sort of struck up a conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His name was Horwitz. He was a much better guy than the other driver I'd had. Anyway, I thought maybe he might know about the ducks.\n\n\"Hey, Horwitz,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You ever pass by the lagoon in Central Park? Down by Central Park South?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The what?\"\n\n\"The lagoon. That little lake, like, there. Where the ducks are. You know.\"\n\n\"Yeah, what about it?\"\n\n\"Well, you know the ducks that swim around in it? In the springtime and all? Do you happen to know where they go in the wintertime, by any chance?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where who goes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The ducks. Do you know, by any chance? I mean does somebody come around in a truck or something and take them away, or do they fly away by themselves—go south or something?\"\n\nOld Horwitz turned all the way around and looked at me. He was a very impatient-type guy. He wasn't a bad guy, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How the hell should I know?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said. \"How the hell should I know a stupid thing like that?\"\n\n\"Well, don't get sore about it,\" I said. He was sore about it or something.\n\n\"Who's sore? Nobody's sore.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I stopped having a conversation with him, if he was going to get so damn touchy about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he started it up again himself. He turned all the way around again, and said, \"The fish don't go no place. They stay right where they are, the fish. Right in the goddam lake.\"\n\n\"The fish—that's different. The fish is different. I'm talking about the ducks,\" I said.\n\n\"What's different about it? Nothin's different about it,\" Horwitz said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything he said, he sounded sore about something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's tougher for the fish, the winter and all, than it is for the ducks, for Chrissake. Use your head, for Chrissake.\"\n\nI didn't say anything for about a minute. Then I said, \"All right. What do they do, the fish and all, when that whole little lake's a solid block of ice, people skating on it and all?\"\n\nOld Horwitz turned around again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What the hellaya mean what do they do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he yelled at me. \"They stay right where they are, for Chrissake.\"\n\n\"They can't just ignore the ice. They can't just ignore it.\"\n\n\"Who's ignoring it? Nobody's ignoring it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Horwitz said. He got so damn excited and all, I was afraid he was going to drive the cab right into a lamppost or something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They live right in the goddam ice. It's their nature, for Chrissake. They get frozen right in one position for the whole winter.\"\n\n\"Yeah? What do they eat, then? I mean if they're frozen solid, they can't swim around looking for food and all.\"\n\n\"Their bodies, for Chrissake—what'sa matter with ya? Their bodies take in nutrition and all, right through the goddam seaweed and crap that's in the ice. They got their pores open the whole time. That's their nature, for Chrissake. See what I mean?\" He turned way the hell around again to look at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh,\" I said. I let it drop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was afraid he was going to crack the damn taxi up or something. Besides, he was such a touchy guy, it wasn't any pleasure discussing anything with him. \"Would you care to stop off and have a drink with me somewhere?\" I said.\n\nHe didn't answer me, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I guess he was still thinking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked him again, though. He was a pretty good guy. Quite amusing and all.\n\n\"I ain't got no time for no liquor, bud,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How the hell old are you, anyways? Why ain'tcha home in bed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not tired.\"\n\nWhen I got out in front of Ernie's and paid the fare, old Horwitz brought up the fish again. He certainly had it on his mind. \"Listen,\" he said. \"If you was a fish, Mother Nature'd take care of you, wouldn't she? Right? You don't think them fish just die when it gets to be winter, do ya?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, but—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're goddam right they don't,\" Horwitz said, and drove off like a bat out of hell. He was about the touchiest guy I ever met. Everything you said made him sore.\n\nEven though it was so late, old Ernie's was jampacked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mostly with prep school jerks and college jerks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Almost every damn school in the world gets out earlier for Christmas vacation than the schools I go to. You could hardly check your coat, it was so crowded. It was pretty quiet, though, because Ernie was playing the piano. It was supposed to be something holy, for God's sake, when he sat down at the piano." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobody's that good. About three couples, besides me, were waiting for tables, and they were all shoving and standing on tiptoes to get a look at old Ernie while he played." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a big damn mirror in front of the piano, with this big spotlight on him, so that everybody could watch his face while he played. You couldn't see his fingers while he played—just his big old face. Big deal. I'm not too sure what the name of the song was that he was playing when I came in, but whatever it was, he was really stinking it up. He was putting all these dumb, show-offy ripples in the high notes, and a lot of other very tricky stuff that gives me a pain in the ass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You should've heard the crowd, though, when he was finished. You would've puked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They went mad. They were exactly the same morons that laugh like hyenas in the movies at stuff that isn't funny. I swear to God, if I were a piano player or an actor or something and all those dopes thought I was terrific, I'd hate it. I wouldn't even want them to clap for me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People always clap for the wrong things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I were a piano player, I'd play it in the goddam closet. Anyway, when he was finished, and everybody was clapping their heads off, old Ernie turned around on his stool and gave this very phony, humble bow. Like as if he was a helluva humble guy, besides being a terrific piano player. It was very phony—I mean him being such a big snob and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a funny way, though, I felt sort of sorry for him when he was finished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't even think he knows any more when he's playing right or not. It isn't all his fault. I partly blame all those dopes that clap their heads off—they'd foul up anybody, if you gave them a chance. Anyway, it made me feel depressed and lousy again, and I damn near got my coat back and went back to the hotel, but it was too early and I didn't feel much like being all alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They finally got me this stinking table, right up against a wall and behind a goddam post, where you couldn't see anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was one of those tiny little tables that if the people at the next table don't get up to let you by—and they never do, the bastards—you practically have to climb into your chair. I ordered a Scotch and soda, which is my favorite drink, next to frozen Daiquiris. If you were only around six years old, you could get liquor at Ernie's, the place was so dark and all, and besides, nobody cared how old you were. You could even be a dope fiend and nobody'd care." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was surrounded by jerks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not kidding. At this other tiny table, right to my left, practically on top of me, there was this funny-looking guy and this funny-looking girl. They were around my age, or maybe just a little older. It was funny. You could see they were being careful as hell not to drink up the minimum too fast. I listened to their conversation for a while, because I didn't have anything else to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was telling her about some pro football game he'd seen that afternoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gave her every single goddam play in the whole game—I'm not kidding. He was the most boring guy I ever listened to. And you could tell his date wasn't even interested in the goddam game, but she was even funnier-looking than he was, so I guess she had to listen. Real ugly girls have it tough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I feel so sorry for them sometimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes I can't even look at them, especially if they're with some dopey guy that's telling them all about a goddam football game. On my right, the conversation was even worse, though. On my right there was this very Joe Yale-looking guy, in a gray flannel suit and one of those flitty-looking Tattersall vests. All those Ivy League bastards look alike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My father wants me to go to Yale, or maybe Princeton, but I swear, I wouldn't go to one of those Ivy League colleges, if I was dying, for God's sake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, this Joe Yale-looking guy had a terrific-looking girl with him. Boy, she was good-looking. But you should've heard the conversation they were having. In the first place, they were both slightly crocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What he was doing, he was giving her a feel under the table, and at the same time telling her all about some guy in his dorm that had eaten a whole bottle of aspirin and nearly committed suicide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His date kept saying to him, \"How horrible... Don't, darling. Please, don't. Not here.\" Imagine giving somebody a feel and telling them about a guy committing suicide at the same time! They killed me.\n\nI certainly began to feel like a prize horse's ass, though, sitting there all by myself. There wasn't anything to do except smoke and drink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What I did do, though, I told the waiter to ask old Ernie if he'd care to join me for a drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told him to tell him I was\n\nD.B. 's brother. I don't think he ever even gave him my message, though. Those bastards never give your message to anybody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of a sudden, this girl came up to me and said, \"Holden Caulfield!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her name was Lillian Simmons. My brother D.B. used to go around with her for a while. She had very big knockers.\n\n\"Hi,\" I said. I tried to get up, naturally, but it was some job getting up, in a place like that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had some Navy officer with her that looked like he had a poker up his ass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How marvelous to see you!\" old Lillian Simmons said. Strictly a phony. \"How's your big brother?\" That's all she really wanted to know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's fine. He's in Hollywood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In Hollywood! How marvelous! What's he doing?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Writing,\" I said. I didn't feel like discussing it. You could tell she thought it was a big deal, his being in Hollywood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost everybody does. Mostly people who've never read any of his stories." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It drives me crazy, though.\n\n\"How exciting,\" old Lillian said. Then she introduced me to the Navy guy. His name was Commander Blop or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was one of those guys that think they're being a pansy if they don't break around forty of your fingers when they shake hands with you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God, I hate that stuff. \"Are you all alone, baby?\" old Lillian asked me. She was blocking up the whole goddam traffic in the aisle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could tell she liked to block up a lot of traffic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This waiter was waiting for her to move out of the way, but she didn't even notice him. It was funny. You could tell the waiter didn't like her much, you could tell even the Navy guy didn't like her much, even though he was dating her. And I didn't like her much. Nobody did. You had to feel sort of sorry for her, in a way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you have a date, baby?\" she asked me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was standing up now, and she didn't even tell me to sit down. She was the type that keeps you standing up for hours. \"Isn't he handsome?\" she said to the Navy guy. \"Holden, you're getting handsomer by the minute.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Navy guy told her to come on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He told her they were blocking up the whole aisle. \"Holden, come join us,\" old Lillian said. \"Bring your drink.\"\n\n\"I was just leaving,\" I told her. \"I have to meet somebody.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could tell she was just trying to get in good with me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So that I'd tell old D.B. about it.\n\n\"Well, you little so-and-so. All right for you. Tell your big brother I hate him, when you see him.\"\n\nThen she left. The Navy guy and I told each other we were glad to've met each other. Which always kills me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm always saying \"Glad to've met you\" to somebody I'm not at all glad I met." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.\n\nAfter I'd told her I had to meet somebody, I didn't have any goddam choice except to leave. I couldn't even stick around to hear old Ernie play something halfway decent. But I certainly wasn't going to sit down at a table with old Lillian Simmons and that Navy guy and be bored to death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So I left. It made me mad, though, when I was getting my coat." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People are always ruining things for you." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of J.D. Salinger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I walked all the way back to the hotel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Forty-one gorgeous blocks. I didn't do it because I felt like walking or anything. It was more because I didn't feel like getting in and out of another taxicab. Sometimes you get tired of riding in taxicabs the same way you get tired riding in elevators. All of a sudden, you have to walk, no matter how far or how high up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I was a kid, I used to walk all the way up to our apartment very frequently. Twelve stories." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You wouldn't even have known it had snowed at all. There was hardly any snow on the sidewalks. But it was freezing cold, and I took my red hunting hat out of my pocket and put it on—I didn't give a damn how I looked. I even put the earlaps down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wished I knew who'd swiped my gloves at Pencey, because my hands were freezing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not that I'd have done much about it even if I had known. I'm one of these very yellow guys. I try not to show it, but I am. For instance, if I'd found out at Pencey who'd stolen my gloves, I probably would've gone down to the crook's room and said, \"Okay. How 'bout handing over those gloves?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the crook that had stolen them probably would've said, his voice very innocent and all, \"What gloves?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then what I probably would've done, I'd have gone in his closet and found the gloves somewhere. Hidden in his goddam galoshes or something, for instance. I'd have taken them out and showed them to the guy and said, \"I suppose these are your goddam gloves?\" Then the crook probably would've given me this very phony, innocent look, and said, \"I never saw those gloves before in my life. If they're yours, take 'em. I don't want the goddam things.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I probably would've just stood there for about five minutes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd have the damn gloves right in my hand and all, but I'd feel I ought to sock the guy in the jaw or something—break his goddam jaw. Only, I wouldn't have the guts to do it. I'd just stand there, trying to look tough. What I might do, I might say something very cutting and snotty, to rile him up—instead of socking him in the jaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway if I did say something very cutting and snotty, he'd probably get up and come over to me and say, \"Listen, Caulfield. Are you calling me a crook?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, instead of saying, \"You're goddam right I am, you dirty crooked bastard!\" all I probably would've said would be, \"All I know is my goddam gloves were in your goddam galoshes.\" Right away then, the guy would know for sure that I wasn't going to take a sock at him, and he probably would've said, \"Listen. Let's get this straight. Are you calling me a thief?\" Then I probably would've said, \"Nobody's calling anybody a thief. All I know is my gloves were in your goddam galoshes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It could go on like that for hours." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, though, I'd leave his room without even taking a sock at him. I'd probably go down to the can and sneak a cigarette and watch myself getting tough in the mirror. Anyway, that's what I thought about the whole way back to the hotel. It's no fun to he yellow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe I'm not all yellow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know. I think maybe I'm just partly yellow and partly the type that doesn't give much of a damn if they lose their gloves. One of my troubles is, I never care too much when I lose something—it used to drive my mother crazy when I was a kid. Some guys spend days looking for something they lost. I never seem to have anything that if I lost it I'd care too much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe that's why I'm partly yellow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's no excuse, though. It really isn't. What you should be is not yellow at all. If you're supposed to sock somebody in the jaw, and you sort of feel like doing it, you should do it. I'm just no good at it, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd rather push a guy out the window or chop his head off with an ax than sock him in the jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hate fist fights. I don't mind getting hit so much—although I'm not crazy about it, naturally—but what scares me most in a fist fight is the guy's face. I can't stand looking at the other guy's face, is my trouble. It wouldn't be so bad if you could both be blindfolded or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's a funny kind of yellowness, when you come to think of it, but it's yellowness, all right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not kidding myself.\n\nThe more I thought about my gloves and my yellowness, the more depressed I got, and I decided, while I was walking and all, to stop off and have a drink somewhere. I'd only had three drinks at Ernie's, and I didn't even finish the last one. One thing I have, it's a terrific capacity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can drink all night and not even show it, if I'm in the mood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once, at the Whooton School, this other boy, Raymond Goldfarb, and I bought a pint of Scotch and drank it in the chapel one Saturday night, where nobody'd see us. He got stinking, but I hardly didn't even show it. I just got very cool and nonchalant. I puked before I went to bed, but I didn't really have to—I forced myself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, before I got to the hotel, I started to go in this dumpy-looking bar, but two guys came out, drunk as hell, and wanted to know where the subway was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them was this very Cuban-looking guy, and he kept breathing his stinking breath in my face while I gave him directions. I ended up not even going in the damn bar. I just went back to the hotel.\n\nThe whole lobby was empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It smelled like fifty million dead cigars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It really did. I wasn't sleepy or anything, but I was feeling sort of lousy. Depressed and all. I almost wished I was dead.\n\nThen, all of a sudden, I got in this big mess.\n\nThe first thing when I got in the elevator, the elevator guy said to me, \"Innarested in having a good time, fella? Or is it too late for you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. I didn't know what he was driving at or anything.\n\n\"Innarested in a little tail t'night?\"\n\n\"Me?\" I said. Which was a very dumb answer, but it's quite embarrassing when somebody comes right up and asks you a question like that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How old are you, chief?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the elevator guy said.\n\n\"Why?\" I said. \"Twenty-two.\"\n\n\"Uh huh. Well, how 'bout it? Y'innarested? Five bucks a throw. Fifteen bucks the whole night.\" He looked at his wrist watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Till noon. Five bucks a throw, fifteen bucks till noon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay,\" I said. It was against my principles and all, but I was feeling so depressed I didn't even think. That's the whole trouble. When you're feeling very depressed, you can't even think.\n\n\"Okay what? A throw, or till noon? I gotta know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just a throw.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay, what room ya in?\"\n\nI looked at the red thing with my number on it, on my key. \"Twelve twenty-two,\" I said. I was already sort of sorry I'd let the thing start rolling, but it was too late now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay. I'll send a girl up in about fifteen minutes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened the doors and I got out.\n\n\"Hey, is she good-looking?\" I asked him. \"I don't want any old bag.\"\n\n\"No old bag. Don't worry about it, chief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who do I pay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Her,\" he said. \"Let's go, chief.\" He shut the doors, practically right in my face.\n\nI went to my room and put some water on my hair, but you can't really comb a crew cut or anything. Then I tested to see if my breath stank from so many cigarettes and the Scotch and sodas I drank at Ernie's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All you do is hold your hand under your mouth and blow your breath up toward the old nostrils." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It didn't seem to stink much, but I brushed my teeth anyway. Then I put on another clean shirt. I knew I didn't have to get all dolled up for a prostitute or anything, but it sort of gave me something to do. I was a little nervous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was starting to feel pretty sexy and all, but I was a little nervous anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you want to know the truth, I'm a virgin. I really am. I've had quite a few opportunities to lose my virginity and all, but I've never got around to it yet. Something always happens. For instance, if you're at a girl's house, her parents always come home at the wrong time—or you're afraid they will. Or if you're in the back seat of somebody's car, there's always somebody's date in the front seat—some girl, I mean—that always wants to know what's going on all over the whole goddam car." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean some girl in front keeps turning around to see what the hell's going on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, something always happens. I came quite close to doing it a couple of times, though. One time in particular, I remember. Something went wrong, though —I don't even remember what any more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thing is, most of the time when you're coming pretty close to doing it with a girl—a girl that isn't a prostitute or anything, I mean—she keeps telling you to stop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The trouble with me is, I stop. Most guys don't. I can't help it. You never know whether they really want you to stop, or whether they're just scared as hell, or whether they're just telling you to stop so that if you do go through with it, the blame'll be on you, not them. Anyway, I keep stopping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trouble is, I get to feeling sorry for them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean most girls are so dumb and all. After you neck them for a while, you can really watch them losing their brains. You take a girl when she really gets passionate, she just hasn't any brains. I don't know. They tell me to stop, so I stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I always wish I hadn't, after I take them home, but I keep doing it anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, while I was putting on another clean shirt, I sort of figured this was my big chance, in a way. I figured if she was a prostitute and all, I could get in some practice on her, in case I ever get married or anything. I worry about that stuff sometimes. I read this book once, at the Whooton School, that had this very sophisticated, suave, sexy guy in it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Monsieur Blanchard was his name, I can still remember." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a lousy book, but this Blanchard guy was pretty good. He had this big château and all on the Riviera, in Europe, and all he did in his spare time was beat women off with a club. He was a real rake and all, but he knocked women out. He said, in this one part, that a woman's body is like a violin and all, and that it takes a terrific musician to play it right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a very corny book—I realize that—but I couldn't get that violin stuff out of my mind anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a way, that's why I sort of wanted to get some practice in, in case I ever get married. Caulfield and his Magic Violin, boy. It's corny, I realize, but it isn't too corny. I wouldn't mind being pretty good at that stuff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half the time, if you really want to know the truth, when I'm horsing around with a girl, I have a helluva lot of trouble just finding what I'm looking for, for God's sake, if you know what I mean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Take this girl that I just missed having sexual intercourse with, that I told you about. It took me about an hour to just get her goddam brassiere off. By the time I did get it off, she was about ready to spit in my eye.\n\nAnyway, I kept walking around the room, waiting for this prostitute to show up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I kept hoping she'd be good-looking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't care too much, though. I sort of just wanted to get it over with. Finally, somebody knocked on the door, and when I went to open it, I had my suitcase right in the way and I fell over it and damn near broke my knee. I always pick a gorgeous time to fall over a suitcase or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I opened the door, this prostitute was standing there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had a polo coat on, and no hat. She was sort of a blonde, but you could tell she dyed her hair. She wasn't any old bag, though. \"How do you do,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suave as hell, boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You the guy Maurice said?\" she asked me. She didn't seem too goddam friendly.\n\n\"Is he the elevator boy?\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I am. Come in, won't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. I was getting more and more nonchalant as it went along. I really was.\n\nShe came in and took her coat off right away and sort of chucked it on the bed. She had on a green dress underneath. Then she sort of sat down sideways on the chair that went with the desk in the room and started jiggling her foot up and down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She crossed her legs and started jiggling this one foot up and down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was very nervous, for a prostitute. She really was. I think it was because she was young as hell. She was around my age. I sat down in the big chair, next to her, and offered her a cigarette." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't smoke,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had a tiny little wheeny-whiny voice. You could hardly hear her. She never said thank you, either, when you offered her something. She just didn't know any better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jim Steele,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ya got a watch on ya?\" she said. She didn't care what the hell my name was, naturally. \"Hey, how old are you, anyways?\"\n\n\"Me? Twenty-two.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like fun you are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a funny thing to say. It sounded like a real kid. You'd think a prostitute and all would say \"Like hell you are\" or \"Cut the crap\" instead of \"Like fun you are.\"\n\n\"How old are you?\" I asked her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Old enough to know better,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was really witty. \"Ya got a watch on ya?\" she asked me again, and then she stood up and pulled her dress over her head.\n\nI certainly felt peculiar when she did that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean she did it so sudden and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I know you're supposed to feel pretty sexy when somebody gets up and pulls their dress over their head, but I didn't. Sexy was about the last thing I was feeling. I felt much more depressed than sexy.\n\n\"Ya got a watch on ya, hey?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. No, I don't,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, was I feeling peculiar. \"What's your name?\" I asked her. All she had on was this pink slip. It was really quite embarrassing. It really was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sunny,\" she said. \"Let's go, hey.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you feel like talking for a while?\" I asked her. It was a childish thing to say, but I was feeling so damn peculiar. \"Are you in a very big hurry?\"\n\nShe looked at me like I was a madman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What the heck ya wanna talk about?\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. Nothing special. I just thought perhaps you might care to chat for a while.\"\n\nShe sat down in the chair next to the desk again. She didn't like it, though, you could tell. She started jiggling her foot again—boy, she was a nervous girl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you care for a cigarette now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. I forgot she didn't smoke.\n\n\"I don't smoke. Listen, if you're gonna talk, do it. I got things to do.\"\n\nI couldn't think of anything to talk about, though. I thought of asking her how she got to be a prostitute and all, but I was scared to ask her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She probably wouldn't've told me anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't come from New York, do you?\" I said finally. That's all I could think of.\n\n\"Hollywood,\" she said. Then she got up and went over to where she'd put her dress down, on the bed. \"Ya got a hanger? I don't want to get my dress all wrinkly. It's brand-clean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure,\" I said right away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was only too glad to get up and do something. I took her dress over to the closet and hung it up for her. It was funny. It made me feel sort of sad when I hung it up. I thought of her going in a store and buying it, and nobody in the store knowing she was a prostitute and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The salesman probably just thought she was a regular girl when she bought it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It made me feel sad as hell—I don't know why exactly.\n\nI sat down again and tried to keep the old conversation going. She was a lousy conversationalist. \"Do you work every night?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked her—it sounded sort of awful, after I'd said it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah.\" She was walking all around the room. She picked up the menu off the desk and read it.\n\n\"What do you do during the day?\"\n\nShe sort of shrugged her shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was pretty skinny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sleep. Go to the show.\" She put down the menu and looked at me. \"Let's go, hey. I haven't got all—\"\n\n\"Look,\" I said. \"I don't feel very much like myself tonight. I've had a rough night. Honest to God. I'll pay you and all, but do you mind very much if we don't do it? Do you mind very much?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trouble was, I just didn't want to do it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt more depressed than sexy, if you want to know the truth. She was depressing. Her green dress hanging in the closet and all. And besides, I don't think I could ever do it with somebody that sits in a stupid movie all day long. I really don't think I could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She came over to me, with this funny look on her face, like as if she didn't believe me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What'sa matter?\" she said.\n\n\"Nothing's the matter.\" Boy, was I getting nervous. \"The thing is, I had an operation very recently.\"\n\n\"Yeah? Where?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On my wuddayacallit—my clavichord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah? Where the hell's that?\"\n\n\"The clavichord?\" I said. \"Well, actually, it's in the spinal canal. I mean it's quite a ways down in the spinal canal.\"\n\n\"Yeah?\" she said. \"That's tough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she sat down on my goddam lap. \"You're cute.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She made me so nervous, I just kept on lying my head off. \"I'm still recuperating,\" I told her.\n\n\"You look like a guy in the movies. You know. Whosis. You know who I mean. What the heck's his name?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wouldn't get off my goddam lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure you know. He was in that pitcher with Mel-vine Douglas? The one that was Mel-vine Douglas's kid brother? That falls off this boat? You know who I mean.\"\n\n\"No, I don't. I go to the movies as seldom as I can.\"\n\nThen she started getting funny. Crude and all.\n\n\"Do you mind cutting it out?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I said. \"I'm not in the mood, I just told you. I just had an operation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't get up from my lap or anything, but she gave me this terrifically dirty look. \"Listen,\" she said. \"I was sleepin' when that crazy Maurice woke me up. If you think I'm—\"\n\n\"I said I'd pay you for coming and all. I really will. I have plenty of dough. It's just that I'm practically just recovering from a very serious—\"\n\n\"What the heck did you tell that crazy Maurice you wanted a girl for, then? If you just had a goddam operation on your goddam wuddayacallit. Huh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought I'd be feeling a lot better than I do. I was a little premature in my calculations. No kidding. I'm sorry. If you'll just get up a second, I'll get my wallet. I mean it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was sore as hell, but she got up off my goddam lap so that I could go over and get my wallet off the chiffonier. I took out a five-dollar bill and handed it to her. \"Thanks a lot,\" I told her. \"Thanks a million.\"\n\n\"This is a five. It costs ten.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was getting funny, you could tell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was afraid something like that would happen—I really was.\n\n\"Maurice said five,\" I told her. \"He said fifteen till noon and only five for a throw.\"\n\n\"Ten for a throw.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said five. I'm sorry—I really am—but that's all I'm gonna shell out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sort of shrugged her shoulders, the way she did before, and then she said, very cold, \"Do you mind getting me my frock? Or would it be too much trouble?\" She was a pretty spooky kid. Even with that little bitty voice she had, she could sort of scare you a little bit. If she'd been a big old prostitute, with a lot of makeup on her face and all, she wouldn't have been half as spooky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I went and got her dress for her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She put it on and all, and then she picked up her polo coat off the bed. \"So long, crumb-bum,\" she said.\n\n\"So long,\" I said. I didn't thank her or anything. I'm glad I didn't." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of J.D. Salinger.Produce 4 sentences using the prose and structure of J.D. Salinger every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Old Sunny was gone, I sat in the chair for a while and smoked a couple of cigarettes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was getting daylight outside. Boy, I felt miserable. I felt so depressed, you can't imagine. What I did, I started talking, sort of out loud, to Allie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I do that sometimes when I get very depressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I keep telling him to go home and get his bike and meet me in front of Bobby Fallon's house. Bobby Fallon used to live quite near us in Maine—this is, years ago. Anyway, what happened was, one day Bobby and I were going over to Lake Sedebego on our bikes. We were going to take our lunches and all, and our BB guns—we were kids and all, and we thought we could shoot something with our BB guns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, Allie heard us talking about it, and he wanted to go, and I wouldn't let him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told him he was a child. So once in a while, now, when I get very depressed, I keep saying to him, \"Okay. Go home and get your bike and meet me in front of Bobby's house. Hurry up.\" It wasn't that I didn't use to take him with me when I went somewhere. I did. But that one day, I didn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't get sore about it—he never got sore about anything— but I keep thinking about it anyway, when I get very depressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, though, I got undressed and got in bed. I felt like praying or something, when I was in bed, but I couldn't do it. I can't always pray when I feel like it. In the first place, I'm sort of an atheist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I like Jesus and all, but I don't care too much for most of the other stuff in the Bible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Take the Disciples, for instance. They annoy the hell out of me, if you want to know the truth. They were all right after Jesus was dead and all, but while He was alive, they were about as much use to Him as a hole in the head. All they did was keep letting Him down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I like almost anybody in the Bible better than the Disciples." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you want to know the truth, the guy I like best in the Bible, next to Jesus, was that lunatic and all, that lived in the tombs and kept cutting himself with stones. I like him ten times as much as the Disciples, that poor bastard. I used to get in quite a few arguments about it, when I was at Whooton School, with this boy that lived down the corridor, Arthur Childs. Old Childs was a Quaker and all, and he read the Bible all the time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a very nice kid, and I liked him, but I could never see eye to eye with him on a lot of stuff in the Bible, especially the Disciples." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept telling me if I didn't like the Disciples, then I didn't like Jesus and all. He said that because Jesus picked the Disciples, you were supposed to like them. I said I knew He picked them, but that He picked them at random. I said He didn't have time to go around analyzing everybody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I said I wasn't blaming Jesus or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't His fault that He didn't have any time. I remember I asked old Childs if he thought Judas, the one that betrayed Jesus and all, went to Hell after he committed suicide. Childs said certainly. That's exactly where I disagreed with him. I said I'd bet a thousand bucks that Jesus never sent old Judas to Hell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I still would, too, if I had a thousand bucks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I think any one of the Disciples would've sent him to Hell and all—and fast, too—but I'll bet anything Jesus didn't do it. Old Childs said the trouble with me was that I didn't go to church or anything. He was right about that, in a way. I don't. In the first place, my parents are different religions, and all the children in our family are atheists." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you want to know the truth, I can't even stand ministers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ones they've had at every school I've gone to, they all have these Holy Joe voices when they start giving their sermons. God, I hate that. I don't see why the hell they can't talk in their natural voice. They sound so phony when they talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, when I was in bed, I couldn't pray worth a damn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every time I got started, I kept picturing old Sunny calling me a crumb-bum. Finally, I sat up in bed and smoked another cigarette. It tasted lousy. I must've smoked around two packs since I left Pencey.\n\nAll of a sudden, while I was laying there smoking, somebody knocked on the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I kept hoping it wasn't my door they were knocking on, but I knew damn well it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know how I knew, but I knew. I knew who it was, too. I'm psychic.\n\n\"Who's there?\" I said. I was pretty scared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm very yellow about those things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They just knocked again, though. Louder.\n\nFinally I got out of bed, with just my pajamas on, and opened the door. I didn't even have to turn the light on in the room, because it was already daylight. Old Sunny and Maurice, the pimpy elevator guy, were standing there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the matter? Wuddaya want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. Boy, my voice was shaking like hell.\n\n\"Nothin' much,\" old Maurice said. \"Just five bucks.\" He did all the talking for the two of them. Old Sunny just stood there next to him, with her mouth open and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I paid her already. I gave her five bucks. Ask her,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, was my voice shaking.\n\n\"It's ten bucks, chief. I tole ya that. Ten bucks for a throw, fifteen bucks till noon. I tole ya that.\"\n\n\"You did not tell me that. You said five bucks a throw. You said fifteen bucks till noon, all right, but I distinctly heard you—\"\n\n\"Open up, chief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What for?\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God, my old heart was damn near beating me out of the room. I wished I was dressed at least. It's terrible to be just in your pajamas when something like that happens.\n\n\"Let's go, chief,\" old Maurice said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he gave me a big shove with his crumby hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I damn near fell over on my can—he was a huge sonuvabitch. The next thing I knew, he and old Sunny were both in the room. They acted like they owned the damn place. Old Sunny sat down on the window sill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Maurice sat down in the big chair and loosened his collar and all—he was wearing this elevator operator's uniform." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, was I nervous.\n\n\"All right, chief, let's have it. I gotta get back to work.\"\n\n\"I told you about ten times, I don't owe you a cent. I already gave her the five—\"\n\n\"Cut the crap, now. Let's have it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should I give her another five bucks?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. My voice was cracking all over the place. \"You're trying to chisel me.\"\n\nOld Maurice unbuttoned his whole uniform coat. All he had on underneath was a phony shirt collar, but no shirt or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a big fat hairy stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody's tryna chisel nobody,\" he said. \"Let's have it, chief.\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\nWhen I said that, he got up from his chair and started walking towards me and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked like he was very, very tired or very, very bored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God, was I scared. I sort of had my arms folded, I remember. It wouldn't have been so bad, I don't think, if I hadn't had just my goddam pajamas on.\n\n\"Let's have it, chief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came right up to where I was standing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's all he could say. \"Let's have it, chief.\" He was a real moron.\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Chief, you're gonna force me inna roughin' ya up a little bit. I don't wanna do it, but that's the way it looks,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You owe us five bucks.\"\n\n\"I don't owe you five bucks,\" I said. \"If you rough me up, I'll yell like hell. I'll wake up everybody in the hotel. The police and all.\" My voice was shaking like a bastard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go ahead. Yell your goddam head off. Fine,\" old Maurice said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Want your parents to know you spent the night with a whore? High-class kid like you?\" He was pretty sharp, in his crumby way. He really was.\n\n\"Leave me alone. If you'd said ten, it'd be different. But you distinctly—\"\n\n\"Are ya gonna let us have it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had me right up against the damn door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was almost standing on top of me, his crumby old hairy stomach and all.\n\n\"Leave me alone. Get the hell out of my room,\" I said. I still had my arms folded and all. God, what a jerk I was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Sunny said something for the first time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Maurice. Want me to get his wallet?\" she said. \"It's right on the wutchamacallit.\"\n\n\"Yeah, get it.\"\n\n\"Leave my wallet alone!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I awreddy got it,\" Sunny said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waved five bucks at me. \"See? All I'm takin' is the five you owe me. I'm no crook.\"\n\nAll of a sudden I started to cry. I'd give anything if I hadn't, but I did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, you're no crooks,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're just stealing five—\"\n\n\"Shut up,\" old Maurice said, and gave me a shove.\n\n\"Leave him alone, hey,\" Sunny said. \"C'mon, hey. We got the dough he owes us. Let's go. C'mon, hey.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm comin',\" old Maurice said. But he didn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean it, Maurice, hey. Leave him alone.\"\n\n\"Who's hurtin' anybody?\" he said, innocent as hell. Then what he did, he snapped his finger very hard on my pajamas. I won't tell you where he snapped it, but it hurt like hell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I told him he was a goddam dirty moron. \"What's that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said. He put his hand behind his ear, like a deaf guy. \"What's that? What am I?\"\n\nI was still sort of crying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was so damn mad and nervous and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a dirty moron,\" I said. \"You're a stupid chiseling moron, and in about two years you'll be one of those scraggy guys that come up to you on the street and ask for a dime for coffee. You'll have snot all over your dirty filthy overcoat, and you'll be—\"\n\nThen he smacked me. I didn't even try to get out of the way or duck or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All I felt was this terrific punch in my stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't knocked out or anything, though, because I remember looking up from the floor and seeing them both go out the door and shut it. Then I stayed on the floor a fairly long time, sort of the way I did with Stradlater. Only, this time I thought I was dying. I really did. I thought I was drowning or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trouble was, I could hardly breathe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I did finally get up, I had to walk to the bathroom all doubled up and holding onto my stomach and all.\n\nBut I'm crazy. I swear to God I am. About halfway to the bathroom, I sort of started pretending I had a bullet in my guts. Old 'Maurice had plugged me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now I was on the way to the bathroom to get a good shot of bourbon or something to steady my nerves and help me really go into action." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pictured myself coming out of the goddam bathroom, dressed and all, with my automatic in my pocket, and staggering around a little bit. Then I'd walk downstairs, instead of using the elevator. I'd hold onto the banister and all, with this blood trickling out of the side of my mouth a little at a time. What I'd do, I'd walk down a few floors—holding onto my guts, blood leaking all over the place— and then I'd ring the elevator bell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as old Maurice opened the doors, he'd see me with the automatic in my hand and he'd start screaming at me, in this very high-pitched, yellow-belly voice, to leave him alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I'd plug him anyway. Six shots right through his fat hairy belly. Then I'd throw my automatic down the elevator shaft—after I'd wiped off all the finger prints and all. Then I'd crawl back to my room and call up Jane and have her come over and bandage up my guts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pictured her holding a cigarette for me to smoke while I was bleeding and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The goddam movies. They can ruin you. I'm not kidding.\n\nI stayed in the bathroom for about an hour, taking a bath and all. Then I got back in bed. It took me quite a while to get to sleep—I wasn't even tired—but finally I did." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfour sentences\n\nStyle:\nJ.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't sleep too long, because I think it was only around ten o'clock when I woke up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt pretty hungry as soon as I had a cigarette. The last time I'd eaten was those two hamburgers I had with Brossard and Ackley when we went in to Agerstown to the movies. That was a long time ago. It seemed like fifty years ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The phone was right next to me, and I started to call down and have them send up some breakfast, but I was sort of afraid they might send it up with old Maurice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you think I was dying to see him again, you're crazy. So I just laid around in bed for a while and smoked another cigarette. I thought of giving old Jane a buzz, to see if she was home yet and all, but I wasn't in the mood.\n\nWhat I did do, I gave old Sally Hayes a buzz." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She went to Mary A. Woodruff, and I knew she was home because I'd had this letter from her a couple of weeks ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't too crazy about her, but I'd known her for years. I used to think she was quite intelligent, in my stupidity. The reason I did was because she knew quite a lot about the theater and plays and literature and all that stuff. If somebody knows quite a lot about those things, it takes you quite a while to find out whether they're really stupid or not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took me years to find it out, in old Sally's case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I think I'd have found it out a lot sooner if we hadn't necked so damn much. My big trouble is, I always sort of think whoever I'm necking is a pretty intelligent person. It hasn't got a goddam thing to do with it, but I keep thinking it anyway.\n\nAnyway, I gave her a buzz." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First the maid answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then her father. Then she got on. \"Sally?\" I said.\n\n\"Yes—who is this?\" she said. She was quite a little phony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd already told her father who it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Holden Caulfield. How are ya?\"\n\n\"Holden! I'm fine! How are you?\"\n\n\"Swell. Listen. How are ya, anyway? I mean how's school?\"\n\n\"Fine,\" she said. \"I mean—you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Swell. Well, listen. I was wondering if you were busy today. It's Sunday, but there's always one or two matinees going on Sunday. Benefits and that stuff. Would you care to go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd love to. Grand.\"\n\nGrand. If there's one word I hate, it's grand. It's so phony. For a second, I was tempted to tell her to forget about the matinee. But we chewed the fat for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That is, she chewed it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You couldn't get a word in edgewise. First she told me about some Harvard guy— it probably was a freshman, but she didn't say, naturally—that was rushing hell out of her. Calling her up night and day. Night and day—that killed me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she told me about some other guy, some West Point cadet, that was cutting his throat over her too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Big deal. I told her to meet me under the clock at the Biltmore at two o'clock, and not to be late, because the show probably started at two-thirty. She was always late. Then I hung up. She gave me a pain in the ass, but she was very good-looking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After I made the date with old Sally, I got out of bed and got dressed and packed my bag." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I took a look out the window before I left the room, though, to see how all the perverts were doing, but they all had their shades down. They were the heighth of modesty in the morning. Then I went down in the elevator and checked out. I didn't see old Maurice around anywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't break my neck looking for him, naturally, the bastard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I got a cab outside the hotel, but I didn't have the faintest damn idea where I was going. I had no place to go. It was only Sunday, and I couldn't go home till Wednesday—or Tuesday the soonest. And I certainly didn't feel like going to another hotel and getting my brains beat out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So what I did, I told the driver to take me to Grand Central Station." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was right near the Biltmore, where I was meeting Sally later, and I figured what I'd do, I'd check my bags in one of those strong boxes that they give you a key to, then get some breakfast. I was sort of hungry. While I was in the cab, I took out my wallet and sort of counted my money. I don't remember exactly what I had left, but it was no fortune or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd spent a king's ransom in about two lousy weeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I really had. I'm a goddam spendthrift at heart. What I don't spend, I lose. Half the time I sort of even forget to pick up my change, at restaurants and night clubs and all. It drives my parents crazy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You can't blame them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My father's quite wealthy, though. I don't know how much he makes—he's never discussed that stuff with me—but I imagine quite a lot. He's a corporation lawyer. Those boys really haul it in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another reason I know he's quite well off, he's always investing money in shows on Broadway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They always flop, though, and it drives my mother crazy when he does it. She hasn't felt too healthy since my brother Allie died. She's very nervous. That's another reason why I hated like hell for her to know I got the ax again.\n\nAfter I put my bags in one of those strong boxes at the station, I went into this little sandwich bar and bad breakfast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had quite a large breakfast, for me—orange juice, bacon and eggs, toast and coffee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Usually I just drink some orange juice. I'm a very light eater. I really am. That's why I'm so damn skinny. I was supposed to be on this diet where you eat a lot of starches and crap, to gain weight and all, but I didn't ever do it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I'm out somewhere, I generally just eat a Swiss cheese sandwich and a malted milk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It isn't much, but you get quite a lot of vitamins in the malted milk. H. V. Caulfield. Holden Vitamin Caulfield.\n\nWhile I was eating my eggs, these two nuns with suitcases and all—I guessed they were moving to another convent or something and were waiting for a train—came in and sat down next to me at the counter. They didn't seem to know what the hell to do with their suitcases, so I gave them a hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were these very inexpensive-looking suitcases—the ones that aren't genuine leather or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It isn't important, I know, but I hate it when somebody has cheap suitcases. It sounds terrible to say it, but I can even get to hate somebody, just looking at them, if they have cheap suitcases with them. Something happened once. For a while when I was at Elkton Hills, I roomed with this boy, Dick Slagle, that had these very inexpensive suitcases. He used to keep them under the bed, instead of on the rack, so that nobody'd see them standing next to mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It depressed holy hell out of me, and I kept wanting to throw mine out or something, or even trade with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mine came from Mark Cross, and they were genuine cowhide and all that crap, and I guess they cost quite a pretty penny. But it was a funny thing. Here's what happened. What I did, I finally put my suitcases under my bed, instead of on the rack, so that old Slagle wouldn't get a goddam inferiority complex about it. But here's what he did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day after I put mine under my bed, he took them out and put them back on the rack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reason he did it, it took me a while to find out, was because he wanted people to think my bags were his. He really did. He was a very funny guy, that way. He was always saying snotty things about them, my suitcases, for instance. He kept saying they were too new and bourgeois." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was his favorite goddam word." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He read it somewhere or heard it somewhere. Everything I had was bourgeois as hell. Even my fountain pen was bourgeois. He borrowed it off me all the time, but it was bourgeois anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We only roomed together about two months." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then we both asked to be moved. And the funny thing was, I sort of missed him after we moved, because he had a helluva good sense of humor and we had a lot of fun sometimes. I wouldn't be surprised if he missed me, too. At first he only used to be kidding when he called my stuff bourgeois, and I didn't give a damn—it was sort of funny, in fact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, after a while, you could tell he wasn't kidding any more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thing is, it's really hard to be roommates with people if your suitcases are much better than theirs—if yours are really good ones and theirs aren't. You think if they're intelligent and all, the other person, and have a good sense of humor, that they don't give a damn whose suitcases are better, but they do. They really do. It's one of the reasons why I roomed with a stupid bastard like Stradlater. At least his suitcases were as good as mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, these two nuns were sitting next to me, and we sort of struck up a conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The one right next to me had one of those straw baskets that you see nuns and Salvation Army babes collecting dough with around Christmas time. You see them standing on corners, especially on Fifth Avenue, in front of the big department stores and all. Anyway, the one next to me dropped hers on the floor and I reached down and picked it up for her. I asked her if she was out collecting money for charity and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said no. She said she couldn't get it in her suitcase when she was packing it and she was just carrying it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had a pretty nice smile when she looked at you. She had a big nose, and she had on those glasses with sort of iron rims that aren't too attractive, but she had a helluva kind face. \"I thought if you were taking up a collection,\" I told her, \"I could make a small contribution. You could keep the money for when you do take up a collection.\"\n\n\"Oh, how very kind of you,\" she said, and the other one, her friend, looked over at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other one was reading a little black book while she drank her coffee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It looked like a Bible, but it was too skinny. It was a Bible-type book, though. All the two of them were eating for breakfast was toast and coffee. That depressed me. I hate it if I'm eating bacon and eggs or something and somebody else is only eating toast and coffee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They let me give them ten bucks as a contribution." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They kept asking me if I was sure I could afford it and all. I told them I had quite a bit of money with me, but they didn't seem to believe me. They took it, though, finally. The both of them kept thanking me so much it was embarrassing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I swung the conversation around to general topics and asked them where they were going." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They said they were schoolteachers and that they'd just come from Chicago and that they were going to start teaching at some convent on 168th Street or 186th Street or one of those streets way the hell uptown. The one next to me, with the iron glasses, said she taught English and her friend taught history and\n\nAmerican government. Then I started wondering like a bastard what the one sitting next to me, that taught English, thought about, being a nun and all, when she read certain books for English. Books not necessarily with a lot of sexy stuff in them, but books with lovers and all in them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Take old Eustacia Vye, in The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wasn't too sexy or anything, but even so you can't help wondering what a nun maybe thinks about when she reads about old Eustacia. I didn't say anything, though, naturally. All I said was English was my best subject.\n\n\"Oh, really? Oh, I'm so glad!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the one with the glasses, that taught English, said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What have you read this year? I'd be very interested to know.\" She was really nice.\n\n\"Well, most of the time we were on the Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf, and old Grendel, and Lord Randal My Son, and all those things. But we had to read outside books for extra credit once in a while. I read The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy, and Romeo and Juliet and Julius—\"\n\n\"Oh, Romeo and Juliet! Lovely! Didn't you just love it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She certainly didn't sound much like a nun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I did. I liked it a lot. There were a few things I didn't like about it, but it was quite moving, on the whole.\"\n\n\"What didn't you like about it? Can you remember?\" To tell you the truth, it was sort of embarrassing, in a way, to be talking about Romeo and Juliet with her. I mean that play gets pretty sexy in some parts, and she was a nun and all, but she asked me, so I discussed it with her for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I'm not too crazy about Romeo and Juliet,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean I like them, but—I don't know. They get pretty annoying sometimes. I mean I felt much sorrier when old Mercutio got killed than when Romeo and Juliet did. The think is, I never liked Romeo too much after Mercutio gets stabbed by that other man—Juliet's cousin—what's his name?\"\n\n\"Tybalt.\"\n\n\"That's right. Tybalt,\" I said—I always forget that guy's name. \"It was Romeo's fault. I mean I liked him the best in the play, old Mercutio. I don't know. All those Montagues and Capulets, they're all right—especially Juliet—but Mercutio, he was—it's hard to explain. He was very smart and entertaining and all. The thing is, it drives me crazy if somebody gets killed— especially somebody very smart and entertaining and all—and it's somebody else's fault. Romeo and Juliet, at least it was their own fault.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What school do you go to?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked me. She probably wanted to get off the subject of Romeo and Juliet.\n\nI told her Pencey, and she'd heard of it. She said it was a very good school. I let it pass, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the other one, the one that taught history and government, said they'd better be running along." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I took their check off them, but they wouldn't let me pay it. The one with the glasses made me give it back to her.\n\n\"You've been more than generous,\" she said. \"You're a very sweet boy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She certainly was nice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She reminded me a little bit of old Ernest Morrow's mother, the one I met on the train. When she smiled, mostly. \"We've enjoyed talking to you so much,\" she said.\n\nI said I'd enjoyed talking to them a lot, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I meant it, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd have enjoyed it even more though, I think, if I hadn't been sort of afraid, the whole time I was talking to them, that they'd all of a sudden try to find out if I was a Catholic. Catholics are always trying to find out if you're a Catholic. It happens to me a lot, I know, partly because my last name is Irish, and most people of Irish descent are Catholics. As a matter of fact, my father was a Catholic once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He quit, though, when he married my mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Catholics are always trying to find out if you're a Catholic even if they don't know your last name. I knew this one Catholic boy, Louis Shaney, when I was at the Whooton School. He was the first boy I ever met there. He and I were sitting in the first two chairs outside the goddam infirmary, the day school opened, waiting for our physicals, and we sort of struck up this conversation about tennis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was quite interested in tennis, and so was I." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He told me he went to the Nationals at Forest Hills every summer, and I told him I did too, and then we talked about certain hot-shot tennis players for quite a while. He knew quite a lot about tennis, for a kid his age. He really did. Then, after a while, right in the middle of the goddam conversation, he asked me, \"Did you happen to notice where the Catholic church is in town, by any chance?\" The thing was, you could tell by the way he asked me that he was trying to find out if I was a Catholic. He really was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not that he was prejudiced or anything, but he just wanted to know." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was enjoying the conversation about tennis and all, but you could tell he would've enjoyed it more if I was a Catholic and all. That kind of stuff drives me crazy. I'm not saying it ruined our conversation or anything—it didn't—but it sure as hell didn't do it any good. That's why I was glad those two nuns didn't ask me if I was a Catholic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wouldn't have spoiled the conversation if they had, but it would've been different, probably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not saying I blame Catholics. I don't. I'd be the same way, probably, if I was a Catholic. It's just like those suitcases I was telling you about, in a way. All I'm saying is that it's no good for a nice conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's all I'm saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they got up to go, the two nuns, I did something very stupid and embarrassing. I was smoking a cigarette, and when I stood up to say good-by to them, by mistake I blew some smoke in their face. I didn't mean to, but I did it. I apologized like a madman, and they were very polite and nice about it, but it was very embarrassing anyway." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After I had my breakfast, it was only around noon, and I wasn't meeting old Sally till two o'clock, so I started taking this long walk. I couldn't stop thinking about those two nuns. I kept thinking about that beatup old straw basket they went around collecting money with when they weren't teaching school. I kept trying to picture my mother or somebody, or my aunt, or Sally Hayes's crazy mother, standing outside some department store and collecting dough for poor people in a beat-up old straw basket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was hard to picture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not so much my mother, but those other two. My aunt's pretty charitable—she does a lot of Red Cross work and all—but she's very well-dressed and all, and when she does anything charitable she's always very well-dressed and has lipstick on and all that crap. I couldn't picture her doing anything for charity if she had to wear black clothes and no lipstick while she was doing it. And old Sally Hayes's mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jesus Christ. The only way she could go around with a basket collecting dough would be if everybody kissed her ass for her when they made a contribution." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If they just dropped their dough in her basket, then walked away without saying anything to her, ignoring her and all, she'd quit in about an hour. She'd get bored. She'd hand in her basket and then go someplace swanky for lunch. That's what I liked about those nuns. You could tell, for one thing, that they never went anywhere swanky for lunch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It made me so damn sad when I thought about it, their never going anywhere swanky for lunch or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew it wasn't too important, but it made me sad anyway.\n\nI started walking over toward Broadway, just for the hell of it, because I hadn't been over there in years. Besides, I wanted to find a record store that was open on Sunday. There was this record I wanted to get for Phoebe, called \"Little Shirley Beans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a very hard record to get." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was about a little kid that wouldn't go out of the house because two of her front teeth were out and she was ashamed to. I heard it at Pencey. A boy that lived on the next floor had it, and I tried to buy it off him because I knew it would knock old Phoebe out, but he wouldn't sell it. It was a very old, terrific record that this colored girl singer, Estelle Fletcher, made about twenty years ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sings it very Dixieland and whorehouse, and it doesn't sound at all mushy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If a white girl was singing it, she'd make it sound cute as hell, but old Estelle Fletcher knew what the hell she was doing, and it was one of the best records I ever heard. I figured I'd buy it in some store that was open on Sunday and then I'd take it up to the park with me. It was Sunday and Phoebe goes rollerskating in the park on Sundays quite frequently. I knew where she hung out mostly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't as cold as it was the day before, but the sun still wasn't out, and it wasn't too nice for walking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there was one nice thing. This family that you could tell just came out of some church were walking right in front of me—a father, a mother, and a little kid about six years old. They looked sort of poor. The father had on one of those pearl-gray hats that poor guys wear a lot when they want to look sharp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He and his wife were just walking along, talking, not paying any attention to their kid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kid was swell. He was walking in the street, instead of on the sidewalk, but right next to the curb. He was making out like he was walking a very straight line, the way kids do, and the whole time he kept singing and humming. I got up closer so I could hear what he was singing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was singing that song, \"If a body catch a body coming through the rye.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a pretty little voice, too. He was just singing for the hell of it, you could tell. The cars zoomed by, brakes screeched all over the place, his parents paid no attention to him, and he kept on walking next to the curb and singing \"If a body catch a body coming through the rye.\" It made me feel better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It made me feel not so depressed any more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Broadway was mobbed and messy. It was Sunday, and only about twelve o'clock, but it was mobbed anyway. Everybody was on their way to the movies—the Paramount or the Astor or the Strand or the Capitol or one of those crazy places. Everybody was all dressed up, because it was Sunday, and that made it worse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the worst part was that you could tell they all wanted to go to the movies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't stand looking at them. I can understand somebody going to the movies because there's nothing else to do, but when somebody really wants to go, and even walks fast so as to get there quicker, then it depresses hell out of me. Especially if I see millions of people standing in one of those long, terrible lines, all the way down the block, waiting with this terrific patience for seats and all. Boy, I couldn't get off that goddam Broadway fast enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was lucky. The first record store I went into had a copy of \"Little Shirley Beans.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They charged me five bucks for it, because it was so hard to get, but I didn't care. Boy, it made me so happy all of a sudden. I could hardly wait to get to the park to see if old Phoebe was around so that I could give it to her.\n\nWhen I came out of the record store, I passed this drugstore, and I went in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I figured maybe I'd give old Jane a buzz and see if she was home for vacation yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I went in a phone booth and called her up. The only trouble was, her mother answered the phone, so I had to hang up. I didn't feel like getting involved in a long conversation and all with her. I'm not crazy about talking to girls' mothers on the phone anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I should've at least asked her if Jane was home yet, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wouldn't have killed me. But I didn't feel like it. You really have to be in the mood for that stuff.\n\nI still had to get those damn theater tickets, so I bought a paper and looked up to see what shows were playing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On account of it was Sunday, there were only about three shows playing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So what I did was, I went over and bought two orchestra seats for I Know My Love. It was a benefit performance or something. I didn't much want to see it, but I knew old Sally, the queen of the phonies, would start drooling all over the place when I told her I had tickets for that, because the Lunts were in it and all. She liked shows that are supposed to be very sophisticated and dry and all, with the Lunts and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't. I don't like any shows very much, if you want to know the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They're not as bad as movies, but they're certainly nothing to rave about. In the first place, I hate actors. They never act like people. They just think they do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some of the good ones do, in a very slight way, but not in a way that's fun to watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And if any actor's really good, you can always tell he knows he's good, and that spoils it. You take Sir Laurence Olivier, for example. I saw him in Hamlet. D.B. took Phoebe and I to see it last year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He treated us to lunch first, and then he took us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd already seen it, and the way he talked about it at lunch, I was anxious as hell to see it, too. But I didn't enjoy it much. I just don't see what's so marvelous about Sir Laurence Olivier, that's all. He has a terrific voice, and he's a helluva handsome guy, and he's very nice to watch when he's walking or dueling or something, but he wasn't at all the way D.B. said Hamlet was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was too much like a goddam general, instead of a sad, screwed-up type guy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The best part in the whole picture was when old Ophelia's brother—the one that gets in the duel with Hamlet at the very end—was going away and his father was giving him a lot of advice. While the father kept giving him a lot of advice, old Ophelia was sort of horsing around with her brother, taking his dagger out of the holster, and teasing him and all while he was trying to look interested in the bull his father was shooting. That was nice. I got a big bang out of that. But you don't see that kind of stuff much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only thing old Phoebe liked was when Hamlet patted this dog on the head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She thought that was funny and nice, and it was. What I'll have to do is, I'll have to read that play. The trouble with me is, I always have to read that stuff by myself. If an actor acts it out, I hardly listen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I keep worrying about whether he's going to do something phony every minute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After I got the tickets to the Lunts' show, I took a cab up to the park. I should've taken a subway or something, because I was getting slightly low on dough, but I wanted to get off that damn Broadway as fast as I could.\n\nIt was lousy in the park. It wasn't too cold, but the sun still wasn't out, and there didn't look like there was anything in the park except dog crap and globs of spit and cigar butts from old men, and the benches all looked like they'd be wet if you sat down on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It made you depressed, and every once in a while, for no reason, you got goose flesh while you walked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It didn't seem at all like Christmas was coming soon. It didn't seem like anything was coming. But I kept walking over to the Mall anyway, because that's where Phoebe usually goes when she's in the park. She likes to skate near the bandstand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's funny. That's the same place I used to like to skate when I was a kid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I got there, though, I didn't see her around anywhere. There were a few kids around, skating and all, and two boys were playing Flys Up with a soft ball, but no Phoebe. I saw one kid about her age, though, sitting on a bench all by herself, tightening her skate. I thought maybe she might know Phoebe and could tell me where she was or something, so I went over and sat down next to her and asked her, \"Do you know Phoebe Caulfield, by any chance?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who?\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All she had on was jeans and about twenty sweaters. You could tell her mother made them for her, because they were lumpy as hell.\n\n\"Phoebe Caulfield. She lives on Seventy-first Street. She's in the fourth grade, over at—\"\n\n\"You know Phoebe?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, I'm her brother. You know where she is?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's in Miss Callon's class, isn't she?\" the kid said.\n\n\"I don't know. Yes, I think she is.\"\n\n\"She's prob'ly in the museum, then. We went last Saturday,\" the kid said.\n\n\"Which museum?\" I asked her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shrugged her shoulders, sort of." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" she said. \"The museum.\"\n\n\"I know, but the one where the pictures are, or the one where the Indians are?\"\n\n\"The one where the Indians.\"\n\n\"Thanks a lot,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I got up and started to go, but then I suddenly remembered it was Sunday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is Sunday,\" I told the kid.\n\nShe looked up at me. \"Oh. Then she isn't.\"\n\nShe was having a helluva time tightening her skate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't have any gloves on or anything and her hands were all red and cold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I gave her a hand with it. Boy, I hadn't had a skate key in my hand for years. It didn't feel funny, though. You could put a skate key in my hand fifty years from now, in pitch dark, and I'd still know what it is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She thanked me and all when I had it tightened for her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was a very nice, polite little kid. God, I love it when a kid's nice and polite when you tighten their skate for them or something. Most kids are. They really are. I asked her if she'd care to have a hot chocolate or something with me, but she said no, thank you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said she had to meet her friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kids always have to meet their friend. That kills me.\n\nEven though it was Sunday and Phoebe wouldn't be there with her class or anything, and even though it was so damp and lousy out, I walked all the way through the park over to the Museum of Natural History. I knew that was the museum the kid with the skate key meant. I knew that whole museum routine like a book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Phoebe went to the same school I went to when I was a kid, and we used to go there all the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We had this teacher, Miss Aigletinger, that took us there damn near every Saturday. Sometimes we looked at the animals and sometimes we looked at the stuff the Indians had made in ancient times. Pottery and straw baskets and all stuff like that. I get very happy when I think about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even now. I remember after we looked at all the Indian stuff, usually we went to see some movie in this big auditorium. Columbus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were always showing\n\nColumbus discovering America, having one helluva time getting old Ferdinand and Isabella to lend him the dough to buy ships with, and then the sailors mutinying on him and all. Nobody gave too much of a damn about old Columbus, but you always had a lot of candy and gum and stuff with you, and the inside of that auditorium had such a nice smell. It always smelled like it was raining outside, even if it wasn't, and you were in the only nice, dry, cosy place in the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I loved that damn museum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I remember you had to go through the Indian Room to get to the auditorium. It was a long, long room, and you were only supposed to whisper. The teacher would go first, then the class. You'd be two rows of kids, and you'd have a partner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most of the time my partner was this girl named Gertrude Levine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She always wanted to hold your hand, and her hand was always sticky or sweaty or something. The floor was all stone, and if you had some marbles in your hand and you dropped them, they bounced like madmen all over the floor and made a helluva racket, and the teacher would hold up the class and go back and see what the hell was going on. She never got sore, though, Miss Aigletinger. Then you'd pass by this long, long Indian war canoe, about as long as three goddam Cadillacs in a row, with about twenty Indians in it, some of them paddling, some of them just standing around looking tough, and they all had war paint all over their faces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was one very spooky guy in the back of the canoe, with a mask on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was the witch doctor. He gave me the creeps, but I liked him anyway. Another thing, if you touched one of the paddles or anything while you were passing, one of the guards would say to you, \"Don't touch anything, children,\" but he always said it in a nice voice, not like a goddam cop or anything. Then you'd pass by this big glass case, with Indians inside it rubbing sticks together to make a fire, and a squaw weaving a blanket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The squaw that was weaving the blanket was sort of bending over, and you could see her bosom and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We all used to sneak a good look at it, even the girls, because they were only little kids and they didn't have any more bosom than we did. Then, just before you went inside the auditorium, right near the doors, you passed this Eskimo. He was sitting over a hole in this icy lake, and he was fishing through it. He had about two fish right next to the hole, that he'd already caught." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, that museum was full of glass cases." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were even more upstairs, with deer inside them drinking at water holes, and birds flying south for the winter. The birds nearest you were all stuffed and hung up on wires, and the ones in back were just painted on the wall, but they all looked like they were really flying south, and if you bent your head down and sort of looked at them upside down, they looked in an even bigger hurry to fly south. The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody'd move. You could go there a hundred thousand times, and that Eskimo would still be just finished catching those two fish, the birds would still be on their way south, the deers would still be drinking out of that water hole, with their pretty antlers and their pretty, skinny legs, and that squaw with the naked bosom would still be weaving that same blanket. Nobody'd be different." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only thing that would be different would be you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not that you'd be so much older or anything. It wouldn't be that, exactly. You'd just be different, that's all. You'd have an overcoat on this time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or the kid that was your partner in line the last time had got scarlet fever and you'd have a new partner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or you'd have a substitute taking the class, instead of Miss Aigletinger. Or you'd heard your mother and father having a terrific fight in the bathroom. Or you'd just passed by one of those puddles in the street with gasoline rainbows in them. I mean you'd be different in some way—I can't explain what I mean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And even if I could, I'm not sure I'd feel like it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I took my old hunting hat out of my pocket while I walked, and put it on. I knew I wouldn't meet anybody that knew me, and it was pretty damp out. I kept walking and walking, and I kept thinking about old Phoebe going to that museum on Saturdays the way I used to. I thought how she'd see the same stuff I used to see, and how she'd be different every time she saw it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It didn't exactly depress me to think about it, but it didn't make me feel gay as hell, either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certain things they should stay the way they are. You ought to be able to stick them in one of those big glass cases and just leave them alone. I know that's impossible, but it's too bad anyway. Anyway, I kept thinking about all that while I walked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I passed by this playground and stopped and watched a couple of very tiny kids on a seesaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them was sort of fat, and I put my hand on the skinny kid's end, to sort of even up the weight, but you could tell they didn't want me around, so I let them alone.\n\nThen a funny thing happened. When I got to the museum, all of a sudden I wouldn't have gone inside for a million bucks. It just didn't appeal to me—and here I'd walked through the whole goddam park and looked forward to it and all." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of J.D. Salinger.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of J.D. Salinger.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a J.D. Salinger sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was way early when I got there, so I just sat down on one of those leather couches right near the clock in the lobby and watched the girls. A lot of schools were home for vacation already, and there were about a million girls sitting and standing around waiting for their dates to show up. Girls with their legs crossed, girls with their legs not crossed, girls with terrific legs, girls with lousy legs, girls that looked like swell girls, girls that looked like they'd be bitches if you knew them. It was really nice sightseeing, if you know what I mean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a way, it was sort of depressing, too, because you kept wondering what the hell would happen to all of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they got out of school and college, I mean. You figured most of them would probably marry dopey guys. Guys that always talk about how many miles they get to a gallon in their goddam cars. Guys that get sore and childish as hell if you beat them at golf, or even just some stupid game like ping-pong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guys that are very mean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Guys that never read books. Guys that are very boring—But I have to be careful about that. I mean about calling certain guys bores. I don't understand boring guys." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I really don't. When I was at Elkton Hills, I roomed for about two months with this boy, Harris Mackim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was very intelligent and all, but he was one of the biggest bores I ever met. He had one of these very raspy voices, and he never stopped talking, practically. He never stopped talking, and what was awful was, he never said anything you wanted to hear in the first place. But he could do one thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sonuvabitch could whistle better than anybody I ever heard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd be making his bed, or hanging up stuff in the closet—he was always hanging up stuff in the closet—it drove me crazy—and he'd be whistling while he did it, if he wasn't talking in this raspy voice. He could even whistle classical stuff, but most of the time he just whistled jazz. He could take something very jazzy, like \"Tin Roof Blues,\" and whistle it so nice and easy—right while he was hanging stuff up in the closet—that it could kill you. Naturally, I never told him I thought he was a terrific whistler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean you don't just go up to somebody and say, \"You're a terrific whistler.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I roomed with him for about two whole months, even though he bored me till I was half crazy, just because he was such a terrific whistler, the best I ever heard. So I don't know about bores. Maybe you shouldn't feel too sorry if you see some swell girl getting married to them. They don't hurt anybody, most of them, and maybe they're secretly all terrific whistlers or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who the hell knows? Not me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, old Sally started coming up the stairs, and I started down to meet her. She looked terrific. She really did. She had on this black coat and sort of a black beret. She hardly ever wore a hat, but that beret looked nice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The funny part is, I felt like marrying her the minute I saw her. I'm crazy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't even like her much, and yet all of a sudden I felt like I was in love with her and wanted to marry her. I swear to God I'm crazy. I admit it.\n\n\"Holden!\" she said. \"It's marvelous to see you! It's been ages.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had one of these very loud, embarrassing voices when you met her somewhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She got away with it because she was so damn good-looking, but it always gave me a pain in the ass.\n\n\"Swell to see you,\" I said. I meant it, too. \"How are ya, anyway?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Absolutely marvelous. Am I late?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told her no, but she was around ten minutes late, as a matter of fact. I didn't give a damn, though. All that crap they have in cartoons in the Saturday Evening Post and all, showing guys on street corners looking sore as hell because their dates are late—that's bunk. If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobody. \"We better hurry,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The show starts at two-forty.\" We started going down the stairs to where the taxis are.\n\n\"What are we going to see?\" she said.\n\n\"I don't know. The Lunts. It's all I could get tickets for.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Lunts! Oh, marvelous!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told you she'd go mad when she heard it was for the Lunts.\n\nWe horsed around a little bit in the cab on the way over to the theater. At first she didn't want to, because she had her lipstick on and all, but I was being seductive as hell and she didn't have any alternative. Twice, when the goddam cab stopped short in traffic, I damn near fell off the seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those damn drivers never even look where they're going, I swear they don't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, just to show you how crazy I am, when we were coming out of this big clinch, I told her I loved her and all. It was a lie, of course, but the thing is, I meant it when I said it. I'm crazy. I swear to God I am.\n\n\"Oh, darling, I love you too,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, right in the same damn breath, she said, \"Promise me you'll let your hair grow. Crew cuts are getting corny. And your hair's so lovely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lovely my ass.\n\nThe show wasn't as bad as some I've seen. It was on the crappy side, though. It was about five hundred thousand years in the life of this one old couple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It starts out when they're young and all, and the girl's parents don't want her to marry the boy, but she marries him anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they keep getting older and older. The husband goes to war, and the wife has this brother that's a drunkard. I couldn't get very interested. I mean I didn't care too much when anybody in the family died or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were all just a bunch of actors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The husband and wife were a pretty nice old couple—very witty and all—\n\nbut I couldn't get too interested in them. For one thing, they kept drinking tea or some goddam thing all through the play. Every time you saw them, some butler was shoving some tea in front of them, or the wife was pouring it for somebody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And everybody kept coming in and going out all the time—you got dizzy watching people sit down and stand up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were the old couple, and they were very good, but I didn't like them much. They were different, though, I'll say that. They didn't act like people and they didn't act like actors. It's hard to explain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They acted more like they knew they were celebrities and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean they were good, but they were too good. When one of them got finished making a speech, the other one said something very fast right after it. It was supposed to be like people really talking and interrupting each other and all. The trouble was, it was too much like people talking and interrupting each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They acted a little bit the way old Ernie, down in the Village, plays the piano." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you do something too good, then, after a while, if you don't watch it, you start showing off. And then you're not as good any more. But anyway, they were the only ones in the show—the Lunts, I mean—that looked like they had any real brains. I have to admit it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the end of the first act we went out with all the other jerks for a cigarette." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What a deal that was. You never saw so many phonies in all your life, everybody smoking their ears off and talking about the play so that everybody could hear and know how sharp they were. Some dopey movie actor was standing near us, having a cigarette. I don't know his name, but he always plays the part of a guy in a war movie that gets yellow before it's time to go over the top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was with some gorgeous blonde, and the two of them were trying to be very blasé and all, like as if he didn't even know people were looking at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Modest as hell. I got a big bang out of it. Old Sally didn't talk much, except to rave about the Lunts, because she was busy rubbering and being charming. Then all of a sudden, she saw some jerk she knew on the other side of the lobby. Some guy in one of those very dark gray flannel suits and one of those checkered vests. Strictly Ivy League." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Big deal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was standing next to the wall, smoking himself to death and looking bored as hell. Old Sally kept saying, \"I know that boy from somewhere.\" She always knew somebody, any place you took her, or thought she did. She kept saying that till I got bored as hell, and I said to her, \"Why don't you go on over and give him a big soul kiss, if you know him? He'll enjoy it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She got sore when I said that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, though, the jerk noticed her and came over and said hello. You should've seen the way they said hello. You'd have thought they hadn't seen each other in twenty years. You'd have thought they'd taken baths in the same bathtub or something when they were little kids. Old buddyroos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was nauseating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The funny part was, they probably met each other just once, at some phony party. Finally, when they were all done slobbering around, old Sally introduced us. His name was George something—I don't even remember—and he went to Andover. Big, big deal. You should've seen him when old Sally asked him how he liked the play." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was the kind of a phony that have to give themselves room when they answer somebody's question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stepped back, and stepped right on the lady's foot behind him. He probably broke every toe in her body. He said the play itself was no masterpiece, but that the Lunts, of course, were absolute angels. Angels. For Chrissake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That killed me. Then he and old Sally started talking about a lot of people they both knew. It was the phoniest conversation you ever heard in your life. They both kept thinking of places as fast as they could, then they'd think of somebody that lived there and mention their name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was all set to puke when it was time to go sit down again. I really was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then, when the next act was over, they continued their goddam boring conversation. They kept thinking of more places and more names of people that lived there. The worst part was, the jerk had one of those very phony, Ivy League voices, one of those very tired, snobby voices. He sounded just like a girl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't hesitate to horn in on my date, the bastard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I even thought for a minute that he was going to get in the goddam cab with us when the show was over, because he walked about two blocks with us, but he had to meet a bunch of phonies for cocktails, he said. I could see them all sitting around in some bar, with their goddam checkered vests, criticizing shows and books and women in those tired, snobby voices. They kill me, those guys.\n\nI sort of hated old Sally by the time we got in the cab, after listening to that phony Andover bastard for about ten hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was all set to take her home and all—I really was—but she said, \"I have a marvelous idea!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was always having a marvelous idea. \"Listen,\" she said. \"What time do you have to be home for dinner? I mean are you in a terrible hurry or anything? Do you have to be home any special time?\"\n\n\"Me? No. No special time,\" I said. Truer word was never spoken, boy. \"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's go ice-skating at Radio City!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's the kind of ideas she always had.\n\n\"Ice-skating at Radio City? You mean right now?\"\n\n\"Just for an hour or so. Don't you want to? If you don't want to—\"\n\n\"I didn't say I didn't want to,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure. If you want to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you mean it? Don't just say it if you don't mean it. I mean I don't give a darn, one way or the other.\"\n\nNot much she didn't.\n\n\"You can rent those darling little skating skirts,\" old Sally said. \"Jeannette Cultz did it last week.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's why she was so hot to go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wanted to see herself in one of those little skirts that just come down over their butt and all.\n\nSo we went, and after they gave us our skates, they gave Sally this little blue butt-twitcher of a dress to wear. She really did look damn good in it, though. I save to admit it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And don't think she didn't know it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kept walking ahead of me, so that I'd see how cute her little ass looked. It did look pretty cute, too. I have to admit it.\n\nThe funny part was, though, we were the worst skaters on the whole goddam rink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean the worst." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And there were some lulus, too. Old Sally's ankles kept bending in till they were practically on the ice. They not only looked stupid as hell, but they probably hurt like hell, too. I know mine did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mine were killing me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We must've looked gorgeous. And what made it worse, there were at least a couple of hundred rubbernecks that didn't have anything better to do than stand around and watch everybody falling all over themselves.\n\n\"Do you want to get a table inside and have a drink or something?\" I said to her finally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the most marvelous idea you've had all day,\" the said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was killing herself. It was brutal. I really felt sorry for her.\n\nWe took off our goddam skates and went inside this bar where you can get drinks and watch the skaters in just your stocking feet. As soon as we sat down, old Sally took off her gloves, and I gave her a cigarette." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wasn't looking too happy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The waiter came up, and I ordered a Coke for her—she didn't drink—and a Scotch and soda for myself, but the sonuvabitch wouldn't bring me one, so I had a Coke, too. Then I sort of started lighting matches. I do that quite a lot when I'm in a certain mood. I sort of let them burn down till I can't hold them any more, then I drop them in the ashtray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's a nervous habit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then all of a sudden, out of a clear blue sky, old Sally said, \"Look. I have to know. Are you or aren't you coming over to help me trim the tree Christmas Eve? I have to know.\" She was still being snotty on account of her ankles when she was skating.\n\n\"I wrote you I would. You've asked me that about twenty times. Sure, I am.\"\n\n\"I mean I have to know,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She started looking all around the goddam room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All of a sudden I quit lighting matches, and sort of leaned nearer to her over the table. I had quite a few topics on my mind. \"Hey, Sally,\" I said.\n\n\"What?\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was looking at some girl on the other side of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you ever get fed up?\" I said. \"I mean did you ever get scared that everything was going to go lousy unless you did something? I mean do you like school, and all that stuff?\"\n\n\"It's a terrific bore.\"\n\n\"I mean do you hate it? I know it's a terrific bore, but do you hate it, is what I mean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I don't exactly hate it. You always have to—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I hate it. Boy, do I hate it,\" I said. \"But it isn't just that. It's everything. I hate living in New York and all. Taxicabs, and Madison Avenue buses, with the drivers and all always yelling at you to get out at the rear door, and being introduced to phony guys that call the Lunts angels, and going up and down in elevators when you just want to go outside, and guys fitting your pants all the time at Brooks, and people always—\"\n\n\"Don't shout, please,\" old Sally said. Which was very funny, because I wasn't even shouting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take cars,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said it in this very quiet voice. \"Take most people, they're crazy about cars. They worry if they get a little scratch on them, and they're always talking about how many miles they get to a gallon, and if they get a brand-new car already they start thinking about trading it in for one that's even newer. I don't even like old cars. I mean they don't even interest me. I'd rather have a goddam horse. A horse is at least human, for God's sake. A horse you can at least—\"\n\n\"I don't know what you're even talking about,\" old Sally said. \"You jump from one—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know something?\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're probably the only reason I'm in New York right now, or anywhere. If you weren't around, I'd probably be someplace way the hell off. In the woods or some goddam place. You're the only reason I'm around, practically.\"\n\n\"You're sweet,\" she said. But you could tell she wanted me to change the damn subject.\n\n\"You ought to go to a boys' school sometime. Try it sometime,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's full of phonies, and all you do is study so that you can learn enough to be smart enough to be able to buy a goddam Cadillac some day, and you have to keep making believe you give a damn if the football team loses, and all you do is talk about girls and liquor and sex all day, and everybody sticks together in these dirty little goddam cliques. The guys that are on the basketball team stick together, the Catholics stick together, the goddam intellectuals stick together, the guys that play bridge stick together. Even the guys that belong to the goddam Book-of-the-Month Club stick together. If you try to have a little intelligent—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, listen,\" old Sally said. \"Lots of boys get more out of school than that.\"\n\n\"I agree! I agree they do, some of them! But that's all I get out of it. See? That's my point. That's exactly my goddam point,\" I said. \"I don't get hardly anything out of anything. I'm in bad shape. I'm in lousy shape.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You certainly are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, all of a sudden, I got this idea.\n\n\"Look,\" I said. \"Here's my idea. How would you like to get the hell out of here? Here's my idea. I know this guy down in Greenwich Village that we can borrow his car for a couple of weeks. He used to go to the same school I did and he still owes me ten bucks. What we could do is, tomorrow morning we could drive up to Massachusetts and Vermont, and all around there, see. It's beautiful as hell up there, It really is.\" I was getting excited as hell, the more I thought of it, and I sort of reached over and took old Sally's goddam hand. What a goddam fool I was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No kidding,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have about a hundred and eighty bucks in the bank. I can take it out when it opens in the morning, and then I could go down and get this guy's car. No kidding. We'll stay in these cabin camps and stuff like that till the dough runs out. Then, when the dough runs out, I could get a job somewhere and we could live somewhere with a brook and all and, later on, we could get married or something. I could chop all our own wood in the wintertime and all. Honest to God, we could have a terrific time! Wuddaya say? C'mon! Wuddaya say? Will you do it with me? Please!\"\n\n\"You can't just do something like that,\" old Sally said. She sounded sore as hell.\n\n\"Why not? Why the hell not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop screaming at me, please,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Which was crap, because I wasn't even screaming at her.\n\n\"Why can'tcha? Why not?\"\n\n\"Because you can't, that's all. In the first place, we're both practically children. And did you ever stop to think what you'd do if you didn't get a job when your money ran out? We'd starve to death. The whole thing's so fantastic, it isn't even—\"\n\n\"It isn't fantastic. I'd get a job. Don't worry about that. You don't have to worry about that. What's the matter? Don't you want to go with me? Say so, if you don't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It isn't that. It isn't that at all,\" old Sally said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was beginning to hate her, in a way. \"We'll have oodles of time to do those things—all those things. I mean after you go to college and all, and if we should get married and all. There'll be oodles of marvelous places to go to. You're just—\"\n\n\"No, there wouldn't be. There wouldn't be oodles of places to go to at all. It'd be entirely different,\" I said. I was getting depressed as hell again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't hear you. One minute you scream at me, and the next you—\"\n\n\"I said no, there wouldn't be marvelous places to go to after I went to college and all. Open your ears. It'd be entirely different. We'd have to go downstairs in elevators with suitcases and stuff. We'd have to phone up everybody and tell 'em good-by and send 'em postcards from hotels and all. And I'd be working in some office, making a lot of dough, and riding to work in cabs and Madison Avenue buses, and reading newspapers, and playing bridge all the time, and going to the movies and seeing a lot of stupid shorts and coming attractions and newsreels. Newsreels. Christ almighty. There's always a dumb horse race, and some dame breaking a bottle over a ship, and some chimpanzee riding a goddam bicycle with pants on. It wouldn't be the same at all. You don't see what I mean at all.\"\n\n\"Maybe I don't! Maybe you don't, either,\" old Sally said. We both hated each other's guts by that time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could see there wasn't any sense trying to have an intelligent conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was sorry as hell I'd started it.\n\n\"C'mon, let's get outa here,\" I said. \"You give me a royal pain in the ass, if you want to know the truth.\"\n\nBoy, did she hit the ceiling when I said that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know I shouldn't've said it, and I probably wouldn't've ordinarily, but she was depressing the hell out of me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Usually I never say crude things like that to girls. Boy, did she hit the ceiling. I apologized like a madman, but she wouldn't accept my apology. She was even crying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which scared me a little bit, because I was a little afraid she'd go home and tell her father I called her a pain in the ass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her father was one of those big silent bastards, and he wasn't too crazy about me anyhow. He once told old Sally I was too goddam noisy.\n\n\"No kidding. I'm sorry,\" I kept telling her.\n\n\"You're sorry. You're sorry. That's very funny,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was still sort of crying, and all of a sudden I did feel sort of sorry I'd said it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"C'mon, I'll take ya home. No kidding.\"\n\n\"I can go home by myself, thank you. If you think I'd let you take me home, you're mad. No boy ever said that to me in my entire life.\"\n\nThe whole thing was sort of funny, in a way, if you thought about it, and all of a sudden I did something I shouldn't have. I laughed. And I have one of these very loud, stupid laughs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean if I ever sat behind myself in a movie or something, I'd probably lean over and tell myself to please shut up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It made old Sally madder than ever.\n\nI stuck around for a while, apologizing and trying to get her to excuse me, but she wouldn't. She kept telling me to go away and leave her alone. So finally I did it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I went inside and got my shoes and stuff, and left without her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shouldn't've, but I was pretty goddam fed up by that time.\n\nIf you want to know the truth, I don't even know why I started all that stuff with her. I mean about going away somewhere, to Massachusetts and Vermont and all. I probably wouldn't've taken her even if she'd wanted to go with me." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of J.D. Salinger.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of J.D. Salinger.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a J.D. Salinger sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I left the skating rink I felt sort of hungry, so I went in this drugstore and had a Swiss cheese sandwich and a malted, and then I went in a phone booth. I thought maybe I might give old Jane another buzz and see if she was home yet. I mean I had the whole evening free, and I thought I'd give her a buzz and, if she was home yet, take her dancing or something somewhere. I never danced with her or anything the whole time I knew her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I saw her dancing once, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked like a very good dancer. It was at this Fourth of July dance at the club. I didn't know her too well then, and I didn't think I ought to cut in on her date. She was dating this terrible guy, Al Pike, that went to Choate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't know him too well, but he was always hanging around the swimming pool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore those white Lastex kind of swimming trunks, and he was always going off the high dive. He did the same lousy old half gainer all day long. It was the only dive he could do, but he thought he was very hot stuff. All muscles and no brains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, that's who Jane dated that night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't understand it. I swear I couldn't. After we started going around together, I asked her how come she could date a showoff bastard like Al Pike. Jane said he wasn't a show-off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said he had an inferiority complex." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She acted like she felt sorry for him or something, and she wasn't just putting it on. She meant it. It's a funny thing about girls. Every time you mention some guy that's strictly a bastard—very mean, or very conceited and all—and when you mention it to the girl, she'll tell you he has an inferiority complex. Maybe he has, but that still doesn't keep him from being a bastard, in my opinion. Girls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You never know what they're going to think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I once got this girl Roberta Walsh's roommate a date with a friend of mine. His name was Bob Robinson and he really had an inferiority complex. You could tell he was very ashamed of his parents and all, because they said \"he don't\" and \"she don't\" and stuff like that and they weren't very wealthy. But he wasn't a bastard or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a very nice guy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this Roberta Walsh's roommate didn't like him at all. She told Roberta he was too conceited—and the reason she thought he was conceited was because he happened to mention to her that he was captain of the debating team. A little thing like that, and she thought he was conceited! The trouble with girls is, if they like a boy, no matter how big a bastard he is, they'll say he has an inferiority complex, and if they don't like him, no matter how nice a guy he is, or how big an inferiority complex he has, they'll say he's conceited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even smart girls do it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, I gave old Jane a buzz again, but her phone didn't answer, so I had to hang up. Then I had to look through my address book to see who the hell might be available for the evening. The trouble was, though, my address book only has about three people in it. Jane, and this man, Mr. Antolini, that was my teacher at Elkton Hills, and my father's office number." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I keep forgetting to put people's names in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So what I did finally, I gave old Carl Luce a buzz. He graduated from the Whooton School after I left. He was about three years older than I was, and I didn't like him too much, but he was one of these very intellectual guys— he had the highest I.Q. of any boy at Whooton—and I thought he might want to have dinner with me somewhere and have a slightly intellectual conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was very enlightening sometimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I gave him a buzz. He went to Columbia now, but he lived on 65th Street and all, and I knew he'd be home. When I got him on the phone, he said he couldn't make it for dinner but that he'd meet me for a drink at ten o'clock at the Wicker Bar, on 54th. I think he was pretty surprised to hear from me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I once called him a fat-assed phony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had quite a bit of time to kill till ten o'clock, so what I did, I went to the movies at Radio City. It was probably the worst thing I could've done, but it was near, and I couldn't think of anything else.\n\nI came in when the goddam stage show was on. The Rockettes were kicking their heads off, the way they do when they're all in line with their arms around each other's waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The audience applauded like mad, and some guy behind me kept saying to his wife, \"You know what that is? That's precision.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He killed me. Then, after the Rockettes, a guy came out in a tuxedo and roller skates on, and started skating under a bunch of little tables, and telling jokes while he did it. He was a very good skater and all, but I couldn't enjoy it much because I kept picturing him practicing to be a guy that roller-skates on the stage. It seemed so stupid. I guess I just wasn't in the right mood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, after him, they had this Christmas thing they have at Radio City every year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All these angels start coming out of the boxes and everywhere, guys carrying crucifixes and stuff all over the place, and the whole bunch of them—thousands of them—singing \"Come All Ye Faithful!\" like mad. Big deal. It's supposed to be religious as hell, I know, and very pretty and all, but I can't see anything religious or pretty, for God's sake, about a bunch of actors carrying crucifixes all over the stage. When they were all finished and started going out the boxes again, you could tell they could hardly wait to get a cigarette or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I saw it with old Sally Hayes the year before, and she kept saying how beautiful it was, the costumes and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said old Jesus probably would've puked if He could see it—all those fancy costumes and all. Sally said I was a sacrilegious atheist. I probably am. The thing Jesus really would've liked would be the guy that plays the kettle drums in the orchestra. I've watched that guy since I was about eight years old." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My brother Allie and I, if we were with our parents and all, we used to move our seats and go way down so we could watch him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's the best drummer I ever saw. He only gets a chance to bang them a couple of times during a whole piece, but he never looks bored when he isn't doing it. Then when he does bang them, he does it so nice and sweet, with this nervous expression on his face. One time when we went to Washington with my father, Allie sent him a postcard, but I'll bet he never got it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We weren't too sure how to address it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the Christmas thing was over, the goddam picture started. It was so putrid I couldn't take my eyes off it. It was about this English guy, Alec something, that was in the war and loses his memory in the hospital and all. He comes out of the hospital carrying a cane and limping all over the place, all over London, not knowing who the hell he is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's really a duke, but he doesn't know it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he meets this nice, homey, sincere girl getting on a bus. Her goddam hat blows off and he catches it, and then they go upstairs and sit down and start talking about Charles Dickens. He's both their favorite author and all. He's carrying this copy of Oliver Twist and so's she." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I could've puked. Anyway, they fell in love right away, on account of they're both so nuts about Charles Dickens and all, and he helps her run her publishing business." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's a publisher, the girl. Only, she's not doing so hot, because her brother's a drunkard and he spends all their dough. He's a very bitter guy, the brother, because he was a doctor in the war and now he can't operate any more because his nerves are shot, so he boozes all the time, but he's pretty witty and all. Anyway, old Alec writes a book, and this girl publishes it, and they both make a hatful of dough on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're all set to get married when this other girl, old Marcia, shows up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marcia was Alec's fiancée before he lost his memory, and she recognizes him when he's in this store autographing books. She tells old Alec he's really a duke and all, but he doesn't believe her and doesn't want to go with her to visit his mother and all. His mother's blind as a bat. But the other girl, the homey one, makes him go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's very noble and all. So he goes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he still doesn't get his memory back, even when his great Dane jumps all over him and his mother sticks her fingers all over his face and brings him this teddy bear he used to slobber around with when he was a kid. But then, one day, some kids are playing cricket on the lawn and he gets smacked in the head with a cricket ball. Then right away he gets his goddam memory back and he goes in and kisses his mother on the forehead and all. Then he starts being a regular duke again, and he forgets all about the homey babe that has the publishing business." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd tell you the rest of the story, but I might puke if I did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It isn't that I'd spoil it for you or anything. There isn't anything to spoil for Chrissake. Anyway, it ends up with Alec and the homey babe getting married, and the brother that's a drunkard gets his nerves back and operates on Alec's mother so she can see again, and then the drunken brother and old Marcia go for each other. It ends up with everybody at this long dinner table laughing their asses off because the great Dane comes in with a bunch of puppies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everybody thought it was a male, I suppose, or some goddam thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All I can say is, don't see it if you don't want to puke all over yourself.\n\nThe part that got me was, there was a lady sitting next to me that cried all through the goddam picture. The phonier it got, the more she cried. You'd have thought she did it because she was kindhearted as hell, but I was sitting right next to her, and she wasn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had this little kid with her that was bored as hell and had to go to the bathroom, but she wouldn't take him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept telling him to sit still and behave himself. She was about as kindhearted as a goddam wolf. You take somebody that cries their goddam eyes out over phony stuff in the movies, and nine times out of ten they're mean bastards at heart. I'm not kidding.\n\nAfter the movie was over, I started walking down to the Wicker Bar, where I was supposed to meet old Carl Luce, and while I walked I sort of thought about war and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those war movies always do that to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't think I could stand it if I had to go to war. I really couldn't. It wouldn't be too bad if they'd just take you out and shoot you or something, but you have to stay in the Army so goddam long. That's the whole trouble. My brother D.B. was in the Army for four goddam years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was in the war, too—he landed on D-Day and all—but I really think he hated the Army worse than the war." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was practically a child at the time, but I remember when he used to come home on furlough and all, all he did was lie on his bed, practically. He hardly ever even came in the living room. Later, when he went overseas and was in the war and all, he didn't get wounded or anything and he didn't have to shoot anybody. All he had to do was drive some cowboy general around all day in a command car." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He once told Allie and I that if he'd had to shoot anybody, he wouldn't've known which direction to shoot in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said the Army was practically as full of bastards as the Nazis were. I remember Allie once asked him wasn't it sort of good that he was in the war because he was a writer and it gave him a lot to write about and all. He made Allie go get his baseball mitt and then he asked him who was the best war poet, Rupert Brooke or Emily Dickinson. Allie said Emily Dickinson." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't know too much about it myself, because I don't read much poetry, but I do know it'd drive me crazy if I had to be in the Army and be with a bunch of guys like Ackley and Stradlater and old Maurice all the time, marching with them and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was in the Boy Scouts once, for about a week, and I couldn't even stand looking at the back of the guy's neck in front of me. They kept telling you to look at the back of the guy's neck in front of you. I swear if there's ever another war, they better just take me out and stick me in front of a firing squad. I wouldn't object. What gets me about D.B., though, he hated the war so much, and yet he got me to read this book A Farewell to Arms last summer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said it was so terrific." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's what I can't understand. It had this guy in it named Lieutenant Henry that was supposed to be a nice guy and all. I don't see how D.B. could hate the Army and war and all so much and still like a phony like that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean, for instance, I don't see how he could like a phony book like that and still like that one by Ring Lardner, or that other one he's so crazy about, The Great Gatsby. D.B." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "got sore when I said that, and said I was too young and all to appreciate it, but I don't think so. I told him I liked Ring Lardner and The Great Gatsby and all. I did, too. I was crazy about The Great Gatsby. Old Gatsby. Old sport." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In case you don't live in New York, the Wicker Bar is in this sort of swanky hotel, the Seton Hotel. I used to go there quite a lot, but I don't any more. I gradually cut it out. It's one of those places that are supposed to be very sophisticated and all, and the phonies are coming in the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They used to have these two French babes, Tina and Janine, come out and play the piano and sing about three times every night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them played the piano—strictly lousy—and the other one sang, and most of the songs were either pretty dirty or in French. The one that sang, old Janine, was always whispering into the goddam microphone before she sang. She'd say, \"And now we like to geeve you our impression of Vooly Voo Fransay. Eet ees the story of a leetle Fransh girl who comes to a beeg ceety, just like New York, and falls een love wees a leetle boy from Brookleen. We hope you like eet.\" Then, when she was all done whispering and being cute as hell, she'd sing some dopey song, half in English and half in French, and drive all the phonies in the place mad with joy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you sat around there long enough and heard all the phonies applauding and all, you got to hate everybody in the world, I swear you did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bartender was a louse, too. He was a big snob. He didn't talk to you at all hardly unless you were a big shot or a celebrity or something. If you were a big shot or a celebrity or something, then he was even more nauseating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd go up to you and say, with this big charming smile, like he was a helluva swell guy if you knew him, \"Well! How's Connecticut?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "or \"How's Florida?\" It was a terrible place, I'm not kidding. I cut out going there entirely, gradually.\n\nIt was pretty early when I got there. I sat down at the bar—it was pretty crowded—and had a couple of Scotch and sodas before old Luce even showed up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I stood up when I ordered them so they could see how tall I was and all and not think I was a goddam minor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I watched the phonies for a while. Some guy next to me was snowing hell out of the babe he was with. He kept telling her she had aristocratic hands. That killed me. The other end of the bar was full of flits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They weren't too flitty-looking—I mean they didn't have their hair too long or anything—but you could tell they were flits anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally old Luce showed up.\n\nOld Luce. What a guy. He was supposed to be my Student Adviser when I was at Whooton. The only thing he ever did, though, was give these sex talks and all, late at night when there was a bunch of guys in his room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew quite a bit about sex, especially perverts and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was always telling us about a lot of creepy guys that go around having affairs with sheep, and guys that go around with girls' pants sewed in the lining of their hats and all. And flits and Lesbians. Old Luce knew who every flit and Lesbian in the United States was. All you had to do was mention somebody—anybody—and old Luce'd tell you if he was a flit or not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes it was hard to believe, the people he said were flits and Lesbians and all, movie actors and like that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the ones he said were flits were even married, for God's sake. You'd keep saying to him, \"You mean Joe Blow's a flit? Joe Blow? That big, tough guy that plays gangsters and cowboys all the time?\" Old Luce'd say, \"Certainly.\" He was always saying \"Certainly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said it didn't matter if a guy was married or not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said half the married guys in the world were flits and didn't even know it. He said you could turn into one practically overnight, if you had all the traits and all. He used to scare the hell out of us. I kept waiting to turn into a flit or something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The funny thing about old Luce, I used to think he was sort of flitty himself, in a way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was always saying, \"Try this for size,\" and then he'd goose the hell out of you while you were going down the corridor. And whenever he went to the can, he always left the goddam door open and talked to you while you were brushing your teeth or something. That stuff's sort of flitty. It really is. I've known quite a few real flits, at schools and all, and they're always doing stuff like that, and that's why I always had my doubts about old Luce." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a pretty intelligent guy, though. He really was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He never said hello or anything when he met you. The first thing he said when he sat down was that he could only stay a couple of minutes. He said he had a date. Then he ordered a dry Martini." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told the bartender to make it very dry, and no olive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, I got a flit for you,\" I told him. \"At the end of the bar. Don't look now. I been saving him for ya.\"\n\n\"Very funny,\" he said. \"Same old Caulfield. When are you going to grow up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I bored him a lot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I really did. He amused me, though. He was one of those guys that sort of amuse me a lot.\n\n\"How's your sex life?\" I asked him. He hated you to ask him stuff like that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Relax,\" he said. \"Just sit back and relax, for Chrissake.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm relaxed,\" I said. \"How's Columbia? Ya like it?\"\n\n\"Certainly I like it. If I didn't like it I wouldn't have gone there,\" he said. He could be pretty boring himself sometimes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What're you majoring in?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked him. \"Perverts?\" I was only horsing around.\n\n\"What're you trying to be—funny?\"\n\n\"No. I'm only kidding,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen, hey, Luce. You're one of these intellectual guys. I need your advice. I'm in a terrific—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He let out this big groan on me. \"Listen, Caulfield. If you want to sit here and have a quiet, peaceful drink and a quiet, peaceful conver—\"\n\n\"All right, all right,\" I said. \"Relax.\" You could tell he didn't feel like discussing anything serious with me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's the trouble with these intellectual guys." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They never want to discuss anything serious unless they feel like it. So all I did was, I started discussing topics in general with him. \"No kidding, how's your sex life?\" I asked him. \"You still going around with that same babe you used to at Whooton? The one with the terrffic—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good God, no,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How come? What happened to her?\"\n\n\"I haven't the faintest idea. For all I know, since you ask, she's probably the Whore of New Hampshire by this time.\"\n\n\"That isn't nice. If she was decent enough to let you get sexy with her all the time, you at least shouldn't talk about her that way.\"\n\n\"Oh, God!\" old Luce said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this going to be a typical Caulfield conversation? I want to know right now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" I said, \"but it isn't nice anyway. If she was decent and nice enough to let you—\"\n\n\"Must we pursue this horrible trend of thought?\"\n\nI didn't say anything. I was sort of afraid he'd get up and leave on me if I didn't shut up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So all I did was, I ordered another drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt like getting stinking drunk.\n\n\"Who're you going around with now?\" I asked him. \"You feel like telling me?\"\n\n\"Nobody you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, but who? I might know her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Girl lives in the Village. Sculptress. If you must know.\"\n\n\"Yeah? No kidding? How old is she?\"\n\n\"I've never asked her, for God's sake.\"\n\n\"Well, around how old?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I should imagine she's in her late thirties,\" old Luce said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In her late thirties? Yeah? You like that?\" I asked him. \"You like 'em that old?\" The reason I was asking was because he really knew quite a bit about sex and all. He was one of the few guys I knew that did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lost his virginity when he was only fourteen, in Nantucket. He really did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I like a mature person, if that's what you mean. Certainly.\"\n\n\"You do? Why? No kidding, they better for sex and all?\"\n\n\"Listen. Let's get one thing straight. I refuse to answer any typical Caulfield questions tonight. When in hell are you going to grow up?\"\n\nI didn't say anything for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I let it drop for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then old Luce ordered another Martini and told the bartender to make it a lot dryer.\n\n\"Listen. How long you been going around with her, this sculpture babe?\" I asked him. I was really interested. \"Did you know her when you were at Whooton?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hardly. She just arrived in this country a few months ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She did? Where's she from?\"\n\n\"She happens to be from Shanghai.\"\n\n\"No kidding! She Chinese, for Chrissake?\"\n\n\"Obviously.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No kidding! Do you like that? Her being Chinese?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Obviously.\"\n\n\"Why? I'd be interested to know—I really would.\"\n\n\"I simply happen to find Eastern philosophy more satisfactory than Western. Since you ask.\"\n\n\"You do? Wuddaya mean 'philosophy'? Ya mean sex and all? You mean it's better in China? That what you mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not necessarily in China, for God's sake. The East I said. Must we go on with this inane conversation?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, I'm serious,\" I said. \"No kidding. Why's it better in the East?\"\n\n\"It's too involved to go into, for God's sake,\" old Luce said. \"They simply happen to regard sex as both a physical and a spiritual experience. If you think I'm—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So do I! So do I regard it as a wuddayacallit—a physical and spiritual experience and all. I really do. But it depends on who the hell I'm doing it with. If I'm doing it with somebody I don't even—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not so loud, for God's sake, Caulfield. If you can't manage to keep your voice down, let's drop the whole—\"\n\n\"All right, but listen,\" I said. I was getting excited and I was talking a little too loud. Sometimes I talk a little loud when I get excited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is what I mean, though,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know it's supposed to be physical and spiritual, and artistic and all. But what I mean is, you can't do it with everybody—every girl you neck with and all—and make it come out that way. Can you?\"\n\n\"Let's drop it,\" old Luce said. \"Do you mind?\"\n\n\"All right, but listen. Take you and this Chinese babe. What's so good about you two?\"\n\n\"Drop it, I said.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was getting a little too personal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I realize that. But that was one of the annoying things about Luce. When we were at Whooton, he'd make you describe the most personal stuff that happened to you, but if you started asking him questions about himself, he got sore. These intellectual guys don't like to have an intellectual conversation with you unless they're running the whole thing. They always want you to shut up when they shut up, and go back to your room when they go back to their room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I was at Whooton old Luce used to hate it—you really could tell he did—when after he was finished giving his sex talk to a bunch of us in his room we stuck around and chewed the fat by ourselves for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean the other guys and myself. In somebody else's room. Old Luce hated that. He always wanted everybody to go back to their own room and shut up when he was finished being the big shot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thing he was afraid of, he was afraid somebody'd say something smarter than he had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He really amused me.\n\n\"Maybe I'll go to China. My sex life is lousy,\" I said.\n\n\"Naturally. Your mind is immature.\"\n\n\"It is. It really is. I know it,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know what the trouble with me is? I can never get really sexy—I mean really sexy—with a girl I don't like a lot. I mean I have to like her a lot. If I don't, I sort of lose my goddam desire for her and all. Boy, it really screws up my sex life something awful. My sex life stinks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Naturally it does, for God's sake. I told you the last time I saw you what you need.\"\n\n\"You mean to go to a psychoanalyst and all?\" I said. That's what he'd told me I ought to do. His father was a psychoanalyst and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's up to you, for God's sake. It's none of my goddam business what you do with your life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't say anything for a while. I was thinking.\n\n\"Supposing I went to your father and had him psychoanalyze me and all,\" I said. \"What would he do to me? I mean what would he do to me?\"\n\n\"He wouldn't do a goddam thing to you. He'd simply talk to you, and you'd talk to him, for God's sake. For one thing, he'd help you to recognize the patterns of your mind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The patterns of your mind. Your mind runs in— Listen. I'm not giving an elementary course in psychoanalysis. If you're interested, call him up and make an appointment. If you're not, don't. I couldn't care less, frankly.\"\n\nI put my hand on his shoulder. Boy, he amused me. \"You're a real friendly bastard,\" I told him. \"You know that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was looking at his wrist watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have to tear,\" he said, and stood up. \"Nice seeing you.\" He got the bartender and told him to bring him his check.\n\n\"Hey,\" I said, just before he beat it. \"Did your father ever psychoanalyze you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me? Why do you ask?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No reason. Did he, though? Has he?\"\n\n\"Not exactly. He's helped me to adjust myself to a certain extent, but an extensive analysis hasn't been necessary. Why do you ask?\"\n\n\"No reason. I was just wondering.\"\n\n\"Well. Take it easy,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was leaving his tip and all and he was starting to go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have just one more drink,\" I told him. \"Please. I'm lonesome as hell. No kidding.\"\n\nHe said he couldn't do it, though. He said he was late now, and then he left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Luce. He was strictly a pain in the ass, but he certainly had a good vocabulary." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had the largest vocabulary of any boy at Whooton when I was there. They gave us a test." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: J.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I kept sitting there getting drunk and waiting for old Tina and Janine to come out and do their stuff, but they weren't there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A flitty-looking guy with wavy hair came out and played the piano, and then this new babe, Valencia, came out and sang. She wasn't any good, but she was better than old Tina and Janine, and at least she sang good songs. The piano was right next to the bar where I was sitting and all, and old Valencia was standing practically right next to me. I sort of gave her the old eye, but she pretended she didn't even see me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I probably wouldn't have done it, but I was getting drunk as hell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was finished, she beat it out of the room so fast I didn't even get a chance to invite her to join me for a drink, so I called the headwaiter over. I told him to ask old Valencia if she'd care to join me for a drink. He said he would, but he probably didn't even give her my message. People never give your message to anybody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, I sat at that goddam bar till around one o'clock or so, getting drunk as a bastard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I could hardly see straight. The one thing I did, though, I was careful as hell not to get boisterous or anything. I didn't want anybody to notice me or anything or ask how old I was. But, boy, I could hardly see straight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I was really drunk, I started that stupid business with the bullet in my guts again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was the only guy at the bar with a bullet in their guts. I kept putting my hand under my jacket, on my stomach and all, to keep the blood from dripping all over the place. I didn't want anybody to know I was even wounded. I was concealing the fact that I was a wounded sonuvabitch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally what I felt like, I felt like giving old Jane a buzz and see if she was home yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I paid my check and all. Then I left the bar and went out where the telephones were. I kept keeping my hand under my jacket to keep the blood from dripping. Boy, was I drunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when I got inside this phone booth, I wasn't much in the mood any more to give old Jane a buzz." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was too drunk, I guess. So what I did, I gave old Sally Hayes a buzz.\n\nI had to dial about twenty numbers before I got the right one. Boy, was I blind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello,\" I said when somebody answered the goddam phone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sort of yelled it, I was so drunk.\n\n\"Who is this?\" this very cold lady's voice said.\n\n\"This is me. Holden Caulfield. Lemme speaka Sally, please.\"\n\n\"Sally's asleep. This is Sally's grandmother. Why are you calling at this hour, Holden? Do you know what time it is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah. Wanna talka Sally. Very important. Put her on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sally's asleep, young man. Call her tomorrow. Good night.\"\n\n\"Wake 'er up! Wake 'er up, hey. Attaboy.\"\n\nThen there was a different voice. \"Holden, this is me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was old Sally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the big idea?\"\n\n\"Sally? That you?\"\n\n\"Yes—stop screaming. Are you drunk?\"\n\n\"Yeah. Listen. Listen, hey. I'll come over Christmas Eve. Okay? Trimma goddarn tree for ya. Okay? Okay, hey, Sally?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. You're drunk. Go to bed now. Where are you? Who's with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sally? I'll come over and trimma tree for ya, okay? Okay, hey?\"\n\n\"Yes. Go to bed now. Where are you? Who's with you?\"\n\n\"Nobody. Me, myself and I.\" Boy was I drunk!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was even still holding onto my guts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They got me. Rocky's mob got me. You know that? Sally, you know that?\"\n\n\"I can't hear you. Go to bed now. I have to go. Call me tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Hey, Sally! You want me trimma tree for ya? Ya want me to? Huh?\"\n\n\"Yes. Good night. Go home and go to bed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hung up on me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"G'night. G'night, Sally baby. Sally sweetheart darling,\" I said. Can you imagine how drunk I was? I hung up too, then. I figured she probably just came home from a date." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pictured her out with the Lunts and all somewhere, and that Andover jerk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All of them swimming around in a goddam pot of tea and saying sophisticated stuff to each other and being charming and phony. I wished to God I hadn't even phoned her. When I'm drunk, I'm a madman.\n\nI stayed in the damn phone booth for quite a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I kept holding onto the phone, sort of, so I wouldn't pass out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't feeling too marvelous, to tell you the truth. Finally, though, I came out and went in the men's room, staggering around like a moron, and filled one of the washbowls with cold water. Then I dunked my head in it, right up to the ears. I didn't even bother to dry it or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I just let the sonuvabitch drip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I walked over to this radiator by the window and sat down on it. It was nice and warm. It felt good because I was shivering like a bastard. It's a funny thing, I always shiver like hell when I'm drunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't have anything else to do, so I kept sitting on the radiator and counting these little white squares on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was getting soaked. About a gallon of water was dripping down my neck, getting all over my collar and tie and all, but I didn't give a damn. I was too drunk to give a damn. Then, pretty soon, the guy that played the piano for old Valencia, this very wavyhaired, flitty-looking guy, came in to comb his golden locks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We sort of struck up a conversation while he was combing it, except that he wasn't too goddam friendly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey. You gonna see that Valencia babe when you go back in the bar?\" I asked him.\n\n\"It's highly probable,\" he said. Witty bastard. All I ever meet is witty bastards.\n\n\"Listen. Give her my compliments. Ask her if that goddam waiter gave her my message, willya?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why don't you go home, Mac? How old are you, anyway?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eighty-six. Listen. Give her my compliments. Okay?\"\n\n\"Why don't you go home, Mac?\"\n\n\"Not me. Boy, you can play that goddam piano.\" I told him. I was just flattering him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He played the piano stinking, if you want to know the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You oughta go on the radio,\" I said. \"Handsome chap like you. All those goddam golden locks. Ya need a manager?\"\n\n\"Go home, Mac, like a good guy. Go home and hit the sack.\"\n\n\"No home to go to. No kidding—you need a manager?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't answer me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He just went out. He was all through combing his hair and patting it and all, so he left. Like Stradlater. All these handsome guys are the same. When they're done combing their goddam hair, they beat it on you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I finally got down off the radiator and went out to the hat-check room, I was crying and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know why, but I was. I guess it was because I was feeling so damn depressed and lonesome. Then, when I went out to the checkroom, I couldn't find my goddam check. The hat-check girl was very nice about it, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gave me my coat anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And my \"Little Shirley Beans\" record—I still had it with me and all. I gave her a buck for being so nice, but she wouldn't take it. She kept telling me to go home and go to bed. I sort of tried to make a date with her for when she got through working, but she wouldn't do it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said she was old enough to be my mother and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I showed her my goddam gray hair and told her I was forty-two—I was only horsing around, naturally. She was nice, though. I showed her my goddam red hunting hat, and she liked it. She made me put it on before I went out, because my hair was still pretty wet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was all right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't feel too drunk any more when I went outside, but it was getting very cold out again, and my teeth started chattering like hell. I couldn't make them stop. I walked over to Madison Avenue and started to wait around for a bus because I didn't have hardly any money left and I had to start economizing on cabs and all. But I didn't feel like getting on a damn bus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And besides, I didn't even know where I was supposed to go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So what I did, I started walking over to the park. I figured I'd go by that little lake and see what the hell the ducks were doing, see if they were around or not, I still didn't know if they were around or not. It wasn't far over to the park, and I didn't have anyplace else special to go to—I didn't even know where I was going to sleep yet—so I went. I wasn't tired or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I just felt blue as hell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then something terrible happened just as I got in the park. I dropped old Phoebe's record. It broke-into about fifty pieces. It was in a big envelope and all, but it broke anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I damn near cried, it made me feel so terrible, but all I did was, I took the pieces out of the envelope and put them in my coat pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They weren't any good for anything, but I didn't feel like just throwing them away. Then I went in the park. Boy, was it dark.\n\nI've lived in New York all my life, and I know Central Park like the back of my hand, because I used to roller-skate there all the time and ride my bike when I was a kid, but I had the most terrific trouble finding that lagoon that night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I knew right where it was—it was right near Central Park South and all—but I still couldn't find it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must've been drunker than I thought. I kept walking and walking, and it kept getting darker and darker and spookier and spookier. I didn't see one person the whole time I was in the park. I'm just as glad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I probably would've jumped about a mile if I had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, finally, I found it. What it was, it was partly frozen and partly not frozen. But I didn't see any ducks around. I walked all around the whole damn lake—I damn near fell in once, in fact—but I didn't see a single duck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought maybe if there were any around, they might be asleep or something near the edge of the water, near the grass and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's how I nearly fell in. But I couldn't find any.\n\nFinally I sat down on this bench, where it wasn't so goddam dark. Boy, I was still shivering like a bastard, and the back of my hair, even though I had my hunting hat on, was sort of full of little hunks of ice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That worried me. I thought probably I'd get pneumonia and die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I started picturing millions of jerks coming to my funeral and all. My grandfather from Detroit, that keeps calling out the numbers of the streets when you ride on a goddam bus with him, and my aunts—I have about fifty aunts—and all my lousy cousins. What a mob'd be there. They all came when Allie died, the whole goddam stupid bunch of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have this one stupid aunt with halitosis that kept saying how peaceful he looked lying there, D.B. told me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't there. I was still in the hospital. I had to go to the hospital and all after I hurt my hand. Anyway, I kept worrying that I was getting pneumonia, with all those hunks of ice in my hair, and that I was going to die." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I felt sorry as hell for my mother and father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Especially my mother, because she still isn't over my brother Allie yet. I kept picturing her not knowing what to do with all my suits and athletic equipment and all. The only good thing, I knew she wouldn't let old Phoebe come to my goddam funeral because she was only a little kid. That was the only good part." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I thought about the whole bunch of them sticking me in a goddam cemetery and all, with my name on this tombstone and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surrounded by dead guys. Boy, when you're dead, they really fix you up. I hope to hell when I do die somebody has sense enough to just dump me in the river or something. Anything except sticking me in a goddam cemetery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People coming and putting a bunch of flowers on your stomach on Sunday, and all that crap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who wants flowers when you're dead? Nobody.\n\nWhen the weather's nice, my parents go out quite frequently and stick a bunch of flowers on old Allie's grave. I went with them a couple of times, but I cut it out. In the first place, I certainly don't enjoy seeing him in that crazy cemetery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surrounded by dead guys and tombstones and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't too bad when the sun was out, but twice—twice—we were there when it started to rain. It was awful. It rained on his lousy tombstone, and it rained on the grass on his stomach. It rained all over the place. All the visitors that were visiting the cemetery started running like hell over to their cars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's what nearly drove me crazy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the visitors could get in their cars and turn on their radios and all and then go someplace nice for dinner—everybody except Allie. I couldn't stand it. I know it's only his body and all that's in the cemetery, and his soul's in Heaven and all that crap, but I couldn't stand it anyway. I just wish he wasn't there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You didn't know him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you'd known him, you'd know what I mean. It's not too bad when the sun's out, but the sun only comes out when it feels like coming out.\n\nAfter a while, just to get my mind off getting pneumonia and all, I took out my dough and tried to count it in the lousy light from the street lamp. All I had was three singles and five quarters and a nickel left—boy, I spent a fortune since I left Pencey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then what I did, I went down near the lagoon and I sort of skipped the quarters and the nickel across it, where it wasn't frozen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know why I did it, but I did it. I guess I thought it'd take my mind off getting pneumonia and dying. It didn't, though.\n\nI started thinking how old Phoebe would feel if I got pneumonia and died. It was a childish way to think, but I couldn't stop myself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd feel pretty bad if something like that happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She likes me a lot. I mean she's quite fond of me. She really is. Anyway, I couldn't get that off my mind, so finally what I figured I'd do, I figured I'd better sneak home and see her, in case I died and all. I had my door key with me and all, and I figured what I'd do, I'd sneak in the apartment, very quiet and all, and just sort of chew the fat with her for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only thing that worried me was our front door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It creaks like a bastard. It's a pretty old apartment house, and the superintendent's a lazy bastard, and everything creaks and squeaks. I was afraid my parents might hear me sneaking in. But I decided I'd try it anyhow." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of J.D. Salinger.Produce 4 sentences using the prose and structure of J.D. Salinger every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The best break I had in years, when I got home the regular night elevator boy, Pete, wasn't on the car. Some new guy I'd never seen was on the car, so I figured that if I didn't bump smack into my parents and all I'd be able to say hello to old Phoebe and then beat it and nobody'd even know I'd been around. It was really a terrific break. What made it even better, the new elevator boy was sort of on the stupid side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I told him, in this very casual voice, to take me up to the Dicksteins'." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Dicksteins were these people that had the other apartment on our floor. I'd already taken off my hunting hat, so as not to look suspicious or anything. I went in the elevator like I was in a terrific hurry.\n\nHe had the elevator doors all shut and all, and was all set to take me up, and then he turned around and said, \"They ain't in. They're at a party on the fourteenth floor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's all right,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm supposed to wait for them. I'm their nephew.\"\n\nHe gave me this sort of stupid, suspicious look. \"You better wait in the lobby, fella,\" he said.\n\n\"I'd like to—I really would,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I have a bad leg. I have to hold it in a certain position. I think I'd better sit down in the chair outside their door.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't know what the hell I was talking about, so all he said was \"Oh\" and took me up. Not bad, boy. It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to.\n\nI got off at our floor—limping like a bastard—and started walking over toward the Dicksteins' side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, when I heard the elevator doors shut, I turned around and went over to our side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was doing all right. I didn't even feel drunk anymore. Then I took out my door key and opened our door, quiet as hell. Then, very, very carefully and all, I went inside and closed the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I really should've been a crook." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was dark as hell in the foyer, naturally, and naturally I couldn't turn on any lights. I had to be careful not to bump into anything and make a racket. I certainly knew I was home, though. Our foyer has a funny smell that doesn't smell like anyplace else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't know what the hell it is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It isn't cauliflower and it isn't perfume—I don't know what the hell it is—but you always know you're home. I started to take off my coat and hang it up in the foyer closet, but that closet's full of hangers that rattle like madmen when you open the door, so I left it on. Then I started walking very, very slowly back toward old Phoebe's room. I knew the maid wouldn't hear me because she had only one eardrum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had this brother that stuck a straw down her ear when she was a kid, she once told me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was pretty deaf and all. But my parents, especially my mother, she has ears like a goddam bloodhound. So I took it very, very easy when I went past their door. I even held my breath, for God's sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You can hit my father over the head with a chair and he won't wake up, but my mother, all you have to do to my mother is cough somewhere in Siberia and she'll hear you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's nervous as hell. Half the time she's up all night smoking cigarettes.\n\nFinally, after about an hour, I got to old Phoebe's room. She wasn't there, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I forgot about that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I forgot she always sleeps in D.B. 's room when he's away in Hollywood or some place. She likes it because it's the biggest room in the house. Also because it has this big old madman desk in it that D.B." }, { "from": "human", "value": "bought off some lady alcoholic in Philadelphia, and this big, gigantic bed that's about ten miles wide and ten miles long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know where he bought that bed. Anyway, old Phoebe likes to sleep in D.B. 's room when he's away, and he lets her. You ought to see her doing her homework or something at that crazy desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's almost as big as the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can hardly see her when she's doing her homework. That's the kind of stuff she likes, though. She doesn't like her own room because it's too little, she says. She says she likes to spread out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That kills me. What's old Phoebe got to spread out? Nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyway, I went into D.B. 's room quiet as hell, and turned on the lamp on the desk. Old Phoebe didn't even wake up. When the light was on and all, I sort of looked at her for a while." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was laying there asleep, with her face sort of on the side of the pillow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had her mouth way open. It's funny. You take adults, they look lousy when they're asleep and they have their mouths way open, but kids don't. Kids look all right. They can even have spit all over the pillow and they still look all right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I went around the room, very quiet and all, looking at stuff for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt swell, for a change. I didn't even feel like I was getting pneumonia or anything any more. I just felt good, for a change. Old Phoebe's clothes were on this chair right next to the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's very neat, for a child." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean she doesn't just throw her stuff around, like some kids. She's no slob. She had the jacket to this tan suit my mother bought her in Canada hung up on the back of the chair. Then her blouse and stuff were on the seat. Her shoes and socks were on the floor, right underneath the chair, right next to each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I never saw the shoes before. They were new." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were these dark brown loafers, sort of like this pair I have, and they went swell with that suit my mother bought her in Canada. My mother dresses her nice. She really does. My mother has terrific taste in some things. She's no good at buying ice skates or anything like that, but clothes, she's perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean Phoebe always has some dress on that can kill you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You take most little kids, even if their parents are wealthy and all, they usually have some terrible dress on. I wish you could see old Phoebe in that suit my mother bought her in Canada. I'm not kidding.\n\nI sat down on old D.B. 's desk and looked at the stuff on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was mostly Phoebe's stuff, from school and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mostly books. The one on top was called Arithmetic Is Fun! I sort of opened the first page and took a look at it. This is what old Phoebe had on it:\n\nPHOEBE WEATHERFIELD CAULFIELD" }, { "from": "human", "value": "4B-1" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That killed me. Her middle name is Josephine, for God's sake, not Weatherfield. She doesn't like it, though. Every time I see her she's got a new middle name for herself.\n\nThe book underneath the arithmetic was a geography, and the book under the geography was a speller." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's very good in spelling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's very good in all her subjects, but she's best in spelling. Then, under the speller, there were a bunch of notebooks. She has about five thousand notebooks. You never saw a kid with so many notebooks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I opened the one on top and looked at the first page." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had on it:\n\nBernice meet me at recess I have something\n\nvery very important to tell you.\n\nThat was all there was on that page." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next one had on it:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why has south eastern Alaska so many caning factories?\n\nBecause theres so much salmon\n\nWhy has it valuable forests?\n\nbecause it has the right climate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What has our government done to make" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "life easier for the alaskan eskimos?\n\nlook it up for tomorrow!! !\n\nPhoebe Weatherfield Caulfield\n\nPhoebe Weatherfield Caulfield" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Phoebe Weatherfield Caulfield" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Phoebe W. Caulfield\n\nPhoebe Weatherfield Caulfield, Esq.\n\nPlease pass to Shirley!!! !\n\nShirley you said you were sagitarius" }, { "from": "human", "value": "but your only taurus bring your skates" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "when you come over to my house\n\nI sat there on D.B. 's desk and read the whole notebook. It didn't take me long, and I can read that kind of stuff, some kid's notebook, Phoebe's or anybody's, all day and all night long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kid's notebooks kill me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I lit another cigarette—it was my last one. I must've smoked about three cartons that day. Then, finally, I woke her up. I mean I couldn't sit there on that desk for the rest of my life, and besides, I was afraid my parents might barge in on me all of a sudden and I wanted to at least say hello to her before they did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So I woke her up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wakes up very easily. I mean you don't have to yell at her or anything. All you have to do, practically, is sit down on the bed and say, \"Wake up, Phoeb,\" and bingo, she's awake.\n\n\"Holden!\" she said right away. She put her arms around my neck and all. She's very affectionate. I mean she's quite affectionate, for a child. Sometimes she's even too affectionate. I sort of gave her a kiss, and she said, \"Whenja get home7' She was glad as hell to see me. You could tell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not so loud. Just now. How are ya anyway?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm fine. Did you get my letter? I wrote you a five-page—\"\n\n\"Yeah—not so loud. Thanks.\"\n\nShe wrote me this letter. I didn't get a chance to answer it, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was all about this play she was in in school." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She told me not to make any dates or anything for Friday so that I could come see it.\n\n\"How's the play?\" I asked her. \"What'd you say the name of it was?\"\n\n\"'A Christmas Pageant for Americans.' It stinks, but I'm Benedict Arnold. I have practically the biggest part,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, was she wide-awake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gets very excited when she tells you that stuff. \"It starts out when I'm dying. This ghost comes in on Christmas Eve and asks me if I'm ashamed and everything. You know. For betraying my country and everything. Are you coming to it?\" She was sitting way the hell up in the bed and all. \"That's what I wrote you about. Are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure I'm coming. Certainly I'm coming.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Daddy can't come. He has to fly to California,\" she said. Boy, was she wide-awake. It only takes her about two seconds to get wide-awake. She was sitting—sort of kneeling—way up in bed, and she was holding my goddam hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen. Mother said you'd be home Wednesday,\" she said. \"She said Wednesday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I got out early. Not so loud. You'll wake everybody up.\"\n\n\"What time is it? They won't be home till very late, Mother said. They went to a party in Norwalk, Connecticut,\" old Phoebe said. \"Guess what I did this afternoon! What movie I saw. Guess!\"\n\n\"I don't know—Listen. Didn't they say what time they'd—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Doctor,\" old Phoebe said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a special movie they had at the Lister Foundation. Just this one day they had it—today was the only day. It was all about this doctor in Kentucky and everything that sticks a blanket over this child's face that's a cripple and can't walk. Then they send him to jail and everything. It was excellent.\"\n\n\"Listen a second. Didn't they say what time they'd—\"\n\n\"He feels sorry for it, the doctor. That's why he sticks this blanket over her face and everything and makes her suffocate. Then they make him go to jail for life imprisonment, but this child that he stuck the blanket over its head comes to visit him all the time and thanks him for what he did. He was a mercy killer. Only, he knows he deserves to go to jail because a doctor isn't supposed to take things away from God. This girl in my class's mother took us. Alice Holmborg, She's my best friend. She's the only girl in the whole—\"\n\n\"Wait a second, willya?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I said. \"I'm asking you a question. Did they say what time they'd be back, or didn't they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, but not till very late. Daddy took the car and everything so they wouldn't have to worry about trains. We have a radio in it now! Except that Mother said nobody can play it when the car's in traffic.\"\n\nI began to relax, sort of. I mean I finally quit worrying about whether they'd catch me home or not. I figured the hell with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If they did, they did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You should've seen old Phoebe. She had on these blue pajamas with red elephants on the collars. Elephants knock her out.\n\n\"So it was a good picture, huh?\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Swell, except Alice had a cold, and her mother kept asking her all the time if she felt grippy. Right in the middle of the picture. Always in the middle of something important, her mother'd lean all over me and everything and ask Alice if she felt grippy. It got on my nerves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I told her about the record. \"Listen, I bought you a record,\" I told her. \"Only I broke it on the way home.\" I took the pieces out of my coat pocket and showed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was plastered,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gimme the pieces,\" she said. \"I'm saving them.\" She took them right out of my hand and then she put them in the drawer of the night table. She kills me.\n\n\"D.B. coming home for Christmas?\" I asked her.\n\n\"He may and he may not, Mother said. It all depends. He may have to stay in Hollywood and write a picture about Annapolis.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Annapolis, for God's sake!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a love story and everything. Guess who's going to be in it! What movie star. Guess!\"\n\n\"I'm not interested. Annapolis, for God's sake. What's D.B. know about Annapolis, for God's sake? What's that got to do with the kind of stories he writes?\" I said. Boy, that stuff drives me crazy. That goddam Hollywood. \"What'd you do to your arm?\" I asked her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I noticed she had this big hunk of adhesive tape on her elbow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reason I noticed it, her pajamas didn't have any sleeves.\n\n\"This boy, Curtis Weintraub, that's in my class, pushed me while I was going down the stairs in the park,\" she said. \"Wanna see?\" She started taking the crazy adhesive tape off her arm.\n\n\"Leave it alone. Why'd he push you down the stairs?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. I think he hates me,\" old Phoebe said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This other girl and me, Selma Atterbury, put ink and stuff all over his windbreaker.\"\n\n\"That isn't nice. What are you—a child, for God's sake?\"\n\n\"No, but every time I'm in the park, he follows me everywhere. He's always following me. He gets on my nerves.\"\n\n\"He probably likes you. That's no reason to put ink all—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want him to like me,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she started looking at me funny. \"Holden,\" she said, \"how come you're not home Wednesday?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nBoy, you have to watch her every minute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you don't think she's smart, you're mad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How come you're not home Wednesday?\" she asked me. \"You didn't get kicked out or anything, did you?\"\n\n\"I told you. They let us out early. They let the whole—\"\n\n\"You did get kicked out! You did!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "old Phoebe said. Then she hit me on the leg with her fist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gets very fisty when she feels like it. \"You did! Oh, Holden!\" She had her hand on her mouth and all. She gets very emotional, I swear to God." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who said I got kicked out? Nobody said I—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did. You did,\" she said. Then she smacked me again with her fist. If you don't think that hurts, you're crazy. \"Daddy'll kill you!\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she flopped on her stomach on the bed and put the goddam pillow over her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She does that quite frequently. She's a true madman sometimes.\n\n\"Cut it out, now,\" I said. \"Nobody's gonna kill me. Nobody's gonna even—C'mon, Phoeb, take that goddam thing off your head. Nobody's gonna kill me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wouldn't take it off, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can't make her do something if she doesn't want to. All she kept saying was, \"Daddy s gonna kill you.\" You could hardly understand her with that goddam pillow over her head.\n\n\"Nobody's gonna kill me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Use your head. In the first place, I'm going away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What I may do, I may get a job on a ranch or something for a while. I know this guy whose grandfather's got a ranch in Colorado. I may get a job out there,\" I said. \"I'll keep in touch with you and all when I'm gone, if I go. C'mon. Take that off your head. C'mon, hey, Phoeb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Please, willya?'\n\nShe wouldn t take it off, though I tried pulling it off, but she's strong as hell. You get tired fighting with her. Boy, if she wants to keep a pillow over her head, she keeps it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Phoebe, please. C'mon outa there,\" I kept saying." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"C'mon, hey... Hey, Weatherfield. C'mon out.\"\n\nShe wouldn't come out, though. You can't even reason with her sometimes. Finally, I got up and went out in the living room and got some cigarettes out of the box on the table and stuck some in my pocket. I was all out." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfour sentences\n\nStyle:\nJ.D. Salinger" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I came back, she had the pillow off her head all right—I knew she would—but she still wouldn't look at me, even though she was laying on her back and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I came around the side of the bed and sat down again, she turned her crazy face the other way. She was ostracizing the hell out of me. Just like the fencing team at Pencey when I left all the goddam foils on the subway.\n\n\"How's old Hazel Weatherfield?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I said. \"You write any new stories about her? I got that one you sent me right in my suitcase. It's down at the station. It's very good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Daddy'll kill you.\"\n\nBoy, she really gets something on her mind when she gets something on her mind.\n\n\"No, he won't. The worst he'll do, he'll give me hell again, and then he'll send me to that goddam military school. That's all he'll do to me. And in the first place, I won't even be around. I'll be away. I'll be—I'll probably be in Colorado on this ranch.\"\n\n\"Don't make me laugh. You can't even ride a horse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who can't? Sure I can. Certainly I can. They can teach you in about two minutes,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop picking at that.\" She was picking at that adhesive tape on her arm. \"Who gave you that haircut?\" I asked her. I just noticed what a stupid haircut somebody gave her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was way too short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"None of your business,\" she said. She can be very snotty sometimes. She can be quite snotty. \"I suppose you failed in every single subject again,\" she said—very snotty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was sort of funny, too, in a way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sounds like a goddam schoolteacher sometimes, and she's only a little child.\n\n\"No, I didn't,\" I said. \"I passed English.\" Then, just for the hell of it, I gave her a pinch on the behind. It was sticking way out in the breeze, the way she was laying on her side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She has hardly any behind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't do it hard, but she tried to hit my hand anyway, but she missed.\n\nThen all of a sudden, she said, \"Oh, why did you do it?\" She meant why did I get the ax again. It made me sort of sad, the way she said it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, God, Phoebe, don't ask me. I'm sick of everybody asking me that,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A million reasons why. It was one of the worst schools I ever went to. It was full of phonies. And mean guys. You never saw so many mean guys in your life. For instance, if you were having a bull session in somebody's room, and somebody wanted to come in, nobody'd let them in if they were some dopey, pimply guy. Everybody was always locking their door when somebody wanted to come in. And they had this goddam secret fraternity that I was too yellow not to join. There was this one pimply, boring guy, Robert Ackley, that wanted to get in. He kept trying to join, and they wouldn't let him. Just because he was boring and pimply. I don't even feel like talking about it. It was a stinking school. Take my word.\"\n\nOld Phoebe didn't say anything, but she was listen ing. I could tell by the back of her neck that she was listening. She always listens when you tell her something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the funny part is she knows, half the time, what the hell you're talking about. She really does." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I kept talking about old Pencey. I sort of felt like it.\n\n\"Even the couple of nice teachers on the faculty, they were phonies, too,\" I said. \"There was this one old guy, Mr. Spencer. His wife was always giving you hot chocolate and all that stuff, and they were really pretty nice. But you should've seen him when the headmaster, old Thurmer, came in the history class and sat down in the back of the room. He was always coming in and sitting down in the back of the room for about a half an hour. He was supposed to be incognito or something. After a while, he'd be sitting back there and then he'd start interrupting what old Spencer was saying to crack a lot of corny jokes. Old Spencer'd practically kill himself chuckling and smiling and all, like as if Thurmer was a goddam prince or something.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't swear so much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would've made you puke, I swear it would,\" I said. \"Then, on Veterans' Day. They have this day, Veterans' Day, that all the jerks that graduated from Pencey around 1776 come back and walk all over the place, with their wives and children and everybody. You should've seen this one old guy that was about fifty. What he did was, he came in our room and knocked on the door and asked us if we'd mind if he used the bathroom. The bathroom was at the end of the corridor—I don't know why the hell he asked us. You know what he said? He said he wanted to see if his initials were still in one of the can doors. What he did, he carved his goddam stupid sad old initials in one of the can doors about ninety years ago, and he wanted to see if they were still there. So my roommate and I walked him down to the bathroom and all, and we had to stand there while he looked for his initials in all the can doors. He kept talking to us the whole time, telling us how when he was at Pencey they were the happiest days of his life, and giving us a lot of advice for the future and all. Boy, did he depress me! I don't mean he was a bad guy—he wasn't. But you don't have to be a bad guy to depress somebody—you can be a good guy and do it. All you have to do to depress somebody is give them a lot of phony advice while you're looking for your initials in some can door—that's all you have to do. I don't know. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't been all out of breath. He was all out of breath from just climbing up the stairs, and the whole time he was looking for his initials he kept breathing hard, with his nostrils all funny and sad, while he kept telling Stradlater and I to get all we could out of Pencey. God, Phoebe! I can't explain. I just didn't like anything that was happening at Pencey. I can't explain.\"\n\nOld Phoebe said something then, but I couldn't hear her. She had the side of her mouth right smack on the pillow, and I couldn't hear her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take your mouth away. I can't hear you with your mouth that way.\"\n\n\"You don't like anything that's happening.\"\n\nIt made me even more depressed when she said that.\n\n\"Yes I do. Yes I do. Sure I do. Don't say that. Why the hell do you say that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you don't. You don't like any schools. You don't like a million things. You don't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do! That's where you're wrong—that's exactly where you're wrong! Why the hell do you have to say that?\" I said. Boy, was she depressing me.\n\n\"Because you don't,\" she said. \"Name one thing.\"\n\n\"One thing? One thing I like?\" I said. \"Okay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trouble was, I couldn't concentrate too hot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes it's hard to concentrate.\n\n\"One thing I like a lot you mean?\" I asked her.\n\nShe didn't answer me, though. She was in a cockeyed position way the hell over the other side of the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was about a thousand miles away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"C'mon answer me,\" I said. \"One thing I like a lot, or one thing I just like?\"\n\n\"You like a lot.\"\n\n\"All right,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the trouble was, I couldn't concentrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "About all I could think of were those two nuns that went around collecting dough in those beatup old straw baskets. Especially the one with the glasses with those iron rims. And this boy I knew at Elkton Hills. There was this one boy at Elkton Hills, named James Castle, that wouldn't take back something he said about this very conceited boy, Phil Stabile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "James Castle called him a very conceited guy, and one of Stabile's lousy friends went and squealed on him to Stabile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So Stabile, with about six other dirty bastards, went down to James Castle's room and went in and locked the goddam door and tried to make him take back what he said, but he wouldn't do it. So they started in on him. I won't even tell you what they did to him—it's too repulsive—but he still wouldn't take it back, old James Castle. And you should've seen him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a skinny little weak-looking guy, with wrists about as big as pencils." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, what he did, instead of taking back what he said, he jumped out the window. I was in the shower and all, and even I could hear him land outside. But I just thought something fell out the window, a radio or a desk or something, not a boy or anything. Then I heard everybody running through the corridor and down the stairs, so I put on my bathrobe and I ran downstairs too, and there was old James Castle laying right on the stone steps and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was dead, and his teeth, and blood, were all over the place, and nobody would even go near him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had on this turtleneck sweater I'd lent him. All they did with the guys that were in the room with him was expel them. They didn't even go to jail.\n\nThat was about all I could think of, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those two nuns I saw at breakfast and this boy James Castle I knew at Elkton Hills." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The funny part is, I hardly even know James Castle, if you want to know the truth. He was one of these very quiet guys. He was in my math class, but he was way over on the other side of the room, and he hardly ever got up to recite or go to the blackboard or anything. Some guys in school hardly ever get up to recite or go to the blackboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think the only time I ever even had a conversation with him was that time he asked me if he could borrow this turtleneck sweater I had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I damn near dropped dead when he asked me, I was so surprised and all. I remember I was brushing my teeth, in the can, when he asked me. He said his cousin was coming in to take him for a drive and all. I didn't even know he knew I had a turtleneck sweater." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All I knew about him was that his name was always right ahead of me at roll call." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cabel, R., Cabel, W., Castle, Caulfield—I can still remember it. If you want to know the truth, I almost didn't lend him my sweater. Just because I didn't know him too well.\n\n\"What?\" I said to old Phoebe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said something to me, but I didn't hear her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can't even think of one thing.\"\n\n\"Yes, I can. Yes, I can.\"\n\n\"Well, do it, then.\"\n\n\"I like Allie,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I like doing what I'm doing right now. Sitting here with you, and talking, and thinking about stuff, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Allie's dead—You always say that! If somebody's dead and everything, and in Heaven, then it isn't really—\"\n\n\"I know he's dead! Don't you think I know that? I can still like him, though, can't I? Just because somebody's dead, you don't just stop liking them, for God's sake—especially if they were about a thousand times nicer than the people you know that're alive and all.\"\n\nOld Phoebe didn't say anything. When she can't think of anything to say, she doesn't say a goddam word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anyway, I like it now,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean right now. Sitting here with you and just chewing the fat and horsing—\"\n\n\"That isn't anything really!\"\n\n\"It is so something really! Certainly it is! Why the hell isn't it? People never think anything is anything really. I'm getting goddam sick of it,\"\n\n\"Stop swearing. All right, name something else. Name something you'd like to be. Like a scientist. Or a lawyer or something.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I couldn't be a scientist. I'm no good in science.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, a lawyer—like Daddy and all.\"\n\n\"Lawyers are all right, I guess—but it doesn't appeal to me,\" I said. \"I mean they're all right if they go around saving innocent guys' lives all the time, and like that, but you don't do that kind of stuff if you're a lawyer. All you do is make a lot of dough and play golf and play bridge and buy cars and drink Martinis and look like a hot-shot. And besides. Even if you did go around saving guys' lives and all, how would you know if you did it because you really wanted to save guys' lives, or because you did it because what you really wanted to do was be a terrific lawyer, with everybody slapping you on the back and congratulating you in court when the goddam trial was over, the reporters and everybody, the way it is in the dirty movies? How would you know you weren't being a phony? The trouble is, you wouldn't.\"\n\nI'm not too sure old Phoebe knew what the hell I was talking about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean she's only a little child and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she was listening, at least. If somebody at least listens, it's not too bad.\n\n\"Daddy's going to kill you. He's going to kill you,\" she said.\n\nI wasn't listening, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was thinking about something else—something crazy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know what I'd like to be?\" I said. \"You know what I'd like to be? I mean if I had my goddam choice?\"\n\n\"What? Stop swearing.\"\n\n\"You know that song 'If a body catch a body comin' through the rye'? I'd like—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's 'If a body meet a body coming through the rye'!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "old Phoebe said. \"It's a poem. By Robert Burns.\"\n\n\"I know it's a poem by Robert Burns.\"\n\nShe was right, though. It is \"If a body meet a body coming through the rye.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't know it then, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought it was 'If a body catch a body,'\" I said. \"Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around—nobody big, I mean—except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff—I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be. I know it's crazy.\"\n\nOld Phoebe didn't say anything for a long time. Then, when she said something, all she said was, \"Daddy's going to kill you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't give a damn if he does,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I got up from the bed then, because what I wanted to do, I wanted to phone up this guy that was my English teacher at Elkton Hills, Mr. Antolini. He lived in New York now. He quit Elkton Hills. He took this job teaching English at N.Y.U." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have to make a phone call,\" I told Phoebe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be right back. Don't go to sleep.\" I didn't want her to go to sleep while I was in the living room. I knew she wouldn't but I said it anyway, just to make sure.\n\nWhile I was walking toward the door, old Phoebe said, \"Holden!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "and I turned around." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was sitting way up in bed. She looked so pretty. \"I'm taking belching lessons from this girl, Phyllis Margulies,\" she said. \"Listen.\"\n\nI listened, and I heard something, but it wasn't much. \"Good,\" I said. Then I went out in the living room and called up this teacher I had, Mr. Antolini." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like J.D. Salinger and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I made it very snappy on the phone because I was afraid my parents would barge in on me right in the middle of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They didn't, though. Mr. Antolini was very nice. He said I could come right over if I wanted to. I think I probably woke he and his wife up, because it took them a helluva long time to answer the phone. The first thing he asked me was if anything was wrong, and I said no." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I said I'd flunked out of Pencey, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought I might as well tell him. He said \"Good God,\" when I said that. He had a good sense of humor and all. He told me to come right over if I felt like it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was about the best teacher I ever had, Mr. Antolini." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a pretty young guy, not much older than my brother D.B., and you could kid around with him without losing your respect for him. He was the one that finally picked up that boy that jumped out the window I told you about, James Castle. Old Mr. Antolini felt his pulse and all, and then he took off his coat and put it over James Castle and carried him all the way over to the infirmary. He didn't even give a damn if his coat got all bloody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When I got back to D.B." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'s room, old Phoebe'd turned the radio on. This dance music was coming out. She'd turned it on low, though, so the maid wouldn't hear it. You should've seen her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was sitting smack in the middle of the bed, outside the covers, with her legs folded like one of those Yogi guys." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was listening to the music. She kills me.\n\n\"C'mon,\" I said. \"You feel like dancing?\" I taught her how to dance and all when she was a tiny little kid. She's a very good dancer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean I just taught her a few things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She learned it mostly by herself. You can't teach somebody how to really dance.\n\n\"You have shoes on,\" she said.\n\n\"I'll take 'em off. C'mon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She practically jumped off the bed, and then she waited while I took my shoes off, and then I danced with her for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's really damn good. I don't like people that dance with little kids, because most of the time it looks terrible. I mean if you're out at a restaurant somewhere and you see some old guy take his little kid out on the dance floor. Usually they keep yanking the kid's dress up in the back by mistake, and the kid can't dance worth a damn anyway, and it looks terrible, but I don't do it out in public with Phoebe or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We just horse around in the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's different with her anyway, because she can dance. She can follow anything you do. I mean if you hold her in close as hell so that it doesn't matter that your legs are so much longer. She stays right with you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You can cross over, or do some corny dips, or even jitterbug a little, and she stays right with you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can even tango, for God's sake.\n\nWe danced about four numbers. In between numbers she's funny as hell. She stays right in position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She won't even talk or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You both have to stay right in position and wait for the orchestra to start playing again. That kills me. You're not supposed to laugh or anything, either.\n\nAnyway, we danced about four numbers, and then I turned off the radio. Old Phoebe jumped back in bed and got under the covers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm improving, aren't I?\" she asked me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And how,\" I said. I sat down next to her on the bed again. I was sort of out of breath. I was smoking so damn much, I had hardly any wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wasn't even out of breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Feel my forehead,\" she said all of a sudden.\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Feel it. Just feel it once.\"\n\nI felt it. I didn't feel anything, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does it feel very feverish?\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Is it supposed to?\"\n\n\"Yes—I'm making it. Feel it again.\"\n\nI felt it again, and I still didn't feel anything, but I said, \"I think it's starting to, now.\" I didn't want her to get a goddam inferiority complex." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She nodded. \"I can make it go up to over the thermoneter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thermometer. Who said so?\"\n\n\"Alice Holmborg showed me how. You cross your legs and hold your breath and think of something very, very hot. A radiator or something. Then your whole forehead gets so hot you can burn somebody's hand.\"\n\nThat killed me. I pulled my hand away from her forehead, like I was in terrific danger. \"Thanks for telling me,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I wouldn't've burned your hand. I'd've stopped before it got too—Shhh!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, quick as hell, she sat way the hell up in bed.\n\nShe scared hell out of me when she did that. \"What's the matter?\" I said.\n\n\"The front door!\" she said in this loud whisper. \"It's them!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I quick jumped up and ran over and turned off the light over the desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I jammed out my cigarette on my shoe and put it in my pocket. Then I fanned hell out of the air, to get the smoke out—I shouldn't even have been smoking, for God's sake. Then I grabbed my shoes and got in the closet and shut the door. Boy, my heart was beating like a bastard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I heard my mother come in the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Phoebe?\" she said. \"Now, stop that. I saw the light, young lady.\"\n\n\"Hello!\" I heard old Phoebe say. \"I couldn't sleep. Did you have a good time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Marvelous,\" my mother said, but you could tell she didn't mean it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She doesn't enjoy herself much when she goes out. \"Why are you awake, may I ask? Were you warm enough?\"\n\n\"I was warm enough, I just couldn't sleep.\"\n\n\"Phoebe, have you been smoking a cigarette in here? Tell me the truth, please, young lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" old Phoebe said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You heard me.\"\n\n\"I just lit one for one second. I just took one puff. Then I threw it out the window.\"\n\n\"Why, may I ask?\"\n\n\"I couldn't sleep.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like that, Phoebe. I don't like that at all,\" my mother said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you want another blanket?\"\n\n\"No, thanks. G'night!\" old Phoebe said. She was trying to get rid of her, you could tell.\n\n\"How was the movie?\" my mother said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Excellent. Except Alice's mother. She kept leaning over and asking her if she felt grippy during the whole entire movie. We took a taxi home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me feel your forehead.\"\n\n\"I didn't catch anything. She didn't have anything. It was just her mother.\"\n\n\"Well. Go to sleep now. How was your dinner?\"\n\n\"Lousy,\" Phoebe said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You heard what your father said about using that word. What was lousy about it? You had a lovely lamb chop. I walked all over Lexington Avenue just to—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The lamb chop was all right, but Charlene always breathes on me whenever she puts something down. She breathes all over the food and everything. She breathes on everything.\"\n\n\"Well. Go to sleep. Give Mother a kiss. Did you say your prayers?\"\n\n\"I said them in the bathroom. G'night!\"\n\n\"Good night. Go right to sleep now. I have a splitting headache,\" my mother said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gets headaches quite frequently. She really does." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take a few aspirins,\" old Phoebe said. \"Holden'll be home on Wednesday, won't he?\"\n\n\"So far as I know. Get under there, now. Way down.\"\n\nI heard my mother go out and close the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I waited a couple of minutes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I came out of the closet. I bumped smack into old Phoebe when I did it, because it was so dark and she was out of bed and coming to tell me. \"I hurt you?\" I said. You had to whisper now, because they were both home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I gotta get a move on,\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I found the edge of the bed in the dark and sat down on it and started putting on my shoes. I was pretty nervous. I admit it.\n\n\"Don't go now,\" Phoebe whispered. \"Wait'll they're asleep!\"\n\n\"No. Now. Now's the best time,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She'll be in the bathroom and Daddy'll turn on the news or something. Now's the best time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I could hardly tie my shoelaces, I was so damn nervous. Not that they would've killed me or anything if they'd caught me home, but it would've been very unpleasant and all. \"Where the hell are ya?\" I said to old Phoebe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was so dark I couldn't see her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here.\" She was standing right next to me. I didn't even see her.\n\n\"I got my damn bags at the station,\" I said. \"Listen. You got any dough, Phoeb? I'm practically broke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just my Christmas dough. For presents and all. I haven't done any shopping at all yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh.\" I didn't want to take her Christmas dough.\n\n\"You want some?\" she said.\n\n\"I don't want to take your Christmas dough.\"\n\n\"I can lend you some,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I heard her over at D.B." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'s desk, opening a million drawers and feeling around with her hand. It was pitch-black, it was so dark in the room. \"If you go away, you won't see me in the play,\" she said. Her voice sounded funny when she said it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I will. I won't go way before that. You think I wanna miss the play?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said. \"What I'll do, I'll probably stay at Mr. Antolini's house till maybe Tuesday night. Then I'll come home. If I get a chance, I'll phone ya.\"\n\n\"Here,\" old Phoebe said. She was trying to give me the dough, but she couldn't find my hand.\n\n\"Where?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She put the dough in my hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, I don't need all this,\" I said. \"Just give me two bucks, is all. No kidding—Here.\" I tried to give it back to her, but she wouldn't take it.\n\n\"You can take it all. You can pay me back. Bring it to the play.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How much is it, for God's sake?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eight dollars and eighty-five cents. Sixty-five cents. I spent some.\"\n\nThen, all of a sudden, I started to cry. I couldn't help it. I did it so nobody could hear me, but I did it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It scared hell out of old Phoebe when I started doing it, and she came over and tried to make me stop, but once you get started, you can't just stop on a goddam dime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was still sitting on the edge of the bed when I did it, and she put her old arm around my neck, and I put my arm around her, too, but I still couldn't stop for a long time. I thought I was going to choke to death or something. Boy, I scared hell out of poor old Phoebe. The damn window was open and everything, and I could feel her shivering and all, because all she had on was her pajamas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I tried to make her get back in bed, but she wouldn't go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally I stopped. But it certainly took me a long, long time. Then I finished buttoning my coat and all. I told her I'd keep in touch with her. She told me I could sleep with her if I wanted to, but I said no, that I'd better beat it, that Mr. Antolini was waiting for me and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I took my hunting hat out of my coat pocket and gave it to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She likes those kind of crazy hats. She didn't want to take it, but I made her. I'll bet she slept with it on. She really likes those kind of hats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I told her again I'd give her a buzz if I got a chance, and then I left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a helluva lot easier getting out of the house than it was getting in, for some reason. For one thing, I didn't give much of a damn any more if they caught me. I really didn't. I figured if they caught me, they caught me. I almost wished they did, in a way." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like J.D. Salinger and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. and Mrs. Antolini had this very swanky apartment over on Sutton Place, with two steps that you go down to get in the living room, and a bar and all. I'd been there quite a few times, because after I left Elkton Hills Mr. Antoilni came up to our house for dinner quite frequently to find out how I was getting along. He wasn't married then. Then when he got married, I used to play tennis with he and Mrs. Antolini quite frequently, out at the West Side Tennis Club, in Forest Hills, Long Island." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Antolini, belonged there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was lousy with dough. She was about sixty years older than Mr. Antolini, but they seemed to get along quite well. For one thing, they were both very intellectual, especially Mr. Antolini except that he was more witty than intellectual when you were with him, sort of like D.B. Mrs. Antolini was mostly serious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had asthma pretty bad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They both read all D.B. 's stories—Mrs. Antolini, too—and when D.B. went to Hollywood, Mr. Antolini phoned him up and told him not to go. He went anyway, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Antolini said that anybody that could write like D.B." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "had no business going out to Hollywood. That's exactly what I said, practically.\n\nI would have walked down to their house, because I didn't want to spend any of Phoebe's Christmas dough that I didn't have to, but I felt funny when I got outside. Sort of dizzy. So I took a cab." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't want to, but I did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had a helluva time even finding a cab.\n\nOld Mr. Antolini answered the door when I rang the bell—after the elevator boy finally let me up, the bastard. He had on his bathrobe and slippers, and he had a highball in one hand. He was a pretty sophisticated guy, and he was a pretty heavy drinker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Holden, m'boy!\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My God, he's grown another twenty inches. Fine to see you.\"\n\n\"How are you, Mr. Antolini? How's Mrs. Antolini?\"\n\n\"We're both just dandy. Let's have that coat.\" He took my coat off me and hung it up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I expected to see a day-old infant in your arms. Nowhere to turn. Snowflakes in your eyelashes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's a very witty guy sometimes. He turned around and yelled out to the kitchen, \"Lillian! How's the coffee coming?\" Lillian was Mrs. Antolini's first name.\n\n\"It's all ready,\" she yelled back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that Holden? Hello, Holden!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Mrs. Antolini!\"\n\nYou were always yelling when you were there. That's because the both of them were never in the same room at the same time. It was sort of funny." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit down, Holden,\" Mr. Antolini said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could tell he was a little oiled up. The room looked like they'd just had a party. Glasses were all over the place, and dishes with peanuts in them. \"Excuse the appearance of the place,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've been entertaining some Buffalo friends of Mrs. Antolini's... Some buffaloes, as a matter of fact.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I laughed, and Mrs. Antolini yelled something in to me from the kitchen, but I couldn't hear her. \"What'd she say?\" I asked Mr. Antolini.\n\n\"She said not to look at her when she comes in. She just arose from the sack. Have a cigarette. Are you smoking now?\"\n\n\"Thanks,\" I said. I took a cigarette from the box he offered me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just once in a while. I'm a moderate smoker.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll bet you are,\" he said. He gave me a light from this big lighter off the table. \"So. You and Pencey are no longer one,\" he said. He always said things that way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes it amused me a lot and sometimes it didn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sort of did it a little bit too much. I don't mean he wasn't witty or anything—he was—but sometimes it gets on your nerves when somebody's always saying things like \"So you and Pencey are no longer one.\" D.B. does it too much sometimes, too.\n\n\"What was the trouble?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Antolini asked me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How'd you do in English? I'll show you the door in short order if you flunked English, you little ace composition writer.\"\n\n\"Oh, I passed English all right. It was mostly literature, though. I only wrote about two compositions the whole term,\" I said. \"I flunked Oral Expression, though. They had this course you had to take, Oral Expression. That I flunked.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't feel much like going into It. I was still feeling sort of dizzy or something, and I had a helluva headache all of a sudden. I really did. But you could tell he was interested, so I told him a little bit about it. \"It's this course where each boy in class has to get up in class and make a speech. You know. Spontaneous and all. And if the boy digresses at all, you're supposed to yell 'Digression!' at him as fast as you can. It just about drove me crazy. I got an F in it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I don't know. That digression business got on my nerves. I don't know. The trouble with me is, I like it when somebody digresses. It's more interesting and all.\"\n\n\"You don't care to have somebody stick to the point when he tells you something?\"\n\n\"Oh, sure! I like somebody to stick to the point and all. But I don't like them to stick too much to the point. I don't know. I guess I don't like it when somebody sticks to the point all the time. The boys that got the best marks in Oral Expression were the ones that stuck to the point all the time—I admit it. But there was this one boy, Richard Kinsella. He didn't stick to the point too much, and they were always yelling 'Digression!' at him. It was terrible, because in the first place, he was a very nervous guy—I mean he was a very nervous guy—and his lips were always shaking whenever it was his time to make a speech, and you could hardly hear him if you were sitting way in the back of the room. When his lips sort of quit shaking a little bit, though, I liked his speeches better than anybody else's. He practically flunked the course, though, too. He got a D plus because they kept yelling 'Digression!' at him all the time. For instance, he made this speech about this farm his father bought in Vermont. They kept yelling 'Digression!' at him the whole time he was making it, and this teacher, Mr. Vinson, gave him an F on it because he hadn't told what kind of animals and vegetables and stuff grew on the farm and all. What he did was, Richard Kinsella, he'd start telling you all about that stuff—then all of a sudden he'd start telling you about this letter his mother got from his uncle, and how his uncle got polio and all when he was forty-two years old, and how he wouldn't let anybody come to see him in the hospital because he didn't want anybody to see him with a brace on. It didn't have much to do with the farm—I admit it—but it was nice. It's nice when somebody tells you about their uncle. Especially when they start out telling you about their father's farm and then all of a sudden get more interested in their uncle. I mean it's dirty to keep yelling 'Digression!' at him when he's all nice and excited. I don't know. It's hard to explain.\" I didn't feel too much like trying, either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For one thing, I had this terrific headache all of a sudden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wished to God old Mrs. Antolini would come in with the coffee. That's something that annoys hell out of me—I mean if somebody says the coffee's all ready and it isn't.\n\n\"Holden... One short, faintly stuffy, pedagogical question. Don't you think there's a time and place for everything? Don't you think if someone starts out to tell you about his father's farm, he should stick to his guns, then get around to telling you about his uncle's brace? Or, if his uncle's brace is such a provocative subject, shouldn't he have selected it in the first place as his subject—not the farm?\"\n\nI didn't feel much like thinking and answering and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had a headache and I felt lousy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I even had sort of a stomach-ache, if you want to know the truth.\n\n\"Yes—I don't know. I guess he should. I mean I guess he should've picked his uncle as a subject, instead of the farm, if that interested him most. But what I mean is, lots of time you don't know what interests you most till you start talking about something that doesn't interest you most. I mean you can't help it sometimes. What I think is, you're supposed to leave somebody alone if he's at least being interesting and he's getting all excited about something. I like it when somebody gets excited about something. It's nice. You just didn't know this teacher, Mr. Vinson. He could drive you crazy sometimes, him and the goddam class. I mean he'd keep telling you to unify and simplify all the time. Some things you just can't do that to. I mean you can't hardly ever simplify and unify something just because somebody wants you to. You didn't know this guy, Mr. Vinson. I mean he was very intelligent and all, but you could tell he didn't have too much brains.\"\n\n\"Coffee, gentlemen, finally,\" Mrs. Antolini said. She came in carrying this tray with coffee and cakes and stuff on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Holden, don't you even peek at me. I'm a mess.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Mrs. Antolini,\" I said. I started to get up and all, but Mr. Antolini got hold of my jacket and pulled me back down. Old Mrs. Antolini's hair was full of those iron curler jobs, and she didn't have any lipstick or anything on. She didn't look too gorgeous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked pretty old and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll leave this right here. Just dive in, you two,\" she said. She put the tray down on the cigarette table, pushing all these glasses out of the way. \"How's your mother, Holden?\"\n\n\"She's fine, thanks. I haven't seen her too recently, but the last I—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Darling, if Holden needs anything, everything's in the linen closet. The top shelf. I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted,\" Mrs. Antolini said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked it, too. \"Can you boys make up the couch by yourselves?\"\n\n\"We'll take care of everything. You run along to bed,\" Mr. Antolini said. He gave Mrs. Antolini a kiss and she said good-by to me and went in the bedroom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were always kissing each other a lot in public." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had part of a cup of coffee and about half of some cake that was as hard as a rock. All old Mr. Antolini had was another highball, though. He makes them strong, too, you could tell. He may get to be an alcoholic if he doesn't watch his step." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had lunch with your dad a couple of weeks ago,\" he said all of a sudden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you know that?\"\n\n\"No, I didn't.\"\n\n\"You're aware, of course, that he's terribly concerned about you.\"\n\n\"I know it. I know he is,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Apparently before he phoned me he'd just had a long, rather harrowing letter from your latest headmaster, to the effect that you were making absolutely no effort at all. Cutting classes. Coming unprepared to all your classes. In general, being an all-around—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't cut any classes. You weren't allowed to cut any. There were a couple of them I didn't attend once in a while, like that Oral Expression I told you about, but I didn't cut any.\"\n\nI didn't feel at all like discussing it. The coffee made my stomach feel a little better, but I still had this awful headache.\n\nMr. Antolini lit another cigarette." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smoked like a fiend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he said, \"Frankly, I don't know what the hell to say to you, Holden.\"\n\n\"I know. I'm very hard to talk to. I realize that.\"\n\n\"I have a feeling that you're riding for some kind of a terrible, terrible fall. But I don't honestly know what kind... Are you listening to me?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could tell he was trying to concentrate and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It may be the kind where, at the age of thirty, you sit in some bar hating everybody who comes in looking as if he might have played football in college. Then again, you may pick up just enough education to hate people who say, 'It's a secret between he and I.' Or you may end up in some business office, throwing paper clips at the nearest stenographer. I just don't know. But do you know what I'm driving at, at all?\"\n\n\"Yes. Sure,\" I said. I did, too. \"But you're wrong about that hating business. I mean about hating football players and all. You really are. I don't hate too many guys." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What I may do, I may hate them for a little while, like this guy Stradlater I knew at Pencey, and this other boy, Robert Ackley. I hated them once in a while—I admit it—but it doesn't last too long, is what I mean. After a while, if I didn't see them, if they didn't come in the room, or if I didn't see them in the dining room for a couple of meals, I sort of missed them. I mean I sort of missed them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Antolini didn't say anything for a while. He got up and got another hunk of ice and put it in his drink, then he sat down again. You could tell he was thinking. I kept wishing, though, that he'd continue the conversation in the morning, instead of now, but he was hot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People are mostly hot to have a discussion when you're not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. Listen to me a minute now... I may not word this as memorably as I'd like to, but I'll write you a letter about it in a day or two. Then you can get it all straight. But listen now, anyway.\" He started concentrating again. Then he said, \"This fall I think you're riding for—it's a special kind of fall, a horrible kind. The man falling isn't permitted to feel or hear himself hit bottom. He just keeps falling and falling. The whole arrangement's designed for men who, at some time or other in their lives, were looking for something their own environment couldn't supply them with. Or they thought their own environment couldn't supply them with. So they gave up looking. They gave it up before they ever really even got started. You follow me?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\nHe got up and poured some more booze in his glass. Then he sat down again. He didn't say anything for a long time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want to scare you,\" he said, \"but I can very clearly see you dying nobly, one way or another, for some highly unworthy cause.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gave me a funny look. \"If I write something down for you, will you read it carefully? And keep it?\"\n\n\"Yes. Sure,\" I said. I did, too. I still have the paper he gave me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went over to this desk on the other side of the room, and without sitting down wrote something on a piece of paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he came back and sat down with the paper in his hand. \"Oddly enough, this wasn't written by a practicing poet. It was written by a psychoanalyst named Wilhelm Stekel. Here's what he—Are you still with me?\"\n\n\"Yes, sure I am.\"\n\n\"Here's what he said: 'The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned over and handed it to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I read it right when he gave it to me, and then I thanked him and all and put it in my pocket. It was nice of him to go to all that trouble. It really was. The thing was, though, I didn't feel much like concentrating. Boy, I felt so damn tired all of a sudden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could tell he wasn't tired at all, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was pretty oiled up, for one thing. \"I think that one of these days,\" he said, \"you're going to have to find out where you want to go. And then you've got to start going there. But immediately. You can't afford to lose a minute. Not you.\"\n\nI nodded, because he was looking right at me and all, but I wasn't too sure what he was talking about. I was pretty sure I knew, but I wasn't too positive at the time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was too damn tired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I hate to tell you,\" he said, \"but I think that once you have a fair idea where you want to go, your first move will be to apply yourself in school. You'll have to. You're a student—whether the idea appeals to you or not. You're in love with knowledge. And I think you'll find, once you get past all the Mr. Vineses and their Oral Comp—\"\n\n\"Mr. Vinsons,\" I said. He meant all the Mr. Vinsons, not all the Mr. Vineses. I shouldn't have interrupted him, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right—the Mr. Vinsons. Once you get past all the Mr. Vinsons, you're going to start getting closer and closer—that is, if you want to, and if you look for it and wait for it—to the kind of information that will be very, very dear to your heart. Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them—if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped and took a big drink out of his highball. Then he started again. Boy, he was really hot. I was glad I didn't try to stop him or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not trying to tell you,\" he said, \"that only educated and scholarly men are able to contribute something valuable to the world. It's not so. But I do say that educated and scholarly men, if they're brilliant and creative to begin with—which, unfortunately, is rarely the case—tend to leave infinitely more valuable records behind them than men do who are merely brilliant and creative. They tend to express themselves more clearly, and they usually have a passion for following their thoughts through to the end. And—most important—nine times out of ten they have more humility than the unscholarly thinker. Do you follow me at all?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"\n\nHe didn't say anything again for quite a while. I don't know if you've ever done it, but it's sort of hard to sit around waiting for somebody to say something when they're thinking and all. It really is. I kept trying not to yawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't that I was bored or anything—I wasn't—but I was so damn sleepy all of a sudden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Something else an academic education will do for you. If you go along with it any considerable distance, it'll begin to give you an idea what size mind you have. What it'll fit and, maybe, what it won't. After a while, you'll have an idea what kind of thoughts your particular size mind should be wearing. For one thing, it may save you an extraordinary amount of time trying on ideas that don't suit you, aren't becoming to you. You'll begin to know your true measurements and dress your mind accordingly.\"\n\nThen, all of a sudden, I yawned. What a rude bastard, but I couldn't help it!\n\nMr. Antolini just laughed, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"C'mon,\" he said, and got up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll fix up the couch for you.\"\n\nI followed him and he went over to this closet and tried to take down some sheets and blankets and stuff that was on the top shelf, but he couldn't do it with this highball glass in his hand. So he drank it and then put the glass down on the floor and then he took the stuff down. I helped him bring it over to the couch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We both made the bed together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't too hot at it. He didn't tuck anything in very tight. I didn't care, though. I could've slept standing up I was so tired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How're all your women?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're okay.\" I was being a lousy conversationalist, but I didn't feel like it.\n\n\"How's Sally?\" He knew old Sally Hayes. I introduced him once.\n\n\"She's all right. I had a date with her this afternoon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, it seemed like twenty years ago!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't have too much in common any more.\"\n\n\"Helluva pretty girl. What about that other girl? The one you told me about, in Maine?\"\n\n\"Oh—Jane Gallagher. She's all right. I'm probably gonna give her a buzz tomorrow.\"\n\nWe were all done making up the couch then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's all yours,\" Mr. Antolini said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know what the hell you're going to do with those legs of yours.\"\n\n\"That's all right. I'm used to short beds,\" I said. \"Thanks a lot, sir. You and Mrs. Antolini really saved my life tonight.\"\n\n\"You know where the bathroom is. If there's anything you want, just holler. I'll be in the kitchen for a while—will the light bother you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No—heck, no. Thanks a lot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. Good night, handsome.\"\n\n\"G'night, sir. Thanks a lot.\"\n\nHe went out in the kitchen and I went in the bathroom and got undressed and all. I couldn't brush my teeth because I didn't have any toothbrush with me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't have any pajamas either and Mr. Antolini forgot to lend me some." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I just went back in the living room and turned off this little lamp next to the couch, and then I got in bed with just my shorts on. It was way too short for me, the couch, but I really could've slept standing up without batting an eyelash. I laid awake for just a couple of seconds thinking about all that stuff Mr. Antolini'd told me. About finding out the size of your mind and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was really a pretty smart guy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I couldn't keep my goddam eyes open, and I fell asleep.\n\nThen something happened. I don't even like to talk about it.\n\nI woke up all of a sudden. I don't know what time it was or anything, but I woke up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I felt something on my head, some guy's hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, it really scared hell out of me. What it was, it was Mr. Antolini's hand. What he was doing was, he was sitting on the floor right next to the couch, in the dark and all, and he was sort of petting me or patting me on the goddam head. Boy, I'll bet I jumped about a thousand feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What the hellya doing?\" I said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing! I'm simply sitting here, admiring—\"\n\n\"What're ya doing, anyway?\" I said over again. I didn't know what the hell to say—I mean I was embarrassed as hell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How 'bout keeping your voice down? I'm simply sitting here—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have to go, anyway,\" I said—boy, was I nervous! I started putting on my damn pants in the dark. I could hardly get them on I was so damn nervous. I know more damn perverts, at schools and all, than anybody you ever met, and they're always being perverty when I'm around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have to go where?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Antolini said. He was trying to act very goddam casual and cool and all, but he wasn't any too goddam cool. Take my word.\n\n\"I left my bags and all at the station. I think maybe I'd better go down and get them. I have all my stuff in them.\"\n\n\"They'll be there in the morning. Now, go back to bed. I'm going to bed myself. What's the matter with you?\"\n\n\"Nothing's the matter, it's just that all my money and stuff's in one of my bags. I'll be right back. I'll get a cab and be right back,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boy, I was falling all over myself in the dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The thing is, it isn't mine, the money. It's my mother's, and I—\"\n\n\"Don't be ridiculous, Holden. Get back in that bed. I'm going to bed myself. The money will be there safe and sound in the morn—\"\n\n\"No, no kidding. I gotta get going. I really do.\" I was damn near all dressed already, except that I couldn't find my tie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I couldn't remember where I'd put my tie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I put on my jacket and all without it. Old Mr. Antolini was sitting now in the big chair a little ways away from me, watching me. It was dark and all and I couldn't see him so hot, but I knew he was watching me, all right. He was still boozing, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I could see his trusty highball glass in his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a very, very strange boy.\"\n\n\"I know it,\" I said. I didn't even look around much for my tie. So I went without it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good-by, sir,\" I said, \"Thanks a lot. No kidding.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept walking right behind me when I went to the front door, and when I rang the elevator bell he stayed in the damn doorway. All he said was that business about my being a \"very, very strange boy\" again. Strange, my ass. Then he waited in the doorway and all till the goddam elevator came. I never waited so long for an elevator in my whole goddam life. I swear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't know what the hell to talk about while I was waiting for the elevator, and he kept standing there, so I said, \"I'm gonna start reading some good books. I really am.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean you had to say something. It was very embarrassing.\n\n\"You grab your bags and scoot right on back here again. I'll leave the door unlatched.\"\n\n\"Thanks a lot,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"G'by!\" The elevator was finally there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I got in and went down. Boy, I was shaking like a madman. I was sweating, too. When something perverty like that happens, I start sweating like a bastard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That kind of stuff's happened to me about twenty times since I was a kid." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can't stand it." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of J.D. Salinger.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of J.D. Salinger.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a J.D. Salinger sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I got outside, it was just getting light out. It was pretty cold, too, but it felt good because I was sweating so much.\n\nI didn't know where the hell to go. I didn't want to go to another hotel and spend all Phoebe's dough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So finally all I did was I walked over to Lexington and took the subway down to Grand Central." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My bags were there and all, and I figured I'd sleep in that crazy waiting room where all the benches are. So that's what I did. It wasn't too bad for a while because there weren't many people around and I could stick my feet up. But I don't feel much like discussing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't too nice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't ever try it. I mean it. It'll depress you.\n\nI only slept till around nine o'clock because a million people started coming in the waiting room and I had to take my feet down. I can't sleep so hot if I have to keep my feet on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So I sat up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I still had that headache. It was even worse. And I think I was more depressed than I ever was in my whole life.\n\nI didn't want to, but I started thinking about old Mr. Antolini and I wondered what he'd tell Mrs. Antolini when she saw I hadn't slept there or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That part didn't worry me too much, though, because I knew Mr. Antolini was very smart and that he could make up something to tell her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could tell her I'd gone home or something. That part didn't worry me much. But what did worry me was the part about how I'd woke up and found him patting me on the head and all. I mean I wondered if just maybe I was wrong about thinking be was making a flitty pass at ne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wondered if maybe he just liked to pat guys on the head when they're asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean how can you tell about that stuff for sure? You can't. I even started wondering if maybe I should've got my bags and gone back to his house, the way I'd said I would. I mean I started thinking that even if he was a flit he certainly'd been very nice to me. I thought how he hadn't minded it when I'd called him up so late, and how he'd told me to come right over if I felt like it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And how he went to all that trouble giving me that advice about finding out the size of your mind and all, and how he was the only guy that'd even gone near that boy James Castle I told you about when he was dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought about all that stuff. And the more I thought about it, the more depressed I got. I mean I started thinking maybe I should've gone back to his house. Maybe he was only patting my head just for the hell of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The more I thought about it, though, the more depressed and screwed up about it I got." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What made it even worse, my eyes were sore as hell. They felt sore and burny from not getting too much sleep. Besides that, I was getting sort of a cold, and I didn't even have a goddam handkerchief with me. I had some in my suitcase, but I didn't feel like taking it out of that strong box and opening it up right in public and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was this magazine that somebody'd left on the bench next to me, so I started reading it, thinking it'd make me stop thinking about Mr. Antolini and a million other things for at least a little while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this damn article I started reading made me feel almost worse. It was all about hormones. It described how you should look, your face and eyes and all, if your hormones were in good shape, and I didn't look that way at all. I looked exactly like the guy in the article with lousy hormones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So I started getting worried about my hormones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I read this other article about how you can tell if you have cancer or not. It said if you had any sores in your mouth that didn't heal pretty quickly, it was a sign that you probably had cancer. I'd had this sore on the inside of my lip for about two weeks. So figured I was getting cancer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That magazine was some little cheerer upper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I finally quit reading it and went outside for a walk. I figured I'd be dead in a couple of months because I had cancer. I really did. I was even positive I would be. It certainly didn't make me feel too gorgeous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It'sort of looked like it was going to rain, but I went for this walk anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For one thing, I figured I ought to get some breakfast. I wasn't at all hungry, but I figured I ought to at least eat something. I mean at least get something with some vitamins in it. So I started walking way over east, where the pretty cheap restaurants are, because I didn't want to spend a lot of dough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While I was walking, I passed these two guys that were unloading this big Christmas tree off a truck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One guy kept saying to the other guy, \"Hold the sonuvabitch up! Hold it up, for Chrissake!\" It certainly was a gorgeous way to talk about a Christmas tree. It was sort of funny, though, in an awful way, and I started to sort of laugh. It was about the worst thing I could've done, because the minute I started to laugh I thought I was going to vomit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I really did. I even started to, but it went away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know why. I mean I hadn't eaten anything unsanitary or like that and usually I have quite a strong stomach. Anyway, I got over it, and I figured I'd feel better if I had something to eat. So I went in this very cheap-looking restaurant and had doughnuts and coffee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only, I didn't eat the doughnuts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't swallow them too well. The thing is, if you get very depressed about something, it's hard as hell to swallow. The waiter was very nice, though. He took them back without charging me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I just drank the coffee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I left and started walking over toward Fifth Avenue.\n\nIt was Monday and all, and pretty near Christmas, and all the stores were open. So it wasn't too bad walking on Fifth Avenue. It was fairly Christmasy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All those scraggy-looking Santa Clauses were standing on corners ringing those bells, and the Salvation Army girls, the ones that don't wear any lipstick or anything, were tinging bells too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sort of kept looking around for those two nuns I'd met at breakfast the day before, but I didn't see them. I knew I wouldn't, because they'd told me they'd come to New York to be schoolteachers, but I kept looking for them anyway. Anyway, it was pretty Christmasy all of a sudden. A million little kids were downtown with their mothers, getting on and off buses and coming in and out of stores." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wished old Phoebe was around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's not little enough any more to go stark staring mad in the toy department, but she enjoys horsing around and looking at the people. The Christmas before last I took her downtown shopping with me. We had a helluva time. I think it was in Bloomingdale's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We went in the shoe department and we pretended she—old Phoebe— wanted to get a pair of those very high storm shoes, the kind that have about a million holes to lace up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We had the poor salesman guy going crazy. Old Phoebe tried on about twenty pairs, and each time the poor guy had to lace one shoe all the way up. It was a dirty trick, but it killed old Phoebe. We finally bought a pair of moccasins and charged them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The salesman was very nice about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I think he knew we were horsing around, because old Phoebe always starts giggling.\n\nAnyway, I kept walking and walking up Fifth Avenue, without any tie on or anything. Then all of a sudden, something very spooky started happening. Every time I came to the end of a block and stepped off the goddam curb, I had this feeling that I'd never get to the other side of the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought I'd just go down, down, down, and nobody'd ever see me again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boy, did it scare me. You can't imagine. I started sweating like a bastard—my whole shirt and underwear and everything. Then I started doing something else. Every time I'd get to the end of a block I'd make believe I was talking to my brother Allie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd say to him, \"Allie, don't let me disappear. Allie, don't let me disappear. Allie, don't let me disappear. Please, Allie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then when I'd reach the other side of the street without disappearing, I'd thank him. Then it would start all over again as soon as I got to the next corner. But I kept going and all. I was sort of afraid to stop, I think—I don't remember, to tell you the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know I didn't stop till I was way up in the Sixties, past the zoo and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then I sat down on this bench. I could hardly get my breath, and I was still sweating like a bastard. I sat there, I guess, for about an hour. Finally, what I decided I'd do, I decided I'd go away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I decided I'd never go home again and I'd never go away to another school again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I decided I'd just see old Phoebe and sort of say good-by to her and all, and give her back her Christmas dough, and then I'd start hitchhiking my way out West. What I'd do, I figured, I'd go down to the Holland Tunnel and bum a ride, and then I'd bum another one, and another one, and another one, and in a few days I'd be somewhere out West where it was very pretty and sunny and where nobody'd know me and I'd get a job. I figured I could get a job at a filling station somewhere, putting gas and oil in people's cars. I didn't care what kind of job it was, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just so people didn't know me and I didn't know anybody." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought what I'd do was, I'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes. That way I wouldn't have to have any goddam stupid useless conversations with anybody. If anybody wanted to tell me something, they'd have to write it on a piece of paper and shove it over to me. They'd get bored as hell doing that after a while, and then I'd be through with having conversations for the rest of my life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everybody'd think I was just a poor deaf-mute bastard and they'd leave me alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd let me put gas and oil in their stupid cars, and they'd pay me a salary and all for it, and I'd build me a little cabin somewhere with the dough I made and live there for the rest of my life. I'd build it right near the woods, but not right in them, because I'd want it to be sunny as hell all the time. I'd cook all my own food, and later on, if I wanted to get married or something, I'd meet this beautiful girl that was also a deaf-mute and we'd get married. She'd come and live in my cabin with me, and if she wanted to say anything to me, she'd have to write it on a goddam piece of paper, like everybody else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If we had any children, we'd hide them somewhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We could buy them a lot of books and teach them how to read and write by ourselves.\n\nI got excited as hell thinking about it. I really did. I knew the part about pretending I was a deaf-mute was crazy, but I liked thinking about it anyway. But I really decided to go out West and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All I wanted to do first was say good-by to old Phoebe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So all of a sudden, I ran like a madman across the street—I damn near got killed doing it, if you want to know the truth—and went in this stationery store and bought a pad and pencil. I figured I'd write her a note telling her where to meet me so I could say good-by to her and give her back her Christmas dough, and then I'd take the note up to her school and get somebody in the principal's office to give it to her. But I just put the pad and pencil in my pocket and started walking fast as hell up to her school—I was too excited to write the note right in the stationery store. I walked fast because I wanted her to get the note before she went home for lunch, and I didn't have any too much time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I knew where her school was, naturally, because I went there myself when I was a kid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I got there, it felt funny. I wasn't sure I'd remember what it was like inside, but I did. It was exactly the same as it was when I went there. They had that same big yard inside, that was always sort of dark, with those cages around the light bulbs so they wouldn't break if they got hit with a ball." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had those same white circles painted all over the floor, for games and stuff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And those same old basketball rings without any nets—just the backboards and the rings.\n\nNobody was around at all, probably because it wasn't recess period, and it wasn't lunchtime yet. All I saw was one little kid, a colored kid, on his way to the bathroom. He had one of those wooden passes sticking out of his hip pocket, the same way we used to have, to show he had permission and all to go to the bathroom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was still sweating, but not so bad any more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I went over to the stairs and sat down on the first step and took out the pad and pencil I'd bought. The stairs had the same smell they used to have when I went there. Like somebody'd just taken a leak on them. School stairs always smell like that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyway, I sat there and wrote this note:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "DEAR PHOEBE,\n\nI can't wait around till Wednesday any more so I will probably hitch hike out west this afternoon. Meet me at the Museum of art near the door at quarter past 12 if you can and I will give you your Christmas dough back. I didn't spend much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Love, HOLDEN" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her school was practically right near the museum, and she had to pass it on her way home for lunch anyway, so I knew she could meet me all right.\n\nThen I started walking up the stairs to the principal's office so I could give the note to somebody that would bring it to her in her classroom. I folded it about ten times so nobody'd open it. You can't trust anybody in a goddam school." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I knew they'd give it to her if I was her brother and all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While I was walking up the stairs, though, all of a sudden I thought I was going to puke again. Only, I didn't. I sat down for a second, and then I felt better. But while I was sitting down, I saw something that drove me crazy. Somebody'd written \"Fuck you\" on the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It drove me damn near crazy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought how Phoebe and all the other little kids would see it, and how they'd wonder what the hell it meant, and then finally some dirty kid would tell them—all cockeyed, naturally—what it meant, and how they'd all think about it and maybe even worry about it for a couple of days. I kept wanting to kill whoever'd written it. I figured it was some perverty bum that'd sneaked in the school late at night to take a leak or something and then wrote it on the wall. I kept picturing myself catching him at it, and how I'd smash his head on the stone steps till he was good and goddam dead and bloody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I knew, too, I wouldn't have the guts to do it. I knew that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That made me even more depressed. I hardly even had the guts to rub it off the wall with my hand, if you want to know the truth. I was afraid some teacher would catch me rubbing it off and would think I'd written it. But I rubbed it out anyway, finally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then I went on up to the principal's office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The principal didn't seem to be around, but some old lady around a hundred years old was sitting at a typewriter. I told her I was Phoebe Caulfield's brother, in 4B-1, and I asked her to please give Phoebe the note. I said it was very important because my mother was sick and wouldn't have lunch ready for Phoebe and that she'd have to meet me and have lunch in a drugstore. She was very nice about it, the old lady." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took the note off me and called some other lady, from the next office, and the other lady went to give it to Phoebe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the old lady that was around a hundred years old and I shot the breeze for a while, She was pretty nice, and I told her how I'd gone there to school, too, and my brothers. She asked me where I went to school now, and I told her Pencey, and she said Pencey was a very good school. Even if I'd wanted to, I wouldn't have had the strength to straighten her out. Besides, if she thought Pencey was a very good school, let her think it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You hate to tell new stuff to somebody around a hundred years old." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They don't like to hear it. Then, after a while, I left. It was funny. She yelled \"Good luck!\" at me the same way old Spencer did when I left Pencey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God, how I hate it when somebody yells \"Good luck!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "at me when I'm leaving somewhere. It's depressing.\n\nI went down by a different staircase, and I saw another \"Fuck you\" on the wall. I tried to rub it off with my hand again, but this one was scratched on, with a knife or something. It wouldn't come off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's hopeless, anyway. If you had a million years to do it in, you couldn't rub out even half the \"Fuck you\" signs in the world. It's impossible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I looked at the clock in the recess yard, and it was only twenty to twelve, so I had quite a lot of time to kill before I met old Phoebe. But I just walked over to the museum anyway. There wasn't anyplace else to go. I thought maybe I might stop in a phone booth and give old Jane Gallagher a buzz before I started bumming my way west, but I wasn't in the mood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For one thing, I wasn't even sure she was home for vacation yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I just went over to the museum, and hung around.\n\nWhile I was waiting around for Phoebe in the museum, right inside the doors and all, these two little kids came up to me and asked me if I knew where the mummies were. The one little kid, the one that asked me, had his pants open. I told him about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he buttoned them up right where he was standing talking to me—he didn't even bother to go behind a post or anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He killed me. I would've laughed, but I was afraid I'd feel like vomiting again, so I didn't. \"Where're the mummies, fella?\" the kid said again. \"Ya know?\"\n\nI horsed around with the two of them a little bit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The mummies? What're they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked the one kid.\n\n\"You know. The mummies—them dead guys. That get buried in them toons and all.\"\n\nToons. That killed me. He meant tombs.\n\n\"How come you two guys aren't in school?\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No school t'day,\" the kid that did all the talking said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was lying, sure as I'm alive, the little bastard. I didn't have anything to do, though, till old Phoebe showed up, so I helped them find the place where the mummies were. Boy, I used to know exactly where they were, but I hadn't been in that museum in years.\n\n\"You two guys so interested in mummies?\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can't your friend talk?\" I said.\n\n\"He ain't my friend. He's my brudda.\"\n\n\"Can't he talk?\" I looked at the one that wasn't doing any talking. \"Can't you talk at all?\" I asked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah,\" he said. \"I don't feel like it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally we found the place where the mummies were, and we went in.\n\n\"You know how the Egyptians buried their dead?\" I asked the one kid.\n\n\"Naa.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you should. It's very interesting. They wrapped their faces up in these cloths that were treated with some secret chemical. That way they could be buried in their tombs for thousands of years and their faces wouldn't rot or anything. Nobody knows how to do it except the Egyptians. Even modern science.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To get to where the mummies were, you had to go down this very narrow sort of hall with stones on the side that they'd taken right out of this Pharaoh's tomb and all. It was pretty spooky, and you could tell the two hot-shots I was with weren't enjoying it too much. They stuck close as hell to me, and the one that didn't talk at all practically was holding onto my sleeve. \"Let's go,\" he said to his brother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I seen 'em awreddy. C'mon, hey.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned around and beat it.\n\n\"He's got a yella streak a mile wide,\" the other one said. \"So long!\" He beat it too.\n\nI was the only one left in the tomb then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sort of liked it, in a way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was so nice and peaceful. Then, all of a sudden, you'd never guess what I saw on the wall. Another \"Fuck you.\" It was written with a red crayon or something, right under the glass part of the wall, under the stones.\n\nThat's the whole trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You can't ever find a place that's nice and peaceful, because there isn't any." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You may think there is, but once you get there, when you're not looking, somebody'll sneak up and write \"Fuck you\" right under your nose. Try it sometime. I think, even, if I ever die, and they stick me in a cemetery, and I have a tombstone and all, it'll say \"Holden Caulfield\" on it, and then what year I was born and what year I died, and then right under that it'll say \"Fuck you.\" I'm positive, in fact.\n\nAfter I came out of the place where the mummies were, I had to go to the bathroom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sort of had diarrhea, if you want to know the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't mind the diarrhea part too much, but something else happened. When I was coming out of the can, right before I got to the door, I sort of passed out. I was lucky, though. I mean I could've killed myself when I hit the floor, but all I did was sort of land on my side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "it was a funny thing, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt better after I passed out. I really did. My arm sort of hurt, from where I fell, but I didn't feel so damn dizzy any more.\n\nIt was about ten after twelve or so then, and so I went back and stood by the door and waited for old Phoebe. I thought how it might be the last time I'd ever see her again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Any of my relatives, I mean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I figured I'd probably see them again, but not for years. I might come home when I was about thirty-five. I figured, in case somebody got sick and wanted to see me before they died, but that would be the only reason I'd leave my cabin and come back. I even started picturing how it would be when I came back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I knew my mother'd get nervous as hell and start to cry and beg me to stay home and not go back to my cabin, but I'd go anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd be casual as hell. I'd make her calm down, and then I'd go over to the other side of the living room and take out this cigarette case and light a cigarette, cool as all hell. I'd ask them all to visit me sometime if they wanted to, but I wouldn't insist or anything. What I'd do, I'd let old Phoebe come out and visit me in the summertime and on Christmas vacation and Easter vacation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I'd let D.B." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "come out and visit me for a while if he wanted a nice, quiet place for his writing, but he couldn't write any movies in my cabin, only stories and books. I'd have this rule that nobody could do anything phony when they visited me. If anybody tried to do anything phony, they couldn't stay.\n\nAll of a sudden I looked at the clock in the checkroom and it was twenty-five of one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I began to get scared that maybe that old lady in the school had told that other lady not to give old Phoebe my message." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I began to get scared that maybe she'd told her to burn it or something. It really scared hell out of me. I really wanted to see old Phoebe before I hit the road. I mean I had her Christmas dough and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, I saw her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I saw her through the glass part of the door. The reason I saw her, she had my crazy hunting hat on—you could see that hat about ten miles away.\n\nI went out the doors and started down these stone stairs to meet her. The thing I couldn't understand, she had this big suitcase with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was just coming across Fifth Avenue, and she was dragging this goddam big suitcase with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could hardly drag it. When I got up closer, I saw it was my old suitcase, the one I used to use when I was at Whooton. I couldn't figure out what the hell she was doing with it. \"Hi,\" she said when she got up close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was all out of breath from that crazy suitcase." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought maybe you weren't coming,\" I said. \"What the hell's in that bag? I don't need anything. I'm just going the way I am. I'm not even taking the bags I got at the station. What the hellya got in there?\"\n\nShe put the suitcase down. \"My clothes,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going with you. Can I? Okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" I said. I almost fell over when she said that. I swear to God I did. I got sort of dizzy and I thought I was going to pass out or something again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I took them down the back elevator so Charlene wouldn't see me. It isn't heavy. All I have in it is two dresses and my moccasins and my underwear and socks and some other things. Feel it. It isn't heavy. Feel it once... Can't I go with you? Holden? Can't I? Please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Shut up.\"\n\nI thought I was going to pass out cold. I mean I didn't mean to tell her to shut up and all, but I thought I was going to pass out again.\n\n\"Why can't I? Please, Holden! I won't do anything— I'll just go with you, that's all! I won't even take my clothes with me if you don't want me to—I'll just take my—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't take anything. Because you're not going. I'm going alone. So shut up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, Holden. Please let me go. I'll be very, very, very—You won't even—\"\n\n\"You're not going. Now, shut up! Gimme that bag,\" I said. I took the bag off her. I was almost all set to hit her, I thought I was going to smack her for a second. I really did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She started to cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought you were supposed to be in a play at school and all I thought you were supposed to be Benedict Arnold in that play and all,\" I said. I said it very nasty. \"Whuddaya want to do? Not be in the play, for God's sake?\" That made her cry even harder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was glad. All of a sudden I wanted her to cry till her eyes practically dropped out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I almost hated her. I think I hated her most because she wouldn't be in that play any more if she went away with me.\n\n\"Come on,\" I said. I started up the steps to the museum again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I figured what I'd do was, I'd check the crazy suitcase she'd brought in the checkroom, andy then she could get it again at three o'clock, after school." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew she couldn't take it back to school with her. \"Come on, now,\" I said.\n\nShe didn't go up the steps with me, though. She wouldn't come with me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I went up anyway, though, and brought the bag in the checkroom and checked it, and then I came down again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was still standing there on the sidewalk, but she turned her back on me when I came up to her. She can do that. She can turn her back on you when she feels like it. \"I'm not going away anywhere. I changed my mind. So stop crying, and shut up,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The funny part was, she wasn't even crying when I said that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I said it anyway, though, \"C'mon, now. I'll walk you back to school. C'mon, now. You'll be late.\"\n\nShe wouldn't answer me or anything. I sort of tried to get hold of her old hand, but she wouldn't let me. She kept turning around on me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Didja have your lunch? Ya had your lunch yet?\" I asked her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wouldn't answer me. All she did was, she took off my red hunting hat—the one I gave her—and practically chucked it right in my face. Then she turned her back on me again. It nearly killed me, but I didn't say anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I just picked it up and stuck it in my coat pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, hey. I'll walk you back to school,\" I said.\n\n\"I'm not going back to school.\"\n\nI didn't know what to say when she said that. I just stood there for a couple of minutes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have to go back to school. You want to be in that play, don't you? You want to be Benedict Arnold, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"Sure you do. Certainly you do. C'mon, now, let's go,\" I said. \"In the first place, I'm not going away anywhere, I told you. I'm going home. I'm going home as soon as you go back to school. First I'm gonna go down to the station and get my bags, and then I'm gonna go straight—\"\n\n\"I said I'm not going back to school. You can do what you want to do, but I'm not going back to chool,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So shut up.\" It was the first time she ever told me to shut up. It sounded terrible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God, it sounded terrible. It sounded worse than swearing. She still wouldn't look at me either, and every time I sort of put my hand on her shoulder or something, she wouldn't let me.\n\n\"Listen, do you want to go for a walk?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked her. \"Do you want to take a walk down to the zoo? If I let you not go back to school this afternoon and go for walk, will you cut out this crazy stuff?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wouldn't answer me, so I said it over again. \"If I let you skip school this afternoon and go for a little walk, will you cut out the crazy stuff? Will you go back to school tomorrow like a good girl?\"\n\n\"I may and I may not,\" she said. Then she ran right the hell across the street, without even looking to see if any cars were coming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's a madman sometimes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't follow her, though. I knew she'd follow me, so I started walking downtown toward the zoo, on the park side of the street, and she started walking downtown on the other goddam side of the street, She wouldn't look over at me at all, but I could tell she was probably watching me out of the corner of her crazy eye to see where I was going and all. Anyway, we kept walking that way all the way to the zoo. The only thing that bothered me was when a double-decker bus came along because then I couldn't see across the street and I couldn't see where the hell she was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when we got to the zoo, I yelled over to her, \"Phoebe! I'm going in the zoo! C'mon, now!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wouldn't look at me, but I could tell she heard me, and when I started down the steps to the zoo I turned around and saw she was crossing the street and following me and all.\n\nThere weren't too many people in the zoo because it was sort of a lousy day, but there were a few around the sea lions' swimming pool and all. I started to go by but old Phoebe stopped and made out she was watching the sea lions getting fed—a guy was throwing fish at them—so I went back. I figured it was a good chance to catch up with her and all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I went up and sort of stood behind her and sort of put my hands on her shoulders, but she bent her knees and slid out from me—she can certainly be very snotty when she wants to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept standing there while the sea lions were getting fed and I stood right behind her. I didn't put my hands on her shoulders again or anything because if I had she really would've beat it on me. Kids are funny. You have to watch what you're doing.\n\nShe wouldn't walk right next to me when we left the sea lions, but she didn't walk too far away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sort of walked on one side of the sidewalk and I walked on the other side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't too gorgeous, but it was better than having her walk about a mile away from me, like before. We went up and watched the bears, on that little hill, for a while, but there wasn't much to watch. Only one of the bears was out, the polar bear. The other one, the brown one, was in his goddam cave and wouldn't come out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All you could see was his rear end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a little kid standing next to me, with a cowboy hat on practically over his ears, and he kept telling his father, \"Make him come out, Daddy. Make him come out.\" I looked at old Phoebe, but she wouldn't laugh. You know kids when they're sore at you. They won't laugh or anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After we left the bears, we left the zoo and crossed over this little street in the park, and then we went through one of those little tunnels that always smell from somebody's taking a leak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was on the way to the carrousel. Old Phoebe still wouldn't talk to me or anything, but she was sort of walking next to me now. I took a hold of the belt at the back of her coat, just for the hell of it, but she wouldn't let me. She said, \"Keep your hands to yourself, if you don't mind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was still sore at me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But not as sore as she was before. Anyway, we kept getting closer and closer to the carrousel and you could start to hear that nutty music it always plays. It was playing \"Oh, Marie!\" It played that same song about fifty years ago when I was a little kid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's one nice thing about carrousels, they always play the same songs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought the carrousel was closed in the wintertime,\" old Phoebe said. It was the first time she practically said anything. She probably forgot she was supposed to be sore at me.\n\n\"Maybe because it's around Christmas,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't say anything when I said that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She probably remembered she was supposed to be sore at me.\n\n\"Do you want to go for a ride on it?\" I said. I knew she probably did. When she was a tiny little kid, and Allie and D.B." }, { "from": "human", "value": "and I used to go to the park with her, she was mad about the carrousel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You couldn't get her off the goddam thing.\n\n\"I'm too big.\" she said. I thought she wasn't going to answer me, but she did.\n\n\"No, you're not. Go on. I'll wait for ya. Go on,\" I said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We were right there then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were a few kids riding on it, mostly very little kids, and a few parents were waiting around outside, sitting on the benches and all. What I did was, I went up to the window where they sell the tickets and bought old Phoebe a ticket. Then I gave it to her. She was standing right next to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here,\" I said. \"Wait a second—take the rest of your dough, too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I started giving her the rest of the dough she'd lent me.\n\n\"You keep it. Keep it for me,\" she said. Then she said right afterward—\"Please.\"\n\nThat's depressing, when somebody says \"please\" to you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean if it's Phoebe or somebody." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That depressed the hell out of me. But I put the dough back in my pocket.\n\n\"Aren't you gonna ride, too?\" she asked me. She was looking at me sort of funny." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could tell she wasn't too sore at me any more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe I will the next time. I'll watch ya,\" I said. \"Got your ticket?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Go ahead, then—I'll be on this bench right over here. I'll watch ya.\" I went over and sat down on this bench, and she went and got on the carrousel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She walked all around it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I mean she walked once all the way around it. Then she sat down on this big, brown, beat-up-looking old horse. Then the carrousel started, and I watched her go around and around. There were only about five or six other kids on the ride, and the song the carrousel was playing was \"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was playing it very jazzy and funny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the kids kept trying to grab for the gold ring, and so was old Phoebe, and I was sort of afraid she'd fall off the goddam horse, but I didn't say anything or do anything. The thing with kids is, if they want to grab the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off they fall off, but it's bad if you say anything to them.\n\nWhen the ride was over she got off her horse and came over to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You ride once, too, this time,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I'll just watch ya. I think I'll just watch,\" I said. I gave her some more of her dough. \"Here. Get some more tickets.\"\n\nShe took the dough off me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not mad at you any more,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. Hurry up—the thing's gonna start again.\"\n\nThen all of a sudden she gave me a kiss. Then she held her hand out, and said, \"It's raining. It's starting to rain.\"\n\n\"I know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then what she did—it damn near killed me—she reached in my coat pocket and took out my red hunting hat and put it on my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you want it?\" I said.\n\n\"You can wear it a while.\"\n\n\"Okay. Hurry up, though, now. You're gonna miss your ride. You won't get your own horse or anything.\"\n\nShe kept hanging around, though." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you mean it what you said? You really aren't going away anywhere? Are you really going home afterwards?\" she asked me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah,\" I said. I meant it, too. I wasn't lying to her. I really did go home afterwards. \"Hurry up, now,\" I said. \"The thing's starting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She ran and bought her ticket and got back on the goddam carrousel just in time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she walked all the way around it till she got her own horse back. Then she got on it. She waved to me and I waved back.\n\nBoy, it began to rain like a bastard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In buckets, I swear to God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the parents and mothers and everybody went over and stood right under the roof of the carrousel, so they wouldn't get soaked to the skin or anything, but I stuck around on the bench for quite a while. I got pretty soaking wet, especially my neck and my pants. My hunting hat really gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way; but I got soaked anyway. I didn't care, though." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like J.D. Salinger would" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's all I'm going to tell about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I could probably tell you what I did after I went home, and how I got sick and all, and what school I'm supposed to go to next fall, after I get out of here, but I don't feel like it. I really don't. That stuff doesn't interest me too much right now.\n\nA lot of people, especially this one psychoanalyst guy they have here, keeps asking me if I'm going apply myself when I go back to school next September. It's such a stupid question, in my opinion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean how do you know what you're going to do till you do it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer is, you don't. I think I am, but how do I know? I swear it's a stupid question.\n\nD.B. isn't as bad as the rest of them, but he keeps asking me a lot of questions, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drove over last Saturday with this English babe that's in this new picture he's writing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was pretty affected, but very good-looking. Anyway, one time when she went to the ladies' room way the hell down in the other wing D.B. asked me what I thought about all this stuff I just finished telling you about. I didn't know what the hell to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you want to know the truth, I don't know what I think about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm sorry I told so many people about it. About all I know is, I sort of miss everybody I told about. Even old Stradlater and Ackley, for instance. I think I even miss that goddam Maurice. It's funny." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't ever tell anybody anything." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you do, you start missing everybody." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Jane Austen and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.\n\nHowever little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.\n\n\"My dear Mr. Bennet,\" said his lady to him one day, \"have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?\"\n\nMr. Bennet replied that he had not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But it is,\" returned she; \"for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bennet made no answer.\n\n\"Do you not want to know who has taken it?\" cried his wife impatiently.\n\n\"You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was invitation enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.\"\n\n\"What is his name?\"\n\n\"Bingley.\"\n\n\"Is he married or single?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How so? How can it affect them?\"\n\n\"My dear Mr. Bennet,\" replied his wife, \"how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.\"\n\n\"Is that his design in settling here?\"\n\n\"Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley may like you the best of the party.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now. When a woman has five grown-up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty.\"\n\n\"In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of.\"\n\n\"But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when he comes into the neighbourhood.\"\n\n\"It is more than I engage for, I assure you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it would be for one of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you know, they visit no newcomers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit him if you do not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are over-scrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy.\"\n\n\"I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good-humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference.\"\n\n\"They have none of them much to recommend them,\" replied he; \"they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.\"\n\n\"Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, you do not know what I suffer.\"\n\n\"But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.\"\n\n\"It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them.\"\n\n\"Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley. He had always intended to visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife that he should not go; and till the evening after the visit was paid she had no knowledge of it. It was then disclosed in the following manner. Observing his second daughter employed in trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her with:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are not in a way to know what Mr. Bingley likes,\" said her mother resentfully, \"since we are not to visit.\"\n\n\"But you forget, mamma,\" said Elizabeth, \"that we shall meet him at the assemblies, and that Mrs. Long promised to introduce him.\"\n\n\"I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She has two nieces of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her.\"\n\n\"No more have I,\" said Mr. Bennet; \"and I am glad to find that you do not depend on her serving you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply, but, unable to contain herself, began scolding one of her daughters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't keep coughing so, Kitty, for Heaven's sake! Have a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces.\"\n\n\"Kitty has no discretion in her coughs,\" said her father; \"she times them ill.\"\n\n\"I do not cough for my own amusement,\" replied Kitty fretfully. \"When is your next ball to be, Lizzy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To-morrow fortnight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, so it is,\" cried her mother, \"and Mrs. Long does not come back till the day before; so it will be impossible for her to introduce him, for she will not know him herself.\"\n\n\"Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to her.\"\n\n\"Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with him myself; how can you be so teasing?\"\n\n\"I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly very little. One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight. But if we do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her nieces must stand their chance; and, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, if you decline the office, I will take it on myself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The girls stared at their father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet said only, \"Nonsense, nonsense!\"\n\n\"What can be the meaning of that emphatic exclamation?\" cried he. \"Do you consider the forms of introduction, and the stress that is laid on them, as nonsense? I cannot quite agree with you there. What say you, Mary? For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts.\"\n\nMary wished to say something sensible, but knew not how." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"While Mary is adjusting her ideas,\" he continued, \"let us return to Mr. Bingley.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am sick of Mr. Bingley,\" cried his wife.\n\n\"I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you tell me that before? If I had known as much this morning I certainly would not have called on him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.\"\n\nThe astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when the first tumult of joy was over, she began to declare that it was what she had expected all the while.\n\n\"How good it was in you, my dear Mr. Bennet! But I knew I should persuade you at last. I was sure you loved your girls too well to neglect such an acquaintance. Well, how pleased I am! and it is such a good joke, too, that you should have gone this morning and never said a word about it till now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, Kitty, you may cough as much as you choose,\" said Mr. Bennet; and, as he spoke, he left the room, fatigued with the raptures of his wife." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What an excellent father you have, girls!\" said she, when the door was shut. \"I do not know how you will ever make him amends for his kindness; or me, either, for that matter. At our time of life it is not so pleasant, I can tell you, to be making new acquaintances every day; but for your sakes, we would do anything. Lydia, my love, though you are the youngest, I dare say Mr. Bingley will dance with you at the next ball.\"\n\n\"Oh!\" said Lydia stoutly, \"I am not afraid; for though I am the youngest, I'm the tallest.\"\n\nThe rest of the evening was spent in conjecturing how soon he would return Mr. Bennet's visit, and determining when they should ask him to dinner." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not all that Mrs. Bennet, however, with the assistance of her five daughters, could ask on the subject, was sufficient to draw from her husband any satisfactory description of Mr. Bingley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They attacked him in various ways—with barefaced questions, ingenious suppositions, and distant surmises; but he eluded the skill of them all, and they were at last obliged to accept the second-hand intelligence of their neighbour, Lady Lucas. Her report was highly favourable. Sir William had been delighted with him. He was quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable, and, to crown the whole, he meant to be at the next assembly with a large party." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing could be more delightful!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love; and very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley's heart were entertained.\n\n\"If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield,\" said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, \"and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for.\"\n\nIn a few days Mr. Bingley returned Mr. Bennet's visit, and sat about ten minutes with him in his library. He had entertained hopes of being admitted to a sight of the young ladies, of whose beauty he had heard much; but he saw only the father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ladies were somewhat more fortunate, for they had the advantage of ascertaining from an upper window that he wore a blue coat, and rode a black horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An invitation to dinner was soon afterwards dispatched; and already had Mrs. Bennet planned the courses that were to do credit to her housekeeping, when an answer arrived which deferred it all. Mr. Bingley was obliged to be in town the following day, and, consequently, unable to accept the honour of their invitation, etc. Mrs. Bennet was quite disconcerted. She could not imagine what business he could have in town so soon after his arrival in Hertfordshire; and she began to fear that he might be always flying about from one place to another, and never settled at Netherfield as he ought to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Lucas quieted her fears a little by starting the idea of his being gone to London only to get a large party for the ball; and a report soon followed that Mr. Bingley was to bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen with him to the assembly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girls grieved over such a number of ladies, but were comforted the day before the ball by hearing, that instead of twelve he brought only six with him from London—his five sisters and a cousin. And when the party entered the assembly room it consisted of only five altogether—Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, the husband of the eldest, and another young man.\n\nMr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His sisters were fine women, with an air of decided fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, merely looked the gentleman; but his friend Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year. The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud; to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend.\n\nMr. Bingley had soon made himself acquainted with all the principal people in the room; he was lively and unreserved, danced every dance, was angry that the ball closed so early, and talked of giving one himself at Netherfield. Such amiable qualities must speak for themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a contrast between him and his friend!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and once with Miss Bingley, declined being introduced to any other lady, and spent the rest of the evening in walking about the room, speaking occasionally to one of his own party. His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped that he would never come there again. Amongst the most violent against him was Mrs. Bennet, whose dislike of his general behaviour was sharpened into particular resentment by his having slighted one of her daughters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen, to sit down for two dances; and during part of that time, Mr. Darcy had been standing near enough for her to hear a conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance for a few minutes, to press his friend to join it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come, Darcy,\" said he, \"I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.\"\n\n\"I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.\"\n\n\"I would not be so fastidious as you are,\" cried Mr. Bingley, \"for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening; and there are several of them you see uncommonly pretty.\"\n\n\"You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,\" said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which do you mean?\" and turning round he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said: \"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.\"\n\nMr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings toward him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She told the story, however, with great spirit among her friends; for she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The evening altogether passed off pleasantly to the whole family. Mrs. Bennet had seen her eldest daughter much admired by the Netherfield party. Mr. Bingley had danced with her twice, and she had been distinguished by his sisters. Jane was as much gratified by this as her mother could be, though in a quieter way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth felt Jane's pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mary had heard herself mentioned to Miss Bingley as the most accomplished girl in the neighbourhood; and Catherine and Lydia had been fortunate enough never to be without partners, which was all that they had yet learnt to care for at a ball. They returned, therefore, in good spirits to Longbourn, the village where they lived, and of which they were the principal inhabitants. They found Mr. Bennet still up. With a book he was regardless of time; and on the present occasion he had a good deal of curiosity as to the event of an evening which had raised such splendid expectations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had rather hoped that his wife's views on the stranger would be disappointed; but he soon found out that he had a different story to hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! my dear Mr. Bennet,\" as she entered the room, \"we have had a most delightful evening, a most excellent ball. I wish you had been there. Jane was so admired, nothing could be like it. Everybody said how well she looked; and Mr. Bingley thought her quite beautiful, and danced with her twice! Only think of that, my dear; he actually danced with her twice! and she was the only creature in the room that he asked a second time. First of all, he asked Miss Lucas. I was so vexed to see him stand up with her! But, however, he did not admire her at all; indeed, nobody can, you know; and he seemed quite struck with Jane as she was going down the dance. So he inquired who she was, and got introduced, and asked her for the two next. Then the two third he danced with Miss King, and the two fourth with Maria Lucas, and the two fifth with Jane again, and the two sixth with Lizzy, and the Boulanger—\"\n\n\"If he had had any compassion for me,\" cried her husband impatiently, \"he would not have danced half so much! For God's sake, say no more of his partners. Oh that he had sprained his ankle in the first dance!\"\n\n\"Oh! my dear, I am quite delighted with him. He is so excessively handsome! And his sisters are charming women. I never in my life saw anything more elegant than their dresses. I dare say the lace upon Mrs. Hurst's gown—\"\n\nHere she was interrupted again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Bennet protested against any description of finery." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was therefore obliged to seek another branch of the subject, and related, with much bitterness of spirit and some exaggeration, the shocking rudeness of Mr. Darcy.\n\n\"But I can assure you,\" she added, \"that Lizzy does not lose much by not suiting his fancy; for he is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing. So high and so conceited that there was no enduring him! He walked here, and he walked there, fancying himself so very great! Not handsome enough to dance with! I wish you had been there, my dear, to have given him one of your set-downs. I quite detest the man.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Jane Austen.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Jane Austen every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former, who had been cautious in her praise of Mr. Bingley before, expressed to her sister just how very much she admired him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is just what a young man ought to be,\" said she, \"sensible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners!—so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!\"\n\n\"He is also handsome,\" replied Elizabeth, \"which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.\"\n\n\"I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second time. I did not expect such a compliment.\"\n\n\"Did not you? I did for you. But that is one great difference between us. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me never. What could be more natural than his asking you again? He could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman in the room. No thanks to his gallantry for that. Well, he certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dear Lizzy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in anybody. All the world are good and agreeable in your eyes. I never heard you speak ill of a human being in your life.\"\n\n\"I would not wish to be hasty in censuring anyone; but I always speak what I think.\"\n\n\"I know you do; and it is that which makes the wonder. With your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others! Affectation of candour is common enough—one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or design—to take the good of everybody's character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad—belongs to you alone. And so you like this man's sisters, too, do you? Their manners are not equal to his.\"\n\n\"Certainly not—at first. But they are very pleasing women when you converse with them. Miss Bingley is to live with her brother, and keep his house; and I am much mistaken if we shall not find a very charming neighbour in her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth listened in silence, but was not convinced; their behaviour at the assembly had not been calculated to please in general; and with more quickness of observation and less pliancy of temper than her sister, and with a judgement too unassailed by any attention to herself, she was very little disposed to approve them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were in fact very fine ladies; not deficient in good humour when they were pleased, nor in the power of making themselves agreeable when they chose it, but proud and conceited. They were rather handsome, had been educated in one of the first private seminaries in town, had a fortune of twenty thousand pounds, were in the habit of spending more than they ought, and of associating with people of rank, and were therefore in every respect entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of others. They were of a respectable family in the north of England; a circumstance more deeply impressed on their memories than that their brother's fortune and their own had been acquired by trade.\n\nMr. Bingley inherited property to the amount of nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his father, who had intended to purchase an estate, but did not live to do it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Bingley intended it likewise, and sometimes made choice of his county; but as he was now provided with a good house and the liberty of a manor, it was doubtful to many of those who best knew the easiness of his temper, whether he might not spend the remainder of his days at Netherfield, and leave the next generation to purchase." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sisters were anxious for his having an estate of his own; but, though he was now only established as a tenant, Miss Bingley was by no means unwilling to preside at his table—nor was Mrs. Hurst, who had married a man of more fashion than fortune, less disposed to consider his house as her home when it suited her. Mr. Bingley had not been of age two years, when he was tempted by an accidental recommendation to look at Netherfield House. He did look at it, and into it for half-an-hour—was pleased with the situation and the principal rooms, satisfied with what the owner said in its praise, and took it immediately.\n\nBetween him and Darcy there was a very steady friendship, in spite of great opposition of character." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bingley was endeared to Darcy by the easiness, openness, and ductility of his temper, though no disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own, and though with his own he never appeared dissatisfied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the strength of Darcy's regard, Bingley had the firmest reliance, and of his judgement the highest opinion. In understanding, Darcy was the superior. Bingley was by no means deficient, but Darcy was clever. He was at the same time haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well-bred, were not inviting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In that respect his friend had greatly the advantage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bingley was sure of being liked wherever he appeared, Darcy was continually giving offense.\n\nThe manner in which they spoke of the Meryton assembly was sufficiently characteristic. Bingley had never met with more pleasant people or prettier girls in his life; everybody had been most kind and attentive to him; there had been no formality, no stiffness; he had soon felt acquainted with all the room; and, as to Miss Bennet, he could not conceive an angel more beautiful. Darcy, on the contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no fashion, for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest, and from none received either attention or pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Bennet he acknowledged to be pretty, but she smiled too much." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Hurst and her sister allowed it to be so—but still they admired her and liked her, and pronounced her to be a sweet girl, and one whom they would not object to know more of. Miss Bennet was therefore established as a sweet girl, and their brother felt authorized by such commendation to think of her as he chose." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Jane Austen would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within a short walk of Longbourn lived a family with whom the Bennets were particularly intimate. Sir William Lucas had been formerly in trade in Meryton, where he had made a tolerable fortune, and risen to the honour of knighthood by an address to the king during his mayoralty. The distinction had perhaps been felt too strongly. It had given him a disgust to his business, and to his residence in a small market town; and, in quitting them both, he had removed with his family to a house about a mile from Meryton, denominated from that period Lucas Lodge, where he could think with pleasure of his own importance, and, unshackled by business, occupy himself solely in being civil to all the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For, though elated by his rank, it did not render him supercilious; on the contrary, he was all attention to everybody." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By nature inoffensive, friendly, and obliging, his presentation at St. James's had made him courteous.\n\nLady Lucas was a very good kind of woman, not too clever to be a valuable neighbour to Mrs. Bennet. They had several children. The eldest of them, a sensible, intelligent young woman, about twenty-seven, was Elizabeth's intimate friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That the Miss Lucases and the Miss Bennets should meet to talk over a ball was absolutely necessary; and the morning after the assembly brought the former to Longbourn to hear and to communicate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You began the evening well, Charlotte,\" said Mrs. Bennet with civil self-command to Miss Lucas. \"You were Mr. Bingley's first choice.\"\n\n\"Yes; but he seemed to like his second better.\"\n\n\"Oh! you mean Jane, I suppose, because he danced with her twice. To be sure that did seem as if he admired her—indeed I rather believe he did—I heard something about it—but I hardly know what—something about Mr. Robinson.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps you mean what I overheard between him and Mr. Robinson; did not I mention it to you? Mr. Robinson's asking him how he liked our Meryton assemblies, and whether he did not think there were a great many pretty women in the room, and which he thought the prettiest? and his answering immediately to the last question: 'Oh! the eldest Miss Bennet, beyond a doubt; there cannot be two opinions on that point.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Upon my word! Well, that is very decided indeed—that does seem as if—but, however, it may all come to nothing, you know.\"\n\n\"My overhearings were more to the purpose than yours, Eliza,\" said Charlotte. \"Mr. Darcy is not so well worth listening to as his friend, is he?—poor Eliza!—to be only just tolerable.\"\n\n\"I beg you would not put it into Lizzy's head to be vexed by his ill-treatment, for he is such a disagreeable man, that it would be quite a misfortune to be liked by him. Mrs. Long told me last night that he sat close to her for half-an-hour without once opening his lips.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you quite sure, ma'am?—is not there a little mistake?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "said Jane. \"I certainly saw Mr. Darcy speaking to her.\"\n\n\"Aye—because she asked him at last how he liked Netherfield, and he could not help answering her; but she said he seemed quite angry at being spoke to.\"\n\n\"Miss Bingley told me,\" said Jane, \"that he never speaks much, unless among his intimate acquaintances. With them he is remarkably agreeable.\"\n\n\"I do not believe a word of it, my dear. If he had been so very agreeable, he would have talked to Mrs. Long. But I can guess how it was; everybody says that he is eat up with pride, and I dare say he had heard somehow that Mrs. Long does not keep a carriage, and had come to the ball in a hack chaise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not mind his not talking to Mrs. Long,\" said Miss Lucas, \"but I wish he had danced with Eliza.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Another time, Lizzy,\" said her mother, \"I would not dance with him, if I were you.\"\n\n\"I believe, ma'am, I may safely promise you never to dance with him.\"\n\n\"His pride,\" said Miss Lucas, \"does not offend me so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, everything in his favour, should think highly of himself. If I may so express it, he has a right to be proud.\"\n\n\"That is very true,\" replied Elizabeth, \"and I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with four sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Jane Austen.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next four sentences in the distinctive voice of Jane Austen.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going four sentences at a time, also im going for a Jane Austen sorta thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfield." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The visit was soon returned in due form. Miss Bennet's pleasing manners grew on the goodwill of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and though the mother was found to be intolerable, and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, a wish of being better acquainted with them was expressed towards the two eldest. By Jane, this attention was received with the greatest pleasure, but Elizabeth still saw superciliousness in their treatment of everybody, hardly excepting even her sister, and could not like them; though their kindness to Jane, such as it was, had a value as arising in all probability from the influence of their brother's admiration. It was generally evident whenever they met, that he did admire her and to her it was equally evident that Jane was yielding to the preference which she had begun to entertain for him from the first, and was in a way to be very much in love; but she considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered by the world in general, since Jane united, with great strength of feeling, a composure of temper and a uniform cheerfulness of manner which would guard her from the suspicions of the impertinent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It may perhaps be pleasant,\" replied Charlotte, \"to be able to impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely—a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten a women had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.\"\n\n\"But she does help him on, as much as her nature will allow. If I can perceive her regard for him, he must be a simpleton, indeed, not to discover it too.\"\n\n\"Remember, Eliza, that he does not know Jane's disposition as you do.\"\n\n\"But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps he must, if he sees enough of her. But, though Bingley and Jane meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together; and, as they always see each other in large mixed parties, it is impossible that every moment should be employed in conversing together. Jane should therefore make the most of every half-hour in which she can command his attention. When she is secure of him, there will be more leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your plan is a good one,\" replied Elizabeth, \"where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married, and if I were determined to get a rich husband, or any husband, I dare say I should adopt it. But these are not Jane's feelings; she is not acting by design. As yet, she cannot even be certain of the degree of her own regard nor of its reasonableness. She has known him only a fortnight. She danced four dances with him at Meryton; she saw him one morning at his own house, and has since dined with him in company four times. This is not quite enough to make her understand his character.\"\n\n\"Not as you represent it. Had she merely dined with him, she might only have discovered whether he had a good appetite; but you must remember that four evenings have also been spent together—and four evenings may do a great deal.\"\n\n\"Yes; these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like Vingt-un better than Commerce; but with respect to any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has been unfolded.\"\n\n\"Well,\" said Charlotte, \"I wish Jane success with all my heart; and if she were married to him to-morrow, I should think she had as good a chance of happiness as if she were to be studying his character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of this she was perfectly unaware; to her he was only the man who made himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with.\n\nHe began to wish to know more of her, and as a step towards conversing with her himself, attended to her conversation with others. His doing so drew her notice. It was at Sir William Lucas's, where a large party were assembled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What does Mr. Darcy mean,\" said she to Charlotte, \"by listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer.\"\n\n\"But if he does it any more I shall certainly let him know that I see what he is about. He has a very satirical eye, and if I do not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him.\"\n\nOn his approaching them soon afterwards, though without seeming to have any intention of speaking, Miss Lucas defied her friend to mention such a subject to him; which immediately provoking Elizabeth to do it, she turned to him and said:\n\n\"Did you not think, Mr. Darcy, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With great energy; but it is always a subject which makes a lady energetic.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are severe on us.\"\n\n\"It will be her turn soon to be teased,\" said Miss Lucas. \"I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.\"\n\n\"You are a very strange creature by way of a friend!—always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On Miss Lucas's persevering, however, she added, \"Very well, if it must be so, it must.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And gravely glancing at Mr. Darcy, \"There is a fine old saying, which everybody here is of course familiar with: 'Keep your breath to cool your porridge'; and I shall keep mine to swell my song.\"\n\nHer performance was pleasing, though by no means capital. After a song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, was always impatient for display.\n\nMary had neither genius nor taste; and though vanity had given her application, it had given her likewise a pedantic air and conceited manner, which would have injured a higher degree of excellence than she had reached." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, easy and unaffected, had been listened to with much more pleasure, though not playing half so well; and Mary, at the end of a long concerto, was glad to purchase praise and gratitude by Scotch and Irish airs, at the request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the Lucases, and two or three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at one end of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a mode of passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation, and was too much engrossed by his thoughts to perceive that Sir William Lucas was his neighbour, till Sir William thus began:\n\n\"What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society.\"\n\n\"Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance.\"\n\nSir William only smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your friend performs delightfully,\" he continued after a pause, on seeing Bingley join the group; \"and I doubt not that you are an adept in the science yourself, Mr. Darcy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, sir.\"\n\n\"Yes, indeed, and received no inconsiderable pleasure from the sight. Do you often dance at St. James's?\"\n\n\"Never, sir.\"\n\n\"Do you not think it would be a proper compliment to the place?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have a house in town, I conclude?\"\n\nMr. Darcy bowed.\n\n\"I had once had some thought of fixing in town myself—for I am fond of superior society; but I did not feel quite certain that the air of London would agree with Lady Lucas.\"\n\nHe paused in hopes of an answer; but his companion was not disposed to make any; and Elizabeth at that instant moving towards them, he was struck with the action of doing a very gallant thing, and called out to her:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure when so much beauty is before you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And, taking her hand, he would have given it to Mr. Darcy who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said with some discomposure to Sir William:\n\n\"Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner.\"\n\nMr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be allowed the honour of her hand, but in vain. Elizabeth was determined; nor did Sir William at all shake her purpose by his attempt at persuasion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, I am sure, to oblige us for one half-hour.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Darcy is all politeness,\" said Elizabeth, smiling.\n\n\"He is, indeed; but, considering the inducement, my dear Miss Eliza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance—for who would object to such a partner?\"\n\nElizabeth looked archly, and turned away. Her resistance had not injured her with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her with some complacency, when thus accosted by Miss Bingley:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can guess the subject of your reverie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should imagine not.\"\n\n\"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner—in such society; and indeed I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The insipidity, and yet the noise—the nothingness, and yet the self-importance of all those people! What would I give to hear your strictures on them!\"\n\n\"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.\"\n\nMiss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such reflections." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Darcy replied with great intrepidity:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Elizabeth Bennet.\"\n\n\"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!\" repeated Miss Bingley. \"I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite?—and pray, when am I to wish you joy?\"\n\n\"That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nay, if you are serious about it, I shall consider the matter is absolutely settled. You will be having a charming mother-in-law, indeed; and, of course, she will always be at Pemberley with you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He listened to her with perfect indifference while she chose to entertain herself in this manner; and as his composure convinced her that all was safe, her wit flowed long." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bennet's property consisted almost entirely in an estate of two thousand a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was entailed, in default of heirs male, on a distant relation; and their mother's fortune, though ample for her situation in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of his. Her father had been an attorney in Meryton, and had left her four thousand pounds.\n\nShe had a sister married to a Mr. Phillips, who had been a clerk to their father and succeeded him in the business, and a brother settled in London in a respectable line of trade.\n\nThe village of Longbourn was only one mile from Meryton; a most convenient distance for the young ladies, who were usually tempted thither three or four times a week, to pay their duty to their aunt and to a milliner's shop just over the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two youngest of the family, Catherine and Lydia, were particularly frequent in these attentions; their minds were more vacant than their sisters', and when nothing better offered, a walk to Meryton was necessary to amuse their morning hours and furnish conversation for the evening; and however bare of news the country in general might be, they always contrived to learn some from their aunt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At present, indeed, they were well supplied both with news and happiness by the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighbourhood; it was to remain the whole winter, and Meryton was the headquarters.\n\nTheir visits to Mrs. Phillips were now productive of the most interesting intelligence. Every day added something to their knowledge of the officers' names and connections. Their lodgings were not long a secret, and at length they began to know the officers themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Phillips visited them all, and this opened to his nieces a store of felicity unknown before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They could talk of nothing but officers; and Mr. Bingley's large fortune, the mention of which gave animation to their mother, was worthless in their eyes when opposed to the regimentals of an ensign.\n\nAfter listening one morning to their effusions on this subject, Mr. Bennet coolly observed:\n\n\"From all that I can collect by your manner of talking, you must be two of the silliest girls in the country. I have suspected it some time, but I am now convinced.\"\n\nCatherine was disconcerted, and made no answer; but Lydia, with perfect indifference, continued to express her admiration of Captain Carter, and her hope of seeing him in the course of the day, as he was going the next morning to London." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am astonished, my dear,\" said Mrs. Bennet, \"that you should be so ready to think your own children silly. If I wished to think slightingly of anybody's children, it should not be of my own, however.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If my children are silly, I must hope to be always sensible of it.\"\n\n\"Yes—but as it happens, they are all of them very clever.\"\n\n\"This is the only point, I flatter myself, on which we do not agree. I had hoped that our sentiments coincided in every particular, but I must so far differ from you as to think our two youngest daughters uncommonly foolish.\"\n\n\"My dear Mr. Bennet, you must not expect such girls to have the sense of their father and mother. When they get to our age, I dare say they will not think about officers any more than we do. I remember the time when I liked a red coat myself very well—and, indeed, so I do still at my heart; and if a smart young colonel, with five or six thousand a year, should want one of my girls I shall not say nay to him; and I thought Colonel Forster looked very becoming the other night at Sir William's in his regimentals.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mamma,\" cried Lydia, \"my aunt says that Colonel Forster and Captain Carter do not go so often to Miss Watson's as they did when they first came; she sees them now very often standing in Clarke's library.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet was prevented replying by the entrance of the footman with a note for Miss Bennet; it came from Netherfield, and the servant waited for an answer. Mrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled with pleasure, and she was eagerly calling out, while her daughter read,\n\n\"Well, Jane, who is it from? What is it about? What does he say? Well, Jane, make haste and tell us; make haste, my love.\"\n\n\"It is from Miss Bingley,\" said Jane, and then read it aloud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"MY DEAR FRIEND,—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you are not so compassionate as to dine to-day with Louisa and me, we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives, for a whole day's tete-a-tete between two women can never end without a quarrel. Come as soon as you can on receipt of this. My brother and the gentlemen are to dine with the officers.—Yours ever,\"\n\n\"CAROLINE BINGLEY\"\n\n\"With the officers!\" cried Lydia. \"I wonder my aunt did not tell us of that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dining out,\" said Mrs. Bennet, \"that is very unlucky.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I have the carriage?\" said Jane.\n\n\"No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain; and then you must stay all night.\"\n\n\"That would be a good scheme,\" said Elizabeth, \"if you were sure that they would not offer to send her home.\"\n\n\"Oh! but the gentlemen will have Mr. Bingley's chaise to go to Meryton, and the Hursts have no horses to theirs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had much rather go in the coach.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But, my dear, your father cannot spare the horses, I am sure. They are wanted in the farm, Mr. Bennet, are they not?\"\n\n\"They are wanted in the farm much oftener than I can get them.\"\n\n\"But if you have got them to-day,\" said Elizabeth, \"my mother's purpose will be answered.\"\n\nShe did at last extort from her father an acknowledgment that the horses were engaged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many cheerful prognostics of a bad day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hopes were answered; Jane had not been gone long before it rained hard. Her sisters were uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain continued the whole evening without intermission; Jane certainly could not come back.\n\n\"This was a lucky idea of mine, indeed!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "said Mrs. Bennet more than once, as if the credit of making it rain were all her own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Till the next morning, however, she was not aware of all the felicity of her contrivance. Breakfast was scarcely over when a servant from Netherfield brought the following note for Elizabeth:\n\n\"MY DEAREST LIZZY,—\"\n\n\"I find myself very unwell this morning, which, I suppose, is to be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday. My kind friends will not hear of my returning till I am better. They insist also on my seeing Mr. Jones—therefore do not be alarmed if you should hear of his having been to me—and, excepting a sore throat and headache, there is not much the matter with me.—Yours, etc.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, my dear,\" said Mr. Bennet, when Elizabeth had read the note aloud, \"if your daughter should have a dangerous fit of illness—if she should die, it would be a comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and under your orders.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! I am not afraid of her dying. People do not die of little trifling colds. She will be taken good care of. As long as she stays there, it is all very well. I would go and see her if I could have the carriage.\"\n\nElizabeth, feeling really anxious, was determined to go to her, though the carriage was not to be had; and as she was no horsewoman, walking was her only alternative. She declared her resolution.\n\n\"How can you be so silly,\" cried her mother, \"as to think of such a thing, in all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen when you get there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I shall be very fit to see Jane—which is all I want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is this a hint to me, Lizzy,\" said her father, \"to send for the horses?\"\n\n\"No, indeed, I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing when one has a motive; only three miles. I shall be back by dinner.\"\n\n\"I admire the activity of your benevolence,\" observed Mary, \"but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is required.\"\n\n\"We will go as far as Meryton with you,\" said Catherine and Lydia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young ladies set off together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we make haste,\" said Lydia, as they walked along, \"perhaps we may see something of Captain Carter before he goes.\"\n\nIn Meryton they parted; the two youngest repaired to the lodgings of one of the officers' wives, and Elizabeth continued her walk alone, crossing field after field at a quick pace, jumping over stiles and springing over puddles with impatient activity, and finding herself at last within view of the house, with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise.\n\nShe was shown into the breakfast-parlour, where all but Jane were assembled, and where her appearance created a great deal of surprise. That she should have walked three miles so early in the day, in such dirty weather, and by herself, was almost incredible to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth was convinced that they held her in contempt for it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was received, however, very politely by them; and in their brother's manners there was something better than politeness; there was good humour and kindness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing at all. The former was divided between admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion, and doubt as to the occasion's justifying her coming so far alone. The latter was thinking only of his breakfast.\n\nHer inquiries after her sister were not very favourably answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Bennet had slept ill, and though up, was very feverish, and not well enough to leave her room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth was glad to be taken to her immediately; and Jane, who had only been withheld by the fear of giving alarm or inconvenience from expressing in her note how much she longed for such a visit, was delighted at her entrance. She was not equal, however, to much conversation, and when Miss Bingley left them together, could attempt little besides expressions of gratitude for the extraordinary kindness she was treated with. Elizabeth silently attended her.\n\nWhen breakfast was over they were joined by the sisters; and Elizabeth began to like them herself, when she saw how much affection and solicitude they showed for Jane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The apothecary came, and having examined his patient, said, as might be supposed, that she had caught a violent cold, and that they must endeavour to get the better of it; advised her to return to bed, and promised her some draughts." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The advice was followed readily, for the feverish symptoms increased, and her head ached acutely. Elizabeth did not quit her room for a moment; nor were the other ladies often absent; the gentlemen being out, they had, in fact, nothing to do elsewhere.\n\nWhen the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she must go, and very unwillingly said so. Miss Bingley offered her the carriage, and she only wanted a little pressing to accept it, when Jane testified such concern in parting with her, that Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the offer of the chaise to an invitation to remain at Netherfield for the present. Elizabeth most thankfully consented, and a servant was dispatched to Longbourn to acquaint the family with her stay and bring back a supply of clothes." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At five o'clock the two ladies retired to dress, and at half-past six Elizabeth was summoned to dinner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To the civil inquiries which then poured in, and amongst which she had the pleasure of distinguishing the much superior solicitude of Mr. Bingley's, she could not make a very favourable answer. Jane was by no means better. The sisters, on hearing this, repeated three or four times how much they were grieved, how shocking it was to have a bad cold, and how excessively they disliked being ill themselves; and then thought no more of the matter: and their indifference towards Jane when not immediately before them restored Elizabeth to the enjoyment of all her former dislike.\n\nTheir brother, indeed, was the only one of the party whom she could regard with any complacency." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His anxiety for Jane was evident, and his attentions to herself most pleasing, and they prevented her feeling herself so much an intruder as she believed she was considered by the others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had very little notice from any but him. Miss Bingley was engrossed by Mr. Darcy, her sister scarcely less so; and as for Mr. Hurst, by whom Elizabeth sat, he was an indolent man, who lived only to eat, drink, and play at cards; who, when he found her to prefer a plain dish to a ragout, had nothing to say to her.\n\nWhen dinner was over, she returned directly to Jane, and Miss Bingley began abusing her as soon as she was out of the room. Her manners were pronounced to be very bad indeed, a mixture of pride and impertinence; she had no conversation, no style, no beauty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Hurst thought the same, and added:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She has nothing, in short, to recommend her, but being an excellent walker. I shall never forget her appearance this morning. She really looked almost wild.\"\n\n\"She did, indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep my countenance. Very nonsensical to come at all! Why must she be scampering about the country, because her sister had a cold? Her hair, so untidy, so blowsy!\"\n\n\"Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you saw her petticoat, six inches deep in mud, I am absolutely certain; and the gown which had been let down to hide it not doing its office.\"\n\n\"Your picture may be very exact, Louisa,\" said Bingley; \"but this was all lost upon me. I thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked remarkably well when she came into the room this morning. Her dirty petticoat quite escaped my notice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You observed it, Mr. Darcy, I am sure,\" said Miss Bingley; \"and I am inclined to think that you would not wish to see your sister make such an exhibition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Certainly not.\"\n\n\"To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ankles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! What could she mean by it? It seems to me to show an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country-town indifference to decorum.\"\n\n\"It shows an affection for her sister that is very pleasing,\" said Bingley.\n\n\"I am afraid, Mr. Darcy,\" observed Miss Bingley in a half whisper, \"that this adventure has rather affected your admiration of her fine eyes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not at all,\" he replied; \"they were brightened by the exercise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A short pause followed this speech, and Mrs. Hurst began again:\n\n\"I have an excessive regard for Miss Jane Bennet, she is really a very sweet girl, and I wish with all my heart she were well settled. But with such a father and mother, and such low connections, I am afraid there is no chance of it.\"\n\n\"I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton.\"\n\n\"Yes; and they have another, who lives somewhere near Cheapside.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is capital,\" added her sister, and they both laughed heartily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside,\" cried Bingley, \"it would not make them one jot less agreeable.\"\n\n\"But it must very materially lessen their chance of marrying men of any consideration in the world,\" replied Darcy.\n\nTo this speech Bingley made no answer; but his sisters gave it their hearty assent, and indulged their mirth for some time at the expense of their dear friend's vulgar relations.\n\nWith a renewal of tenderness, however, they returned to her room on leaving the dining-parlour, and sat with her till summoned to coffee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was still very poorly, and Elizabeth would not quit her at all, till late in the evening, when she had the comfort of seeing her sleep, and when it seemed to her rather right than pleasant that she should go downstairs herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On entering the drawing-room she found the whole party at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be playing high she declined it, and making her sister the excuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay below, with a book. Mr. Hurst looked at her with astonishment.\n\n\"Do you prefer reading to cards?\" said he; \"that is rather singular.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miss Eliza Bennet,\" said Miss Bingley, \"despises cards. She is a great reader, and has no pleasure in anything else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I deserve neither such praise nor such censure,\" cried Elizabeth; \"I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.\"\n\n\"In nursing your sister I am sure you have pleasure,\" said Bingley; \"and I hope it will be soon increased by seeing her quite well.\"\n\nElizabeth thanked him from her heart, and then walked towards the table where a few books were lying. He immediately offered to fetch her others—all that his library afforded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I wish my collection were larger for your benefit and my own credit; but I am an idle fellow, and though I have not many, I have more than I ever looked into.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth assured him that she could suit herself perfectly with those in the room.\n\n\"I am astonished,\" said Miss Bingley, \"that my father should have left so small a collection of books. What a delightful library you have at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy!\"\n\n\"It ought to be good,\" he replied, \"it has been the work of many generations.\"\n\n\"And then you have added so much to it yourself, you are always buying books.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family library in such days as these.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Neglect! I am sure you neglect nothing that can add to the beauties of that noble place. Charles, when you build your house, I wish it may be half as delightful as Pemberley.\"\n\n\"I wish it may.\"\n\n\"But I would really advise you to make your purchase in that neighbourhood, and take Pemberley for a kind of model. There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire.\"\n\n\"With all my heart; I will buy Pemberley itself if Darcy will sell it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am talking of possibilities, Charles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Upon my word, Caroline, I should think it more possible to get Pemberley by purchase than by imitation.\"\n\nElizabeth was so much caught with what passed, as to leave her very little attention for her book; and soon laying it wholly aside, she drew near the card-table, and stationed herself between Mr. Bingley and his eldest sister, to observe the game.\n\n\"Is Miss Darcy much grown since the spring?\" said Miss Bingley; \"will she be as tall as I am?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think she will. She is now about Miss Elizabeth Bennet's height, or rather taller.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How I long to see her again! I never met with anybody who delighted me so much. Such a countenance, such manners! And so extremely accomplished for her age! Her performance on the pianoforte is exquisite.\"\n\n\"It is amazing to me,\" said Bingley, \"how young ladies can have patience to be so very accomplished as they all are.\"\n\n\"All young ladies accomplished! My dear Charles, what do you mean?\"\n\n\"Yes, all of them, I think. They all paint tables, cover screens, and net purses. I scarcely know anyone who cannot do all this, and I am sure I never heard a young lady spoken of for the first time, without being informed that she was very accomplished.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your list of the common extent of accomplishments,\" said Darcy, \"has too much truth. The word is applied to many a woman who deserves it no otherwise than by netting a purse or covering a screen. But I am very far from agreeing with you in your estimation of ladies in general. I cannot boast of knowing more than half-a-dozen, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that are really accomplished.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nor I, I am sure,\" said Miss Bingley.\n\n\"Then,\" observed Elizabeth, \"you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished woman.\"\n\n\"Yes, I do comprehend a great deal in it.\"\n\n\"Oh! certainly,\" cried his faithful assistant, \"no one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All this she must possess,\" added Darcy, \"and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.\"\n\n\"Are you so severe upon your own sex as to doubt the possibility of all this?\"\n\n\"I never saw such a woman. I never saw such capacity, and taste, and application, and elegance, as you describe united.\"\n\nMrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley both cried out against the injustice of her implied doubt, and were both protesting that they knew many women who answered this description, when Mr. Hurst called them to order, with bitter complaints of their inattention to what was going forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As all conversation was thereby at an end, Elizabeth soon afterwards left the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Elizabeth Bennet,\" said Miss Bingley, when the door was closed on her, \"is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own; and with many men, I dare say, it succeeds. But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art.\"\n\n\"Undoubtedly,\" replied Darcy, to whom this remark was chiefly addressed, \"there is a meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. Whatever bears affinity to cunning is despicable.\"\n\nMiss Bingley was not so entirely satisfied with this reply as to continue the subject.\n\nElizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was worse, and that she could not leave her." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Jane Austen.Produce 4 sentences using the prose and structure of Jane Austen every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth passed the chief of the night in her sister's room, and in the morning had the pleasure of being able to send a tolerable answer to the inquiries which she very early received from Mr. Bingley by a housemaid, and some time afterwards from the two elegant ladies who waited on his sisters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In spite of this amendment, however, she requested to have a note sent to Longbourn, desiring her mother to visit Jane, and form her own judgement of her situation. The note was immediately dispatched, and its contents as quickly complied with. Mrs. Bennet, accompanied by her two youngest girls, reached Netherfield soon after the family breakfast.\n\nHad she found Jane in any apparent danger, Mrs. Bennet would have been very miserable; but being satisfied on seeing her that her illness was not alarming, she had no wish of her recovering immediately, as her restoration to health would probably remove her from Netherfield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would not listen, therefore, to her daughter's proposal of being carried home; neither did the apothecary, who arrived about the same time, think it at all advisable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After sitting a little while with Jane, on Miss Bingley's appearance and invitation, the mother and three daughters all attended her into the breakfast parlour. Bingley met them with hopes that Mrs. Bennet had not found Miss Bennet worse than she expected.\n\n\"Indeed I have, sir,\" was her answer. \"She is a great deal too ill to be moved. Mr. Jones says we must not think of moving her. We must trespass a little longer on your kindness.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Removed!\" cried Bingley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It must not be thought of. My sister, I am sure, will not hear of her removal.\"\n\n\"You may depend upon it, Madam,\" said Miss Bingley, with cold civility, \"that Miss Bennet will receive every possible attention while she remains with us.\"\n\nMrs. Bennet was profuse in her acknowledgments.\n\n\"I am sure,\" she added, \"if it was not for such good friends I do not know what would become of her, for she is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in the world, which is always the way with her, for she has, without exception, the sweetest temper I have ever met with. I often tell my other girls they are nothing to her. You have a sweet room here, Mr. Bingley, and a charming prospect over the gravel walk. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short lease.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whatever I do is done in a hurry,\" replied he; \"and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite fixed here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is exactly what I should have supposed of you,\" said Elizabeth.\n\n\"You begin to comprehend me, do you?\" cried he, turning towards her.\n\n\"Oh! yes—I understand you perfectly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I might take this for a compliment; but to be so easily seen through I am afraid is pitiful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is as it happens. It does not follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours.\"\n\n\"Lizzy,\" cried her mother, \"remember where you are, and do not run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home.\"\n\n\"I did not know before,\" continued Bingley immediately, \"that you were a studier of character. It must be an amusing study.\"\n\n\"Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The country,\" said Darcy, \"can in general supply but a few subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.\"\n\n\"Yes, indeed,\" cried Mrs. Bennet, offended by his manner of mentioning a country neighbourhood. \"I assure you there is quite as much of that going on in the country as in town.\"\n\nEverybody was surprised, and Darcy, after looking at her for a moment, turned silently away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Bennet, who fancied she had gained a complete victory over him, continued her triumph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot see that London has any great advantage over the country, for my part, except the shops and public places. The country is a vast deal pleasanter, is it not, Mr. Bingley?\"\n\n\"When I am in the country,\" he replied, \"I never wish to leave it; and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either.\"\n\n\"Aye—that is because you have the right disposition. But that gentleman,\" looking at Darcy, \"seemed to think the country was nothing at all.\"\n\n\"Indeed, Mamma, you are mistaken,\" said Elizabeth, blushing for her mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there was not such a variety of people to be met with in the country as in the town, which you must acknowledge to be true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Certainly, my dear, nobody said there were; but as to not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four-and-twenty families.\"\n\nNothing but concern for Elizabeth could enable Bingley to keep his countenance. His sister was less delicate, and directed her eyes towards Mr. Darcy with a very expressive smile. Elizabeth, for the sake of saying something that might turn her mother's thoughts, now asked her if Charlotte Lucas had been at Longbourn since her coming away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, she called yesterday with her father. What an agreeable man Sir William is, Mr. Bingley, is not he? So much the man of fashion! So genteel and easy! He has always something to say to everybody. That is my idea of good breeding; and those persons who fancy themselves very important, and never open their mouths, quite mistake the matter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did Charlotte dine with you?\"\n\n\"No, she would go home. I fancy she was wanted about the mince-pies. For my part, Mr. Bingley, I always keep servants that can do their own work; my daughters are brought up very differently. But everybody is to judge for themselves, and the Lucases are a very good sort of girls, I assure you. It is a pity they are not handsome! Not that I think Charlotte so very plain—but then she is our particular friend.\"\n\n\"She seems a very pleasant young woman.\"\n\n\"Oh! dear, yes; but you must own she is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has often said so, and envied me Jane's beauty. I do not like to boast of my own child, but to be sure, Jane—one does not often see anybody better looking. It is what everybody says. I do not trust my own partiality. When she was only fifteen, there was a man at my brother Gardiner's in town so much in love with her that my sister-in-law was sure he would make her an offer before we came away. But, however, he did not. Perhaps he thought her too young. However, he wrote some verses on her, and very pretty they were.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And so ended his affection,\" said Elizabeth impatiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!\"\n\n\"I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love,\" said Darcy.\n\n\"Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everything nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.\"\n\nDarcy only smiled; and the general pause which ensued made Elizabeth tremble lest her mother should be exposing herself again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She longed to speak, but could think of nothing to say; and after a short silence Mrs. Bennet began repeating her thanks to Mr. Bingley for his kindness to Jane, with an apology for troubling him also with Lizzy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bingley was unaffectedly civil in his answer, and forced his younger sister to be civil also, and say what the occasion required. She performed her part indeed without much graciousness, but Mrs. Bennet was satisfied, and soon afterwards ordered her carriage. Upon this signal, the youngest of her daughters put herself forward. The two girls had been whispering to each other during the whole visit, and the result of it was, that the youngest should tax Mr. Bingley with having promised on his first coming into the country to give a ball at Netherfield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lydia was a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen, with a fine complexion and good-humoured countenance; a favourite with her mother, whose affection had brought her into public at an early age." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had high animal spirits, and a sort of natural self-consequence, which the attention of the officers, to whom her uncle's good dinners, and her own easy manners recommended her, had increased into assurance. She was very equal, therefore, to address Mr. Bingley on the subject of the ball, and abruptly reminded him of his promise; adding, that it would be the most shameful thing in the world if he did not keep it. His answer to this sudden attack was delightful to their mother's ear:\n\n\"I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep my engagement; and when your sister is recovered, you shall, if you please, name the very day of the ball. But you would not wish to be dancing when she is ill.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lydia declared herself satisfied." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! yes—it would be much better to wait till Jane was well, and by that time most likely Captain Carter would be at Meryton again. And when you have given your ball,\" she added, \"I shall insist on their giving one also. I shall tell Colonel Forster it will be quite a shame if he does not.\"\n\nMrs. Bennet and her daughters then departed, and Elizabeth returned instantly to Jane, leaving her own and her relations' behaviour to the remarks of the two ladies and Mr. Darcy; the latter of whom, however, could not be prevailed on to join in their censure of her, in spite of all Miss Bingley's witticisms on fine eyes." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day passed much as the day before had done. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had spent some hours of the morning with the invalid, who continued, though slowly, to mend; and in the evening Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing-room. The loo-table, however, did not appear. Mr. Darcy was writing, and Miss Bingley, seated near him, was watching the progress of his letter and repeatedly calling off his attention by messages to his sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing their game." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth took up some needlework, and was sufficiently amused in attending to what passed between Darcy and his companion. The perpetual commendations of the lady, either on his handwriting, or on the evenness of his lines, or on the length of his letter, with the perfect unconcern with which her praises were received, formed a curious dialogue, and was exactly in union with her opinion of each.\n\n\"How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive such a letter!\"\n\nHe made no answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You write uncommonly fast.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are mistaken. I write rather slowly.\"\n\n\"How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course of a year! Letters of business, too! How odious I should think them!\"\n\n\"It is fortunate, then, that they fall to my lot instead of yours.\"\n\n\"Pray tell your sister that I long to see her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have already told her so once, by your desire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am afraid you do not like your pen. Let me mend it for you. I mend pens remarkably well.\"\n\n\"Thank you—but I always mend my own.\"\n\n\"How can you contrive to write so even?\"\n\nHe was silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell your sister I am delighted to hear of her improvement on the harp; and pray let her know that I am quite in raptures with her beautiful little design for a table, and I think it infinitely superior to Miss Grantley's.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you give me leave to defer your raptures till I write again? At present I have not room to do them justice.\"\n\n\"Oh! it is of no consequence. I shall see her in January. But do you always write such charming long letters to her, Mr. Darcy?\"\n\n\"They are generally long; but whether always charming it is not for me to determine.\"\n\n\"It is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That will not do for a compliment to Darcy, Caroline,\" cried her brother, \"because he does not write with ease. He studies too much for words of four syllables. Do not you, Darcy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My style of writing is very different from yours.\"\n\n\"Oh!\" cried Miss Bingley, \"Charles writes in the most careless way imaginable. He leaves out half his words, and blots the rest.\"\n\n\"My ideas flow so rapidly that I have not time to express them—by which means my letters sometimes convey no ideas at all to my correspondents.\"\n\n\"Your humility, Mr. Bingley,\" said Elizabeth, \"must disarm reproof.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing is more deceitful,\" said Darcy, \"than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And which of the two do you call my little recent piece of modesty?\"\n\n\"The indirect boast; for you are really proud of your defects in writing, because you consider them as proceeding from a rapidity of thought and carelessness of execution, which, if not estimable, you think at least highly interesting. The power of doing anything with quickness is always prized much by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance. When you told Mrs. Bennet this morning that if you ever resolved upon quitting Netherfield you should be gone in five minutes, you meant it to be a sort of panegyric, of compliment to yourself—and yet what is there so very laudable in a precipitance which must leave very necessary business undone, and can be of no real advantage to yourself or anyone else?\"\n\n\"Nay,\" cried Bingley, \"this is too much, to remember at night all the foolish things that were said in the morning. And yet, upon my honour, I believe what I said of myself to be true, and I believe it at this moment. At least, therefore, I did not assume the character of needless precipitance merely to show off before the ladies.\"\n\n\"I dare say you believed it; but I am by no means convinced that you would be gone with such celerity. Your conduct would be quite as dependent on chance as that of any man I know; and if, as you were mounting your horse, a friend were to say, 'Bingley, you had better stay till next week,' you would probably do it, you would probably not go—and at another word, might stay a month.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have only proved by this,\" cried Elizabeth, \"that Mr. Bingley did not do justice to his own disposition. You have shown him off now much more than he did himself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am exceedingly gratified,\" said Bingley, \"by your converting what my friend says into a compliment on the sweetness of my temper. But I am afraid you are giving it a turn which that gentleman did by no means intend; for he would certainly think better of me, if under such a circumstance I were to give a flat denial, and ride off as fast as I could.\"\n\n\"Would Mr. Darcy then consider the rashness of your original intentions as atoned for by your obstinacy in adhering to it?\"\n\n\"Upon my word, I cannot exactly explain the matter; Darcy must speak for himself.\"\n\n\"You expect me to account for opinions which you choose to call mine, but which I have never acknowledged. Allowing the case, however, to stand according to your representation, you must remember, Miss Bennet, that the friend who is supposed to desire his return to the house, and the delay of his plan, has merely desired it, asked it without offering one argument in favour of its propriety.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To yield readily—easily—to the persuasion of a friend is no merit with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To yield without conviction is no compliment to the understanding of either.\"\n\n\"You appear to me, Mr. Darcy, to allow nothing for the influence of friendship and affection. A regard for the requester would often make one readily yield to a request, without waiting for arguments to reason one into it. I am not particularly speaking of such a case as you have supposed about Mr. Bingley. We may as well wait, perhaps, till the circumstance occurs before we discuss the discretion of his behaviour thereupon. But in general and ordinary cases between friend and friend, where one of them is desired by the other to change a resolution of no very great moment, should you think ill of that person for complying with the desire, without waiting to be argued into it?\"\n\n\"Will it not be advisable, before we proceed on this subject, to arrange with rather more precision the degree of importance which is to appertain to this request, as well as the degree of intimacy subsisting between the parties?\"\n\n\"By all means,\" cried Bingley; \"let us hear all the particulars, not forgetting their comparative height and size; for that will have more weight in the argument, Miss Bennet, than you may be aware of. I assure you, that if Darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so much deference. I declare I do not know a more awful object than Darcy, on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his own house especially, and of a Sunday evening, when he has nothing to do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Darcy smiled; but Elizabeth thought she could perceive that he was rather offended, and therefore checked her laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Bingley warmly resented the indignity he had received, in an expostulation with her brother for talking such nonsense.\n\n\"I see your design, Bingley,\" said his friend. \"You dislike an argument, and want to silence this.\"\n\n\"Perhaps I do. Arguments are too much like disputes. If you and Miss Bennet will defer yours till I am out of the room, I shall be very thankful; and then you may say whatever you like of me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What you ask,\" said Elizabeth, \"is no sacrifice on my side; and Mr. Darcy had much better finish his letter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy took her advice, and did finish his letter.\n\nWhen that business was over, he applied to Miss Bingley and Elizabeth for an indulgence of some music. Miss Bingley moved with some alacrity to the pianoforte; and, after a polite request that Elizabeth would lead the way which the other as politely and more earnestly negatived, she seated herself.\n\nMrs. Hurst sang with her sister, and while they were thus employed, Elizabeth could not help observing, as she turned over some music-books that lay on the instrument, how frequently Mr. Darcy's eyes were fixed on her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man; and yet that he should look at her because he disliked her, was still more strange." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could only imagine, however, at last that she drew his notice because there was something more wrong and reprehensible, according to his ideas of right, than in any other person present. The supposition did not pain her. She liked him too little to care for his approbation.\n\nAfter playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley varied the charm by a lively Scotch air; and soon afterwards Mr. Darcy, drawing near Elizabeth, said to her:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled, but made no answer. He repeated the question, with some surprise at her silence.\n\n\"Oh!\" said she, \"I heard you before, but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say 'Yes,' that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in overthrowing those kind of schemes, and cheating a person of their premeditated contempt. I have, therefore, made up my mind to tell you, that I do not want to dance a reel at all—and now despise me if you dare.\"\n\n\"Indeed I do not dare.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger.\n\nMiss Bingley saw, or suspected enough to be jealous; and her great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth.\n\nShe often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest, by talking of their supposed marriage, and planning his happiness in such an alliance.\n\n\"I hope,\" said she, as they were walking together in the shrubbery the next day, \"you will give your mother-in-law a few hints, when this desirable event takes place, as to the advantage of holding her tongue; and if you can compass it, do cure the younger girls of running after officers. And, if I may mention so delicate a subject, endeavour to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady possesses.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! yes. Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Phillips be placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to your great-uncle the judge. They are in the same profession, you know, only in different lines. As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not have it taken, for what painter could do justice to those beautiful eyes?\"\n\n\"It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression, but their colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might be copied.\"\n\nAt that moment they were met from another walk by Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth herself.\n\n\"I did not know that you intended to walk,\" said Miss Bingley, in some confusion, lest they had been overheard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You used us abominably ill,\" answered Mrs. Hurst, \"running away without telling us that you were coming out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then taking the disengaged arm of Mr. Darcy, she left Elizabeth to walk by herself. The path just admitted three. Mr. Darcy felt their rudeness, and immediately said:\n\n\"This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had better go into the avenue.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the ladies removed after dinner, Elizabeth ran up to her sister, and seeing her well guarded from cold, attended her into the drawing-room, where she was welcomed by her two friends with many professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth had never seen them so agreeable as they were during the hour which passed before the gentlemen appeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their powers of conversation were considerable. They could describe an entertainment with accuracy, relate an anecdote with humour, and laugh at their acquaintance with spirit.\n\nBut when the gentlemen entered, Jane was no longer the first object; Miss Bingley's eyes were instantly turned toward Darcy, and she had something to say to him before he had advanced many steps. He addressed himself to Miss Bennet, with a polite congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her a slight bow, and said he was \"very glad;\" but diffuseness and warmth remained for Bingley's salutation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was full of joy and attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first half-hour was spent in piling up the fire, lest she should suffer from the change of room; and she removed at his desire to the other side of the fireplace, that she might be further from the door. He then sat down by her, and talked scarcely to anyone else. Elizabeth, at work in the opposite corner, saw it all with great delight.\n\nWhen tea was over, Mr. Hurst reminded his sister-in-law of the card-table—but in vain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had obtained private intelligence that Mr. Darcy did not wish for cards; and Mr. Hurst soon found even his open petition rejected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She assured him that no one intended to play, and the silence of the whole party on the subject seemed to justify her. Mr. Hurst had therefore nothing to do, but to stretch himself on one of the sofas and go to sleep. Darcy took up a book; Miss Bingley did the same; and Mrs. Hurst, principally occupied in playing with her bracelets and rings, joined now and then in her brother's conversation with Miss Bennet.\n\nMiss Bingley's attention was quite as much engaged in watching Mr. Darcy's progress through his book, as in reading her own; and she was perpetually either making some inquiry, or looking at his page." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could not win him, however, to any conversation; he merely answered her question, and read on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length, quite exhausted by the attempt to be amused with her own book, which she had only chosen because it was the second volume of his, she gave a great yawn and said, \"How pleasant it is to spend an evening in this way! I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.\"\n\nNo one made any reply. She then yawned again, threw aside her book, and cast her eyes round the room in quest for some amusement; when hearing her brother mentioning a ball to Miss Bennet, she turned suddenly towards him and said:\n\n\"By the bye, Charles, are you really serious in meditating a dance at Netherfield? I would advise you, before you determine on it, to consult the wishes of the present party; I am much mistaken if there are not some among us to whom a ball would be rather a punishment than a pleasure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you mean Darcy,\" cried her brother, \"he may go to bed, if he chooses, before it begins—but as for the ball, it is quite a settled thing; and as soon as Nicholls has made white soup enough, I shall send round my cards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should like balls infinitely better,\" she replied, \"if they were carried on in a different manner; but there is something insufferably tedious in the usual process of such a meeting. It would surely be much more rational if conversation instead of dancing were made the order of the day.\"\n\n\"Much more rational, my dear Caroline, I dare say, but it would not be near so much like a ball.\"\n\nMiss Bingley made no answer, and soon afterwards she got up and walked about the room. Her figure was elegant, and she walked well; but Darcy, at whom it was all aimed, was still inflexibly studious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the desperation of her feelings, she resolved on one effort more, and, turning to Elizabeth, said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to follow my example, and take a turn about the room. I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.\"\n\nElizabeth was surprised, but agreed to it immediately. Miss Bingley succeeded no less in the real object of her civility; Mr. Darcy looked up. He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was directly invited to join their party, but he declined it, observing that he could imagine but two motives for their choosing to walk up and down the room together, with either of which motives his joining them would interfere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could he mean? She was dying to know what could be his meaning? \"—and asked Elizabeth whether she could at all understand him?\n\n\"Not at all,\" was her answer; \"but depend upon it, he means to be severe on us, and our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it.\"\n\nMiss Bingley, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy in anything, and persevered therefore in requiring an explanation of his two motives.\n\n\"I have not the smallest objection to explaining them,\" said he, as soon as she allowed him to speak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You either choose this method of passing the evening because you are in each other's confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; if the first, I would be completely in your way, and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! shocking!\" cried Miss Bingley. \"I never heard anything so abominable. How shall we punish him for such a speech?\"\n\n\"Nothing so easy, if you have but the inclination,\" said Elizabeth. \"We can all plague and punish one another. Tease him—laugh at him. Intimate as you are, you must know how it is to be done.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But upon my honour, I do not. I do assure you that my intimacy has not yet taught me that. Tease calmness of manner and presence of mind! No, no; I feel he may defy us there. And as to laughter, we will not expose ourselves, if you please, by attempting to laugh without a subject. Mr. Darcy may hug himself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!\" cried Elizabeth. \"That is an uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it would be a great loss to me to have many such acquaintances. I dearly love a laugh.\"\n\n\"Miss Bingley,\" said he, \"has given me more credit than can be. The wisest and the best of men—nay, the wisest and best of their actions—may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke.\"\n\n\"Certainly,\" replied Elizabeth—\"there are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise and good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Such as vanity and pride.\"\n\n\"Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride—where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.\"\n\nElizabeth turned away to hide a smile.\n\n\"Your examination of Mr. Darcy is over, I presume,\" said Miss Bingley; \"and pray what is the result?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect. He owns it himself without disguise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" said Darcy, \"I have made no such pretension. I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.\"\n\n\"That is a failing indeed!\" cried Elizabeth. \"Implacable resentment is a shade in a character. But you have chosen your fault well. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me.\"\n\n\"There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And your defect is to hate everybody.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And yours,\" he replied with a smile, \"is willfully to misunderstand them.\"\n\n\"Do let us have a little music,\" cried Miss Bingley, tired of a conversation in which she had no share. \"Louisa, you will not mind my waking Mr. Hurst?\"\n\nHer sister had not the smallest objection, and the pianoforte was opened; and Darcy, after a few moments' recollection, was not sorry for it. He began to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too much attention." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Jane Austen and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In consequence of an agreement between the sisters, Elizabeth wrote the next morning to their mother, to beg that the carriage might be sent for them in the course of the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Mrs. Bennet, who had calculated on her daughters remaining at Netherfield till the following Tuesday, which would exactly finish Jane's week, could not bring herself to receive them with pleasure before. Her answer, therefore, was not propitious, at least not to Elizabeth's wishes, for she was impatient to get home. Mrs. Bennet sent them word that they could not possibly have the carriage before Tuesday; and in her postscript it was added, that if Mr. Bingley and his sister pressed them to stay longer, she could spare them very well. Against staying longer, however, Elizabeth was positively resolved—nor did she much expect it would be asked; and fearful, on the contrary, as being considered as intruding themselves needlessly long, she urged Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley's carriage immediately, and at length it was settled that their original design of leaving Netherfield that morning should be mentioned, and the request made." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The communication excited many professions of concern; and enough was said of wishing them to stay at least till the following day to work on Jane; and till the morrow their going was deferred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Bingley was then sorry that she had proposed the delay, for her jealousy and dislike of one sister much exceeded her affection for the other.\n\nThe master of the house heard with real sorrow that they were to go so soon, and repeatedly tried to persuade Miss Bennet that it would not be safe for her—that she was not enough recovered; but Jane was firm where she felt herself to be right.\n\nTo Mr. Darcy it was welcome intelligence—Elizabeth had been at Netherfield long enough. She attracted him more than he liked—and Miss Bingley was uncivil to her, and more teasing than usual to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him, nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity; sensible that if such an idea had been suggested, his behaviour during the last day must have material weight in confirming or crushing it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Steady to his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her through the whole of Saturday, and though they were at one time left by themselves for half-an-hour, he adhered most conscientiously to his book, and would not even look at her.\n\nOn Sunday, after morning service, the separation, so agreeable to almost all, took place. Miss Bingley's civility to Elizabeth increased at last very rapidly, as well as her affection for Jane; and when they parted, after assuring the latter of the pleasure it would always give her to see her either at Longbourn or Netherfield, and embracing her most tenderly, she even shook hands with the former. Elizabeth took leave of the whole party in the liveliest of spirits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were not welcomed home very cordially by their mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet wondered at their coming, and thought them very wrong to give so much trouble, and was sure Jane would have caught cold again. But their father, though very laconic in his expressions of pleasure, was really glad to see them; he had felt their importance in the family circle. The evening conversation, when they were all assembled, had lost much of its animation, and almost all its sense by the absence of Jane and Elizabeth.\n\nThey found Mary, as usual, deep in the study of thorough-bass and human nature; and had some extracts to admire, and some new observations of threadbare morality to listen to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Catherine and Lydia had information for them of a different sort." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Much had been done and much had been said in the regiment since the preceding Wednesday; several of the officers had dined lately with their uncle, a private had been flogged, and it had actually been hinted that Colonel Forster was going to be married." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope, my dear,\" said Mr. Bennet to his wife, as they were at breakfast the next morning, \"that you have ordered a good dinner to-day, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family party.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who do you mean, my dear? I know of nobody that is coming, I am sure, unless Charlotte Lucas should happen to call in—and I hope my dinners are good enough for her. I do not believe she often sees such at home.\"\n\n\"The person of whom I speak is a gentleman, and a stranger.\"\n\nMrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled. \"A gentleman and a stranger! It is Mr. Bingley, I am sure! Well, I am sure I shall be extremely glad to see Mr. Bingley. But—good Lord! how unlucky! There is not a bit of fish to be got to-day. Lydia, my love, ring the bell—I must speak to Hill this moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is not Mr. Bingley,\" said her husband; \"it is a person whom I never saw in the whole course of my life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This roused a general astonishment; and he had the pleasure of being eagerly questioned by his wife and his five daughters at once.\n\nAfter amusing himself some time with their curiosity, he thus explained:\n\n\"About a month ago I received this letter; and about a fortnight ago I answered it, for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention. It is from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases.\"\n\n\"Oh! my dear,\" cried his wife, \"I cannot bear to hear that mentioned. Pray do not talk of that odious man. I do think it is the hardest thing in the world, that your estate should be entailed away from your own children; and I am sure, if I had been you, I should have tried long ago to do something or other about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane and Elizabeth tried to explain to her the nature of an entail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had often attempted to do it before, but it was a subject on which Mrs. Bennet was beyond the reach of reason, and she continued to rail bitterly against the cruelty of settling an estate away from a family of five daughters, in favour of a man whom nobody cared anything about.\n\n\"It certainly is a most iniquitous affair,\" said Mr. Bennet, \"and nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt of inheriting Longbourn. But if you will listen to his letter, you may perhaps be a little softened by his manner of expressing himself.\"\n\n\"No, that I am sure I shall not; and I think it is very impertinent of him to write to you at all, and very hypocritical. I hate such false friends. Why could he not keep on quarreling with you, as his father did before him?\"\n\n\"Why, indeed; he does seem to have had some filial scruples on that head, as you will hear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent, 15th October.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dear Sir,—\"\n\n\"The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach; but for some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyone with whom it had always pleased him to be at variance.—'There, Mrs. Bennet. '—My mind, however, is now made up on the subject, for having received ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her ladyship, and be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies which are instituted by the Church of England. As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive-branch. I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends—but of this hereafter. If you should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, November 18th, by four o'clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se'ennight following, which I can do without any inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my occasional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day.—I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your well-wisher and friend,\"\n\n\"WILLIAM COLLINS\"\n\n\"At four o'clock, therefore, we may expect this peace-making gentleman,\" said Mr. Bennet, as he folded up the letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He seems to be a most conscientious and polite young man, upon my word, and I doubt not will prove a valuable acquaintance, especially if Lady Catherine should be so indulgent as to let him come to us again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is some sense in what he says about the girls, however, and if he is disposed to make them any amends, I shall not be the person to discourage him.\"\n\n\"Though it is difficult,\" said Jane, \"to guess in what way he can mean to make us the atonement he thinks our due, the wish is certainly to his credit.\"\n\nElizabeth was chiefly struck by his extraordinary deference for Lady Catherine, and his kind intention of christening, marrying, and burying his parishioners whenever it were required.\n\n\"He must be an oddity, I think,\" said she." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cannot make him out.—There is something very pompous in his style.—And what can he mean by apologising for being next in the entail?—We cannot suppose he would help it if he could.—Could he be a sensible man, sir?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, my dear, I think not. I have great hopes of finding him quite the reverse. There is a mixture of servility and self-importance in his letter, which promises well. I am impatient to see him.\"\n\n\"In point of composition,\" said Mary, \"the letter does not seem defective. The idea of the olive-branch perhaps is not wholly new, yet I think it is well expressed.\"\n\nTo Catherine and Lydia, neither the letter nor its writer were in any degree interesting. It was next to impossible that their cousin should come in a scarlet coat, and it was now some weeks since they had received pleasure from the society of a man in any other colour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As for their mother, Mr. Collins's letter had done away much of her ill-will, and she was preparing to see him with a degree of composure which astonished her husband and daughters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received with great politeness by the whole family. Mr. Bennet indeed said little; but the ladies were ready enough to talk, and Mr. Collins seemed neither in need of encouragement, nor inclined to be silent himself. He was a tall, heavy-looking young man of five-and-twenty. His air was grave and stately, and his manners were very formal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had not been long seated before he complimented Mrs. Bennet on having so fine a family of daughters; said he had heard much of their beauty, but that in this instance fame had fallen short of the truth; and added, that he did not doubt her seeing them all in due time disposed of in marriage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This gallantry was not much to the taste of some of his hearers; but Mrs. Bennet, who quarreled with no compliments, answered most readily.\n\n\"You are very kind, I am sure; and I wish with all my heart it may prove so, for else they will be destitute enough. Things are settled so oddly.\"\n\n\"You allude, perhaps, to the entail of this estate.\"\n\n\"Ah! sir, I do indeed. It is a grievous affair to my poor girls, you must confess. Not that I mean to find fault with you, for such things I know are all chance in this world. There is no knowing how estates will go when once they come to be entailed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am very sensible, madam, of the hardship to my fair cousins, and could say much on the subject, but that I am cautious of appearing forward and precipitate. But I can assure the young ladies that I come prepared to admire them. At present I will not say more; but, perhaps, when we are better acquainted—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was interrupted by a summons to dinner; and the girls smiled on each other. They were not the only objects of Mr. Collins's admiration. The hall, the dining-room, and all its furniture, were examined and praised; and his commendation of everything would have touched Mrs. Bennet's heart, but for the mortifying supposition of his viewing it all as his own future property. The dinner too in its turn was highly admired; and he begged to know to which of his fair cousins the excellency of its cooking was owing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he was set right there by Mrs. Bennet, who assured him with some asperity that they were very well able to keep a good cook, and that her daughters had nothing to do in the kitchen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He begged pardon for having displeased her. In a softened tone she declared herself not at all offended; but he continued to apologise for about a quarter of an hour." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke at all; but when the servants were withdrawn, he thought it time to have some conversation with his guest, and therefore started a subject in which he expected him to shine, by observing that he seemed very fortunate in his patroness. Lady Catherine de Bourgh's attention to his wishes, and consideration for his comfort, appeared very remarkable. Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that \"he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank—such affability and condescension, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. She had been graciously pleased to approve of both of the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many people he knew, but he had never seen anything but affability in her. She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of the neighbourhood nor to his leaving the parish occasionally for a week or two, to visit his relations. She had even condescended to advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion; and had once paid him a visit in his humble parsonage, where she had perfectly approved all the alterations he had been making, and had even vouchsafed to suggest some herself—some shelves in the closet up stairs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is all very proper and civil, I am sure,\" said Mrs. Bennet, \"and I dare say she is a very agreeable woman. It is a pity that great ladies in general are not more like her. Does she live near you, sir?\"\n\n\"The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship's residence.\"\n\n\"I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has she any family?\"\n\n\"She has only one daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah!\" said Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, \"then she is better off than many girls. And what sort of young lady is she? Is she handsome?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that, in point of true beauty, Miss de Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex, because there is that in her features which marks the young lady of distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her from making that progress in many accomplishments which she could not have otherwise failed of, as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education, and who still resides with them. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies.\"\n\n\"Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court.\"\n\n\"Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine one day, has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea; and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine, that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay.\"\n\n\"You judge very properly,\" said Mr. Bennet, \"and it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute composure of countenance, and, except in an occasional glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his pleasure.\n\nBy tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, and Mr. Bennet was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room again, and, when tea was over, glad to invite him to read aloud to the ladies. Mr. Collins readily assented, and a book was produced; but, on beholding it (for everything announced it to be from a circulating library), he started back, and begging pardon, protested that he never read novels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kitty stared at him, and Lydia exclaimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Other books were produced, and after some deliberation he chose Fordyce's Sermons. Lydia gaped as he opened the volume, and before he had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages, she interrupted him with:\n\n\"Do you know, mamma, that my uncle Phillips talks of turning away Richard; and if he does, Colonel Forster will hire him. My aunt told me so herself on Saturday. I shall walk to Meryton to-morrow to hear more about it, and to ask when Mr. Denny comes back from town.\"\n\nLydia was bid by her two eldest sisters to hold her tongue; but Mr. Collins, much offended, laid aside his book, and said:" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society; the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father; and though he belonged to one of the universities, he had merely kept the necessary terms, without forming at it any useful acquaintance. The subjection in which his father had brought him up had given him originally great humility of manner; but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity. A fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant; and the respect which he felt for her high rank, and his veneration for her as his patroness, mingling with a very good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his right as a rector, made him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility.\n\nHaving now a good house and a very sufficient income, he intended to marry; and in seeking a reconciliation with the Longbourn family he had a wife in view, as he meant to choose one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by common report." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was his plan of amends—of atonement—for inheriting their father's estate; and he thought it an excellent one, full of eligibility and suitableness, and excessively generous and disinterested on his own part." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His plan did not vary on seeing them. Miss Bennet's lovely face confirmed his views, and established all his strictest notions of what was due to seniority; and for the first evening she was his settled choice. The next morning, however, made an alteration; for in a quarter of an hour's tete-a-tete with Mrs. Bennet before breakfast, a conversation beginning with his parsonage-house, and leading naturally to the avowal of his hopes, that a mistress might be found for it at Longbourn, produced from her, amid very complaisant smiles and general encouragement, a caution against the very Jane he had fixed on. \"As to her younger daughters, she could not take upon her to say—she could not positively answer—but she did not know of any prepossession; her eldest daughter, she must just mention—she felt it incumbent on her to hint, was likely to be very soon engaged.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth—and it was soon done—done while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, equally next to Jane in birth and beauty, succeeded her of course.\n\nMrs. Bennet treasured up the hint, and trusted that she might soon have two daughters married; and the man whom she could not bear to speak of the day before was now high in her good graces.\n\nLydia's intention of walking to Meryton was not forgotten; every sister except Mary agreed to go with her; and Mr. Collins was to attend them, at the request of Mr. Bennet, who was most anxious to get rid of him, and have his library to himself; for thither Mr. Collins had followed him after breakfast; and there he would continue, nominally engaged with one of the largest folios in the collection, but really talking to Mr. Bennet, with little cessation, of his house and garden at Hunsford. Such doings discomposed Mr. Bennet exceedingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his library he had been always sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room of the house, he was used to be free from them there; his civility, therefore, was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collins to join his daughters in their walk; and Mr. Collins, being in fact much better fitted for a walker than a reader, was extremely pleased to close his large book, and go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In pompous nothings on his side, and civil assents on that of his cousins, their time passed till they entered Meryton. The attention of the younger ones was then no longer to be gained by him. Their eyes were immediately wandering up in the street in quest of the officers, and nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window, could recall them.\n\nBut the attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking with another officer on the other side of the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer was the very Mr. Denny concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All were struck with the stranger's air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On distinguishing the ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger, and Elizabeth happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.\n\nIn another minute, Mr. Bingley, but without seeming to have noticed what passed, took leave and rode on with his friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walked with the young ladies to the door of Mr. Phillip's house, and then made their bows, in spite of Miss Lydia's pressing entreaties that they should come in, and even in spite of Mrs. Phillips's throwing up the parlour window and loudly seconding the invitation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Phillips was always glad to see her nieces; and the two eldest, from their recent absence, were particularly welcome, and she was eagerly expressing her surprise at their sudden return home, which, as their own carriage had not fetched them, she should have known nothing about, if she had not happened to see Mr. Jones's shop-boy in the street, who had told her that they were not to send any more draughts to Netherfield because the Miss Bennets were come away, when her civility was claimed towards Mr. Collins by Jane's introduction of him. She received him with her very best politeness, which he returned with as much more, apologising for his intrusion, without any previous acquaintance with her, which he could not help flattering himself, however, might be justified by his relationship to the young ladies who introduced him to her notice. Mrs. Phillips was quite awed by such an excess of good breeding; but her contemplation of one stranger was soon put to an end by exclamations and inquiries about the other; of whom, however, she could only tell her nieces what they already knew, that Mr. Denny had brought him from London, and that he was to have a lieutenant's commission in the ——shire. She had been watching him the last hour, she said, as he walked up and down the street, and had Mr. Wickham appeared, Kitty and Lydia would certainly have continued the occupation, but unluckily no one passed windows now except a few of the officers, who, in comparison with the stranger, were become \"stupid, disagreeable fellows.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some of them were to dine with the Phillipses the next day, and their aunt promised to make her husband call on Mr. Wickham, and give him an invitation also, if the family from Longbourn would come in the evening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was agreed to, and Mrs. Phillips protested that they would have a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards. The prospect of such delights was very cheering, and they parted in mutual good spirits. Mr. Collins repeated his apologies in quitting the room, and was assured with unwearying civility that they were perfectly needless.\n\nAs they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen pass between the two gentlemen; but though Jane would have defended either or both, had they appeared to be in the wrong, she could no more explain such behaviour than her sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins on his return highly gratified Mrs. Bennet by admiring Mrs. Phillips's manners and politeness." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He protested that, except Lady Catherine and her daughter, he had never seen a more elegant woman; for she had not only received him with the utmost civility, but even pointedly included him in her invitation for the next evening, although utterly unknown to her before. Something, he supposed, might be attributed to his connection with them, but yet he had never met with so much attention in the whole course of his life." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As no objection was made to the young people's engagement with their aunt, and all Mr. Collins's scruples of leaving Mr. and Mrs. Bennet for a single evening during his visit were most steadily resisted, the coach conveyed him and his five cousins at a suitable hour to Meryton; and the girls had the pleasure of hearing, as they entered the drawing-room, that Mr. Wickham had accepted their uncle's invitation, and was then in the house.\n\nWhen this information was given, and they had all taken their seats, Mr. Collins was at leisure to look around him and admire, and he was so much struck with the size and furniture of the apartment, that he declared he might almost have supposed himself in the small summer breakfast parlour at Rosings; a comparison that did not at first convey much gratification; but when Mrs. Phillips understood from him what Rosings was, and who was its proprietor—when she had listened to the description of only one of Lady Catherine's drawing-rooms, and found that the chimney-piece alone had cost eight hundred pounds, she felt all the force of the compliment, and would hardly have resented a comparison with the housekeeper's room.\n\nIn describing to her all the grandeur of Lady Catherine and her mansion, with occasional digressions in praise of his own humble abode, and the improvements it was receiving, he was happily employed until the gentlemen joined them; and he found in Mrs. Phillips a very attentive listener, whose opinion of his consequence increased with what she heard, and who was resolving to retail it all among her neighbours as soon as she could. To the girls, who could not listen to their cousin, and who had nothing to do but to wish for an instrument, and examine their own indifferent imitations of china on the mantelpiece, the interval of waiting appeared very long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was over at last, however." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gentlemen did approach, and when Mr. Wickham walked into the room, Elizabeth felt that she had neither been seeing him before, nor thinking of him since, with the smallest degree of unreasonable admiration. The officers of the ——shire were in general a very creditable, gentlemanlike set, and the best of them were of the present party; but Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them all in person, countenance, air, and walk, as they were superior to the broad-faced, stuffy uncle Phillips, breathing port wine, who followed them into the room.\n\nMr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned, and Elizabeth was the happy woman by whom he finally seated himself; and the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell into conversation, though it was only on its being a wet night, made her feel that the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker.\n\nWith such rivals for the notice of the fair as Mr. Wickham and the officers, Mr. Collins seemed to sink into insignificance; to the young ladies he certainly was nothing; but he had still at intervals a kind listener in Mrs. Phillips, and was by her watchfulness, most abundantly supplied with coffee and muffin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the card-tables were placed, he had the opportunity of obliging her in turn, by sitting down to whist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know little of the game at present,\" said he, \"but I shall be glad to improve myself, for in my situation in life—\" Mrs. Phillips was very glad for his compliance, but could not wait for his reason.\n\nMr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready delight was he received at the other table between Elizabeth and Lydia. At first there seemed danger of Lydia's engrossing him entirely, for she was a most determined talker; but being likewise extremely fond of lottery tickets, she soon grew too much interested in the game, too eager in making bets and exclaiming after prizes to have attention for anyone in particular. Allowing for the common demands of the game, Mr. Wickham was therefore at leisure to talk to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him, though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to be told—the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dared not even mention that gentleman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her curiosity, however, was unexpectedly relieved. Mr. Wickham began the subject himself. He inquired how far Netherfield was from Meryton; and, after receiving her answer, asked in a hesitating manner how long Mr. Darcy had been staying there.\n\n\"About a month,\" said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added, \"He is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" replied Mr. Wickham; \"his estate there is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of giving you certain information on that head than myself, for I have been connected with his family in a particular manner from my infancy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth could not but look surprised.\n\n\"You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion, after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our meeting yesterday. Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?\"\n\n\"As much as I ever wish to be,\" cried Elizabeth very warmly. \"I have spent four days in the same house with him, and I think him very disagreeable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have no right to give my opinion,\" said Wickham, \"as to his being agreeable or otherwise. I am not qualified to form one. I have known him too long and too well to be a fair judge. It is impossible for me to be impartial. But I believe your opinion of him would in general astonish—and perhaps you would not express it quite so strongly anywhere else. Here you are in your own family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Upon my word, I say no more here than I might say in any house in the neighbourhood, except Netherfield. He is not at all liked in Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted with his pride. You will not find him more favourably spoken of by anyone.\"\n\n\"I cannot pretend to be sorry,\" said Wickham, after a short interruption, \"that he or that any man should not be estimated beyond their deserts; but with him I believe it does not often happen. The world is blinded by his fortune and consequence, or frightened by his high and imposing manners, and sees him only as he chooses to be seen.\"\n\n\"I should take him, even on my slight acquaintance, to be an ill-tempered man.\" Wickham only shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wonder,\" said he, at the next opportunity of speaking, \"whether he is likely to be in this country much longer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not at all know; but I heard nothing of his going away when I was at Netherfield. I hope your plans in favour of the ——shire will not be affected by his being in the neighbourhood.\"\n\n\"Oh! no—it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. We are not on friendly terms, and it always gives me pain to meet him, but I have no reason for avoiding him but what I might proclaim before all the world, a sense of very great ill-usage, and most painful regrets at his being what he is. His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr. Darcy, was one of the best men that ever breathed, and the truest friend I ever had; and I can never be in company with this Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender recollections. His behaviour to myself has been scandalous; but I verily believe I could forgive him anything and everything, rather than his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory of his father.\"\n\nElizabeth found the interest of the subject increase, and listened with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented further inquiry.\n\nMr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter with gentle but very intelligible gallantry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was the prospect of constant society, and good society,\" he added, \"which was my chief inducement to enter the ——shire. I knew it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps, and my friend Denny tempted me further by his account of their present quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent acquaintances Meryton had procured them. Society, I own, is necessary to me. I have been a disappointed man, and my spirits will not bear solitude. I must have employment and society. A military life is not what I was intended for, but circumstances have now made it eligible. The church ought to have been my profession—I was brought up for the church, and I should at this time have been in possession of a most valuable living, had it pleased the gentleman we were speaking of just now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed!\"\n\n\"Yes—the late Mr. Darcy bequeathed me the next presentation of the best living in his gift. He was my godfather, and excessively attached to me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the living fell, it was given elsewhere.\"\n\n\"Good heavens!\" cried Elizabeth; \"but how could that be? How could his will be disregarded? Why did you not seek legal redress?\"\n\n\"There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as to give me no hope from law. A man of honour could not have doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it—or to treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and to assert that I had forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, imprudence—in short anything or nothing. Certain it is, that the living became vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age to hold it, and that it was given to another man; and no less certain is it, that I cannot accuse myself of having really done anything to deserve to lose it. I have a warm, unguarded temper, and I may have spoken my opinion of him, and to him, too freely. I can recall nothing worse. But the fact is, that we are very different sort of men, and that he hates me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is quite shocking! He deserves to be publicly disgraced.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some time or other he will be—but it shall not be by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him.\"\n\nElizabeth honoured him for such feelings, and thought him handsomer than ever as he expressed them.\n\n\"But what,\" said she, after a pause, \"can have been his motive? What can have induced him to behave so cruelly?\"\n\n\"A thorough, determined dislike of me—a dislike which I cannot but attribute in some measure to jealousy. Had the late Mr. Darcy liked me less, his son might have borne with me better; but his father's uncommon attachment to me irritated him, I believe, very early in life. He had not a temper to bear the sort of competition in which we stood—the sort of preference which was often given me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad as this—though I have never liked him. I had not thought so very ill of him. I had supposed him to be despising his fellow-creatures in general, but did not suspect him of descending to such malicious revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity as this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a few minutes' reflection, however, she continued, \"I do remember his boasting one day, at Netherfield, of the implacability of his resentments, of his having an unforgiving temper. His disposition must be dreadful.\"\n\n\"I will not trust myself on the subject,\" replied Wickham; \"I can hardly be just to him.\"\n\nElizabeth was again deep in thought, and after a time exclaimed, \"To treat in such a manner the godson, the friend, the favourite of his father!\" She could have added, \"A young man, too, like you, whose very countenance may vouch for your being amiable\"—but she contented herself with, \"and one, too, who had probably been his companion from childhood, connected together, as I think you said, in the closest manner!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We were born in the same parish, within the same park; the greatest part of our youth was passed together; inmates of the same house, sharing the same amusements, objects of the same parental care. My father began life in the profession which your uncle, Mr. Phillips, appears to do so much credit to—but he gave up everything to be of use to the late Mr. Darcy and devoted all his time to the care of the Pemberley property. He was most highly esteemed by Mr. Darcy, a most intimate, confidential friend. Mr. Darcy often acknowledged himself to be under the greatest obligations to my father's active superintendence, and when, immediately before my father's death, Mr. Darcy gave him a voluntary promise of providing for me, I am convinced that he felt it to be as much a debt of gratitude to him, as of his affection to myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How strange!\" cried Elizabeth. \"How abominable! I wonder that the very pride of this Mr. Darcy has not made him just to you! If from no better motive, that he should not have been too proud to be dishonest—for dishonesty I must call it.\"\n\n\"It is wonderful,\" replied Wickham, \"for almost all his actions may be traced to pride; and pride had often been his best friend. It has connected him nearer with virtue than with any other feeling. But we are none of us consistent, and in his behaviour to me there were stronger impulses even than pride.\"\n\n\"Can such abominable pride as his have ever done him good?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. It has often led him to be liberal and generous, to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride—for he is very proud of what his father was—have done this. Not to appear to disgrace his family, to degenerate from the popular qualities, or lose the influence of the Pemberley House, is a powerful motive. He has also brotherly pride, which, with some brotherly affection, makes him a very kind and careful guardian of his sister, and you will hear him generally cried up as the most attentive and best of brothers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What sort of girl is Miss Darcy?\"\n\nHe shook his head. \"I wish I could call her amiable. It gives me pain to speak ill of a Darcy. But she is too much like her brother—very, very proud. As a child, she was affectionate and pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I have devoted hours and hours to her amusement. But she is nothing to me now. She is a handsome girl, about fifteen or sixteen, and, I understand, highly accomplished. Since her father's death, her home has been London, where a lady lives with her, and superintends her education.\"\n\nAfter many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Elizabeth could not help reverting once more to the first, and saying:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am astonished at his intimacy with Mr. Bingley! How can Mr. Bingley, who seems good humour itself, and is, I really believe, truly amiable, be in friendship with such a man? How can they suit each other? Do you know Mr. Bingley?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not at all.\"\n\n\"He is a sweet-tempered, amiable, charming man. He cannot know what Mr. Darcy is.\"\n\n\"Probably not; but Mr. Darcy can please where he chooses. He does not want abilities. He can be a conversible companion if he thinks it worth his while. Among those who are at all his equals in consequence, he is a very different man from what he is to the less prosperous. His pride never deserts him; but with the rich he is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable—allowing something for fortune and figure.\"\n\nThe whist party soon afterwards breaking up, the players gathered round the other table and Mr. Collins took his station between his cousin Elizabeth and Mrs. Phillips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The usual inquiries as to his success were made by the latter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had not been very great; he had lost every point; but when Mrs. Phillips began to express her concern thereupon, he assured her with much earnest gravity that it was not of the least importance, that he considered the money as a mere trifle, and begged that she would not make herself uneasy.\n\n\"I know very well, madam,\" said he, \"that when persons sit down to a card-table, they must take their chances of these things, and happily I am not in such circumstances as to make five shillings any object. There are undoubtedly many who could not say the same, but thanks to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I am removed far beyond the necessity of regarding little matters.\"\n\nMr. Wickham's attention was caught; and after observing Mr. Collins for a few moments, he asked Elizabeth in a low voice whether her relation was very intimately acquainted with the family of de Bourgh.\n\n\"Lady Catherine de Bourgh,\" she replied, \"has very lately given him a living. I hardly know how Mr. Collins was first introduced to her notice, but he certainly has not known her long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know of course that Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Anne Darcy were sisters; consequently that she is aunt to the present Mr. Darcy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, indeed, I did not. I knew nothing at all of Lady Catherine's connections. I never heard of her existence till the day before yesterday.\"\n\n\"Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will have a very large fortune, and it is believed that she and her cousin will unite the two estates.\"\n\nThis information made Elizabeth smile, as she thought of poor Miss Bingley. Vain indeed must be all her attentions, vain and useless her affection for his sister and her praise of himself, if he were already self-destined for another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Collins,\" said she, \"speaks highly both of Lady Catherine and her daughter; but from some particulars that he has related of her ladyship, I suspect his gratitude misleads him, and that in spite of her being his patroness, she is an arrogant, conceited woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe her to be both in a great degree,\" replied Wickham; \"I have not seen her for many years, but I very well remember that I never liked her, and that her manners were dictatorial and insolent. She has the reputation of being remarkably sensible and clever; but I rather believe she derives part of her abilities from her rank and fortune, part from her authoritative manner, and the rest from the pride for her nephew, who chooses that everyone connected with him should have an understanding of the first class.\"\n\nElizabeth allowed that he had given a very rational account of it, and they continued talking together, with mutual satisfaction till supper put an end to cards, and gave the rest of the ladies their share of Mr. Wickham's attentions. There could be no conversation in the noise of Mrs. Phillips's supper party, but his manners recommended him to everybody. Whatever he said, was said well; and whatever he did, done gracefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth went away with her head full of him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could think of nothing but of Mr. Wickham, and of what he had told her, all the way home; but there was not time for her even to mention his name as they went, for neither Lydia nor Mr. Collins were once silent. Lydia talked incessantly of lottery tickets, of the fish she had lost and the fish she had won; and Mr. Collins in describing the civility of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, protesting that he did not in the least regard his losses at whist, enumerating all the dishes at supper, and repeatedly fearing that he crowded his cousins, had more to say than he could well manage before the carriage stopped at Longbourn House." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth related to Jane the next day what had passed between Mr. Wickham and herself. Jane listened with astonishment and concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Bingley's regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham. The possibility of his having endured such unkindness, was enough to interest all her tender feelings; and nothing remained therefore to be done, but to think well of them both, to defend the conduct of each, and throw into the account of accident or mistake whatever could not be otherwise explained.\n\n\"They have both,\" said she, \"been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very true, indeed; and now, my dear Jane, what have you got to say on behalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in the business? Do clear them too, or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion. My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what a disgraceful light it places Mr. Darcy, to be treating his father's favourite in such a manner, one whom his father had promised to provide for. It is impossible. No man of common humanity, no man who had any value for his character, could be capable of it. Can his most intimate friends be so excessively deceived in him? Oh! no.\"\n\n\"I can much more easily believe Mr. Bingley's being imposed on, than that Mr. Wickham should invent such a history of himself as he gave me last night; names, facts, everything mentioned without ceremony. If it be not so, let Mr. Darcy contradict it. Besides, there was truth in his looks.\"\n\n\"It is difficult indeed—it is distressing. One does not know what to think.\"\n\n\"I beg your pardon; one knows exactly what to think.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Jane could think with certainty on only one point—that Mr. Bingley, if he had been imposed on, would have much to suffer when the affair became public." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two young ladies were summoned from the shrubbery, where this conversation passed, by the arrival of the very persons of whom they had been speaking; Mr. Bingley and his sisters came to give their personal invitation for the long-expected ball at Netherfield, which was fixed for the following Tuesday. The two ladies were delighted to see their dear friend again, called it an age since they had met, and repeatedly asked what she had been doing with herself since their separation. To the rest of the family they paid little attention; avoiding Mrs. Bennet as much as possible, saying not much to Elizabeth, and nothing at all to the others. They were soon gone again, rising from their seats with an activity which took their brother by surprise, and hurrying off as if eager to escape from Mrs. Bennet's civilities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely agreeable to every female of the family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet chose to consider it as given in compliment to her eldest daughter, and was particularly flattered by receiving the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself, instead of a ceremonious card. Jane pictured to herself a happy evening in the society of her two friends, and the attentions of their brother; and Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of everything in Mr. Darcy's look and behaviour. The happiness anticipated by Catherine and Lydia depended less on any single event, or any particular person, for though they each, like Elizabeth, meant to dance half the evening with Mr. Wickham, he was by no means the only partner who could satisfy them, and a ball was, at any rate, a ball. And even Mary could assure her family that she had no disinclination for it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"While I can have my mornings to myself,\" said she, \"it is enough—I think it is no sacrifice to join occasionally in evening engagements. Society has claims on us all; and I profess myself one of those who consider intervals of recreation and amusement as desirable for everybody.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth's spirits were so high on this occasion, that though she did not often speak unnecessarily to Mr. Collins, she could not help asking him whether he intended to accept Mr. Bingley's invitation, and if he did, whether he would think it proper to join in the evening's amusement; and she was rather surprised to find that he entertained no scruple whatever on that head, and was very far from dreading a rebuke either from the Archbishop, or Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by venturing to dance.\n\n\"I am by no means of the opinion, I assure you,\" said he, \"that a ball of this kind, given by a young man of character, to respectable people, can have any evil tendency; and I am so far from objecting to dancing myself, that I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my fair cousins in the course of the evening; and I take this opportunity of soliciting yours, Miss Elizabeth, for the two first dances especially, a preference which I trust my cousin Jane will attribute to the right cause, and not to any disrespect for her.\"\n\nElizabeth felt herself completely taken in. She had fully proposed being engaged by Mr. Wickham for those very dances; and to have Mr. Collins instead!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "her liveliness had never been worse timed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no help for it, however. Mr. Wickham's happiness and her own were perforce delayed a little longer, and Mr. Collins's proposal accepted with as good a grace as she could. She was not the better pleased with his gallantry from the idea it suggested of something more. It now first struck her, that she was selected from among her sisters as worthy of being mistress of Hunsford Parsonage, and of assisting to form a quadrille table at Rosings, in the absence of more eligible visitors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The idea soon reached to conviction, as she observed his increasing civilities toward herself, and heard his frequent attempt at a compliment on her wit and vivacity; and though more astonished than gratified herself by this effect of her charms, it was not long before her mother gave her to understand that the probability of their marriage was extremely agreeable to her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, however, did not choose to take the hint, being well aware that a serious dispute must be the consequence of any reply. Mr. Collins might never make the offer, and till he did, it was useless to quarrel about him.\n\nIf there had not been a Netherfield ball to prepare for and talk of, the younger Miss Bennets would have been in a very pitiable state at this time, for from the day of the invitation, to the day of the ball, there was such a succession of rain as prevented their walking to Meryton once. No aunt, no officers, no news could be sought after—the very shoe-roses for Netherfield were got by proxy. Even Elizabeth might have found some trial of her patience in weather which totally suspended the improvement of her acquaintance with Mr. Wickham; and nothing less than a dance on Tuesday, could have made such a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday endurable to Kitty and Lydia." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Jane Austen would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Till Elizabeth entered the drawing-room at Netherfield, and looked in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of red coats there assembled, a doubt of his being present had never occurred to her. The certainty of meeting him had not been checked by any of those recollections that might not unreasonably have alarmed her. She had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it was not more than might be won in the course of the evening. But in an instant arose the dreadful suspicion of his being purposely omitted for Mr. Darcy's pleasure in the Bingleys' invitation to the officers; and though this was not exactly the case, the absolute fact of his absence was pronounced by his friend Denny, to whom Lydia eagerly applied, and who told them that Wickham had been obliged to go to town on business the day before, and was not yet returned; adding, with a significant smile, \"I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wanted to avoid a certain gentleman here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This part of his intelligence, though unheard by Lydia, was caught by Elizabeth, and, as it assured her that Darcy was not less answerable for Wickham's absence than if her first surmise had been just, every feeling of displeasure against the former was so sharpened by immediate disappointment, that she could hardly reply with tolerable civility to the polite inquiries which he directly afterwards approached to make." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Attendance, forbearance, patience with Darcy, was injury to Wickham. She was resolved against any sort of conversation with him, and turned away with a degree of ill-humour which she could not wholly surmount even in speaking to Mr. Bingley, whose blind partiality provoked her.\n\nBut Elizabeth was not formed for ill-humour; and though every prospect of her own was destroyed for the evening, it could not dwell long on her spirits; and having told all her griefs to Charlotte Lucas, whom she had not seen for a week, she was soon able to make a voluntary transition to the oddities of her cousin, and to point him out to her particular notice. The first two dances, however, brought a return of distress; they were dances of mortification." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment of her release from him was ecstasy.\n\nShe danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Wickham, and of hearing that he was universally liked. When those dances were over, she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and was in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy who took her so much by surprise in his application for her hand, that, without knowing what she did, she accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left to fret over her own want of presence of mind; Charlotte tried to console her:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I dare say you will find him very agreeable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil.\"\n\nWhen the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her in a whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man ten times his consequence. Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in the set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her neighbours' looks, their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He replied, and was again silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a pause of some minutes, she addressed him a second time with:—\"It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some sort of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples.\"\n\nHe smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.\n\n\"Very well. That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. But now we may be silent.\"\n\n\"Do you talk by rule, then, while you are dancing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together; and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged, as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?\"\n\n\"Both,\" replied Elizabeth archly; \"for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb.\"\n\n\"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure,\" said he. \"How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must not decide on my own performance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance, when he asked her if she and her sisters did not very often walk to Meryton. She answered in the affirmative, and, unable to resist the temptation, added, \"When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance.\"\n\nThe effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner said, \"Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends—whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship,\" replied Elizabeth with emphasis, \"and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life.\"\n\nDarcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At that moment, Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy, he stopped with a bow of superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.\n\n\"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley) shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy:—but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said, \"Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of.\"\n\n\"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine.\"\n\n\"What think you of books?\" said he, smiling.\n\n\"Books—oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No—I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always full of something else.\"\n\n\"The present always occupies you in such scenes—does it?\" said he, with a look of doubt.\n\n\"Yes, always,\" she replied, without knowing what she said, for her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming, \"I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am,\" said he, with a firm voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?\"\n\n\"I hope not.\"\n\n\"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.\"\n\n\"May I ask to what these questions tend?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Merely to the illustration of your character,\" said she, endeavouring to shake off her gravity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am trying to make it out.\"\n\n\"And what is your success?\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can readily believe,\" answered he gravely, \"that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity.\"\n\n\"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours,\" he coldly replied. She said no more, and they went down the other dance and parted in silence; and on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Darcy's breast there was a tolerably powerful feeling towards her, which soon procured her pardon, and directed all his anger against another.\n\nThey had not long separated, when Miss Bingley came towards her, and with an expression of civil disdain accosted her:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham! Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man quite forgot to tell you, among his other communication, that he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy's steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions; for as to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has always been remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Mr. Darcy is not in the least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned, and that though my brother thought that he could not well avoid including him in his invitation to the officers, he was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the country at all is a most insolent thing, indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Miss Eliza, for this discovery of your favourite's guilt; but really, considering his descent, one could not expect much better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same,\" said Elizabeth angrily; \"for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy's steward, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself.\"\n\n\"I beg your pardon,\" replied Miss Bingley, turning away with a sneer. \"Excuse my interference—it was kindly meant.\"\n\n\"Insolent girl!\" said Elizabeth to herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are much mistaken if you expect to influence me by such a paltry attack as this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She then sought her eldest sister, who had undertaken to make inquiries on the same subject of Bingley. Jane met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. Elizabeth instantly read her feelings, and at that moment solicitude for Wickham, resentment against his enemies, and everything else, gave way before the hope of Jane's being in the fairest way for happiness.\n\n\"I want to know,\" said she, with a countenance no less smiling than her sister's, \"what you have learnt about Mr. Wickham. But perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person; in which case you may be sure of my pardon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" replied Jane, \"I have not forgotten him; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell you. Mr. Bingley does not know the whole of his history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which have principally offended Mr. Darcy; but he will vouch for the good conduct, the probity, and honour of his friend, and is perfectly convinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less attention from Mr. Darcy than he has received; and I am sorry to say by his account as well as his sister's, Mr. Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy's regard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham himself?\"\n\n\"No; he never saw him till the other morning at Meryton.\"\n\n\"This account then is what he has received from Mr. Darcy. I am satisfied. But what does he say of the living?\"\n\n\"He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has heard them from Mr. Darcy more than once, but he believes that it was left to him conditionally only.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingley's sincerity,\" said Elizabeth warmly; \"but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Mr. Bingley's defense of his friend was a very able one, I dare say; but since he is unacquainted with several parts of the story, and has learnt the rest from that friend himself, I shall venture to still think of both gentlemen as I did before.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizabeth listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which Jane entertained of Mr. Bingley's regard, and said all in her power to heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr. Bingley himself, Elizabeth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose inquiry after the pleasantness of her last partner she had scarcely replied, before Mr. Collins came up to them, and told her with great exultation that he had just been so fortunate as to make a most important discovery.\n\n\"I have found out,\" said he, \"by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who does the honours of the house the names of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with, perhaps, a nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in this assembly! I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine's nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight.\"\n\nElizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme, assuring him that Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on either side; and that if it were, it must belong to Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin the acquaintance. Mr. Collins listened to her with the determined air of following his own inclination, and, when she ceased speaking, replied thus:\n\n\"My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world in your excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of your understanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom—provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young lady like yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And with a low bow he left her to attack Mr. Darcy, whose reception of his advances she eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very evident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn bow and though she could not hear a word of it, she felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words \"apology,\" \"Hunsford,\" and \"Lady Catherine de Bourgh.\" It vexed her to see him expose himself to such a man. Mr. Darcy was eyeing him with unrestrained wonder, and when at last Mr. Collins allowed him time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Mr. Collins, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. Darcy's contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length of his second speech, and at the end of it he only made him a slight bow, and moved another way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins then returned to Elizabeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have no reason, I assure you,\" said he, \"to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady Catherine's discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him.\"\n\nAs Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. Bingley; and the train of agreeable reflections which her observations gave birth to, made her perhaps almost as happy as Jane. She saw her in idea settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow; and she felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to like Bingley's two sisters. Her mother's thoughts she plainly saw were bent the same way, and she determined not to venture near her, lest she might hear too much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they sat down to supper, therefore, she considered it a most unlucky perverseness which placed them within one of each other; and deeply was she vexed to find that her mother was talking to that one person (Lady Lucas) freely, openly, and of nothing else but her expectation that Jane would soon be married to Mr. Bingley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was an animating subject, and Mrs. Bennet seemed incapable of fatigue while enumerating the advantages of the match. His being such a charming young man, and so rich, and living but three miles from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was such a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were of Jane, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as she could do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her younger daughters, as Jane's marrying so greatly must throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to be able to consign her single daughters to the care of their sister, that she might not be obliged to go into company more than she liked. It was necessary to make this circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette; but no one was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to find comfort in staying home at any period of her life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She concluded with many good wishes that Lady Lucas might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was no chance of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her mother's words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.\n\n\"What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear.\"\n\n\"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. What advantage can it be for you to offend Mr. Darcy? You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy, though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length, however, Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth now began to revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for, when supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, but in vain; Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations, and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving, amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mary's powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth was in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued, however, imperturbably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary should be singing all night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took the hint, and when Mary had finished her second song, said aloud, \"That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Elizabeth, sorry for her, and sorry for her father's speech, was afraid her anxiety had done no good. Others of the party were now applied to.\n\n\"If I,\" said Mr. Collins, \"were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. I do not mean, however, to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to do. In the first place, he must make such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards everybody, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards anybody connected with the family.\" And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, he concluded his speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many stared—many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mr. Bennet himself, while his wife seriously commended Mr. Collins for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to Lady Lucas, that he was a remarkably clever, good kind of young man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Elizabeth it appeared that, had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or finer success; and happy did she think it for Bingley and her sister that some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed. That his two sisters and Mr. Darcy, however, should have such an opportunity of ridiculing her relations, was bad enough, and she could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman, or the insolent smiles of the ladies, were more intolerable.\n\nThe rest of the evening brought her little amusement. She was teased by Mr. Collins, who continued most perseveringly by her side, and though he could not prevail on her to dance with him again, put it out of her power to dance with others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In vain did she entreat him to stand up with somebody else, and offer to introduce him to any young lady in the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He assured her, that as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it; that his chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her and that he should therefore make a point of remaining close to her the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. She owed her greatest relief to her friend Miss Lucas, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Collins's conversation to herself.\n\nShe was at least free from the offense of Mr. Darcy's further notice; though often standing within a very short distance of her, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt it to be the probable consequence of her allusions to Mr. Wickham, and rejoiced in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart, and, by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet, had to wait for their carriage a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened their mouths, except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and by so doing threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr. Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Bennet, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Elizabeth preserved as steady a silence as either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of \"Lord, how tired I am!\" accompanied by a violent yawn.\n\nWhen at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn, and addressed herself especially to Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Jane Austen" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. Mr. Collins made his declaration in form. Having resolved to do it without loss of time, as his leave of absence extended only to the following Saturday, and having no feelings of diffidence to make it distressing to himself even at the moment, he set about it in a very orderly manner, with all the observances, which he supposed a regular part of the business. On finding Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and one of the younger girls together, soon after breakfast, he addressed the mother in these words:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a blush of surprise, Mrs. Bennet answered instantly, \"Oh dear!—yes—certainly. I am sure Lizzy will be very happy—I am sure she can have no objection. Come, Kitty, I want you up stairs.\" And, gathering her work together, she was hastening away, when Elizabeth called out:\n\n\"Dear madam, do not go. I beg you will not go. Mr. Collins must excuse me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear. I am going away myself.\"\n\n\"No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you to stay where you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And upon Elizabeth's seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed looks, about to escape, she added: \"Lizzy, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction—and a moment's consideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to get it over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down again and tried to conceal, by incessant employment the feelings which were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty walked off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr. Collins began.\n\n\"Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections. You would have been less amiable in my eyes had there not been this little unwillingness; but allow me to assure you, that I have your respected mother's permission for this address. You can hardly doubt the purport of my discourse, however your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying—and, moreover, for coming into Hertfordshire with the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did.\"\n\nThe idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing, that she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him further, and he continued:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish; secondly, that I am convinced that it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly—which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford—between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh's footstool, that she said, 'Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her.' Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners beyond anything I can describe; and your wit and vivacity, I think, must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite. Thus much for my general intention in favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views were directed towards Longbourn instead of my own neighbourhood, where I can assure you there are many amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honoured father (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place—which, however, as I have already said, may not be for several years. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that one thousand pounds in the four per cents, which will not be yours till after your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now.\n\n\"You are too hasty, sir,\" she cried. \"You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than to decline them.\"\n\n\"I am not now to learn,\" replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, \"that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second, or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Upon my word, sir,\" cried Elizabeth, \"your hope is a rather extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so. Nay, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Were it certain that Lady Catherine would think so,\" said Mr. Collins very gravely—\"but I cannot imagine that her ladyship would at all disapprove of you. And you may be certain when I have the honour of seeing her again, I shall speak in the very highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other amiable qualification.\"\n\n\"Indeed, Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be unnecessary. You must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment of believing what I say. I wish you very happy and very rich, and by refusing your hand, do all in my power to prevent your being otherwise. In making me the offer, you must have satisfied the delicacy of your feelings with regard to my family, and may take possession of Longbourn estate whenever it falls, without any self-reproach. This matter may be considered, therefore, as finally settled.\" And rising as she thus spoke, she would have quitted the room, had Mr. Collins not thus addressed her:\n\n\"When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on the subject, I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer than you have now given me; though I am far from accusing you of cruelty at present, because I know it to be the established custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and perhaps you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as would be consistent with the true delicacy of the female character.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really, Mr. Collins,\" cried Elizabeth with some warmth, \"you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as to convince you of its being one.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy of your acceptance, or that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in my favour; and you should take it into further consideration, that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall choose to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females.\"\n\n\"I do assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart.\"\n\n\"You are uniformly charming!\" cried he, with an air of awkward gallantry; \"and I am persuaded that when sanctioned by the express authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals will not fail of being acceptable.\"\n\nTo such perseverance in wilful self-deception Elizabeth would make no reply, and immediately and in silence withdrew; determined, if he persisted in considering her repeated refusals as flattering encouragement, to apply to her father, whose negative might be uttered in such a manner as to be decisive, and whose behaviour at least could not be mistaken for the affectation and coquetry of an elegant female." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Jane Austen and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his successful love; for Mrs. Bennet, having dawdled about in the vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards the staircase, than she entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of their nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and returned these felicitations with equal pleasure, and then proceeded to relate the particulars of their interview, with the result of which he trusted he had every reason to be satisfied, since the refusal which his cousin had steadfastly given him would naturally flow from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character.\n\nThis information, however, startled Mrs. Bennet; she would have been glad to be equally satisfied that her daughter had meant to encourage him by protesting against his proposals, but she dared not believe it, and could not help saying so.\n\n\"But, depend upon it, Mr. Collins,\" she added, \"that Lizzy shall be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own interest but I will make her know it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pardon me for interrupting you, madam,\" cried Mr. Collins; \"but if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state. If therefore she actually persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me, because if liable to such defects of temper, she could not contribute much to my felicity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir, you quite misunderstand me,\" said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed. \"Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. In everything else she is as good-natured a girl as ever lived. I will go directly to Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon settle it with her, I am sure.\"\n\nShe would not give him time to reply, but hurrying instantly to her husband, called out as she entered the library, \"Oh! Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and if you do not make haste he will change his mind and not have her.\"\n\nMr. Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she entered, and fixed them on her face with a calm unconcern which was not in the least altered by her communication." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have not the pleasure of understanding you,\" said he, when she had finished her speech." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of what are you talking?\"\n\n\"Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say that he will not have Lizzy.\"\n\n\"And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems an hopeless business.\"\n\n\"Speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let her be called down. She shall hear my opinion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet rang the bell, and Miss Elizabeth was summoned to the library.\n\n\"Come here, child,\" cried her father as she appeared. \"I have sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?\" Elizabeth replied that it was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well—and this offer of marriage you have refused?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have, sir.\"\n\n\"Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?\"\n\n\"Yes, or I will never see her again.\"\n\n\"An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth could not but smile at such a conclusion of such a beginning, but Mrs. Bennet, who had persuaded herself that her husband regarded the affair as she wished, was excessively disappointed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, in talking this way? You promised me to insist upon her marrying him.\"\n\n\"My dear,\" replied her husband, \"I have two small favours to request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my understanding on the present occasion; and secondly, of my room. I shall be glad to have the library to myself as soon as may be.\"\n\nNot yet, however, in spite of her disappointment in her husband, did Mrs. Bennet give up the point. She talked to Elizabeth again and again; coaxed and threatened her by turns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She endeavoured to secure Jane in her interest; but Jane, with all possible mildness, declined interfering; and Elizabeth, sometimes with real earnestness, and sometimes with playful gaiety, replied to her attacks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though her manner varied, however, her determination never did.\n\nMr. Collins, meanwhile, was meditating in solitude on what had passed. He thought too well of himself to comprehend on what motives his cousin could refuse him; and though his pride was hurt, he suffered in no other way. His regard for her was quite imaginary; and the possibility of her deserving her mother's reproach prevented his feeling any regret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the family were in this confusion, Charlotte Lucas came to spend the day with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was met in the vestibule by Lydia, who, flying to her, cried in a half whisper, \"I am glad you are come, for there is such fun here! What do you think has happened this morning? Mr. Collins has made an offer to Lizzy, and she will not have him.\"\n\nCharlotte hardly had time to answer, before they were joined by Kitty, who came to tell the same news; and no sooner had they entered the breakfast-room, where Mrs. Bennet was alone, than she likewise began on the subject, calling on Miss Lucas for her compassion, and entreating her to persuade her friend Lizzy to comply with the wishes of all her family. \"Pray do, my dear Miss Lucas,\" she added in a melancholy tone, \"for nobody is on my side, nobody takes part with me. I am cruelly used, nobody feels for my poor nerves.\"\n\nCharlotte's reply was spared by the entrance of Jane and Elizabeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye, there she comes,\" continued Mrs. Bennet, \"looking as unconcerned as may be, and caring no more for us than if we were at York, provided she can have her own way. But I tell you, Miss Lizzy—if you take it into your head to go on refusing every offer of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband at all—and I am sure I do not know who is to maintain you when your father is dead. I shall not be able to keep you—and so I warn you. I have done with you from this very day. I told you in the library, you know, that I should never speak to you again, and you will find me as good as my word. I have no pleasure in talking to undutiful children. Not that I have much pleasure, indeed, in talking to anybody. People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no great inclination for talking. Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her daughters listened in silence to this effusion, sensible that any attempt to reason with her or soothe her would only increase the irritation. She talked on, therefore, without interruption from any of them, till they were joined by Mr. Collins, who entered the room with an air more stately than usual, and on perceiving whom, she said to the girls, \"Now, I do insist upon it, that you, all of you, hold your tongues, and let me and Mr. Collins have a little conversation together.\"\n\nElizabeth passed quietly out of the room, Jane and Kitty followed, but Lydia stood her ground, determined to hear all she could; and Charlotte, detained first by the civility of Mr. Collins, whose inquiries after herself and all her family were very minute, and then by a little curiosity, satisfied herself with walking to the window and pretending not to hear. In a doleful voice Mrs. Bennet began the projected conversation: \"Oh! Mr. Collins!\"\n\n\"My dear madam,\" replied he, \"let us be for ever silent on this point. Far be it from me,\" he presently continued, in a voice that marked his displeasure, \"to resent the behaviour of your daughter. Resignation to inevitable evils is the duty of us all; the peculiar duty of a young man who has been so fortunate as I have been in early preferment; and I trust I am resigned. Perhaps not the less so from feeling a doubt of my positive happiness had my fair cousin honoured me with her hand; for I have often observed that resignation is never so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our estimation. You will not, I hope, consider me as showing any disrespect to your family, my dear madam, by thus withdrawing my pretensions to your daughter's favour, without having paid yourself and Mr. Bennet the compliment of requesting you to interpose your authority in my behalf. My conduct may, I fear, be objectionable in having accepted my dismission from your daughter's lips instead of your own. But we are all liable to error. I have certainly meant well through the whole affair. My object has been to secure an amiable companion for myself, with due consideration for the advantage of all your family, and if my manner has been at all reprehensible, I here beg leave to apologise.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The discussion of Mr. Collins's offer was now nearly at an end, and Elizabeth had only to suffer from the uncomfortable feelings necessarily attending it, and occasionally from some peevish allusions of her mother. As for the gentleman himself, his feelings were chiefly expressed, not by embarrassment or dejection, or by trying to avoid her, but by stiffness of manner and resentful silence. He scarcely ever spoke to her, and the assiduous attentions which he had been so sensible of himself were transferred for the rest of the day to Miss Lucas, whose civility in listening to him was a seasonable relief to them all, and especially to her friend.\n\nThe morrow produced no abatement of Mrs. Bennet's ill-humour or ill health." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins was also in the same state of angry pride." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth had hoped that his resentment might shorten his visit, but his plan did not appear in the least affected by it. He was always to have gone on Saturday, and to Saturday he meant to stay.\n\nAfter breakfast, the girls walked to Meryton to inquire if Mr. Wickham were returned, and to lament over his absence from the Netherfield ball. He joined them on their entering the town, and attended them to their aunt's where his regret and vexation, and the concern of everybody, was well talked over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Elizabeth, however, he voluntarily acknowledged that the necessity of his absence had been self-imposed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I found,\" said he, \"as the time drew near that I had better not meet Mr. Darcy; that to be in the same room, the same party with him for so many hours together, might be more than I could bear, and that scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself.\"\n\nShe highly approved his forbearance, and they had leisure for a full discussion of it, and for all the commendation which they civilly bestowed on each other, as Wickham and another officer walked back with them to Longbourn, and during the walk he particularly attended to her. His accompanying them was a double advantage; she felt all the compliment it offered to herself, and it was most acceptable as an occasion of introducing him to her father and mother.\n\nSoon after their return, a letter was delivered to Miss Bennet; it came from Netherfield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The envelope contained a sheet of elegant, little, hot-pressed paper, well covered with a lady's fair, flowing hand; and Elizabeth saw her sister's countenance change as she read it, and saw her dwelling intently on some particular passages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jane recollected herself soon, and putting the letter away, tried to join with her usual cheerfulness in the general conversation; but Elizabeth felt an anxiety on the subject which drew off her attention even from Wickham; and no sooner had he and his companion taken leave, than a glance from Jane invited her to follow her up stairs. When they had gained their own room, Jane, taking out the letter, said:\n\n\"This is from Caroline Bingley; what it contains has surprised me a good deal. The whole party have left Netherfield by this time, and are on their way to town—and without any intention of coming back again. You shall hear what she says.\"\n\nShe then read the first sentence aloud, which comprised the information of their having just resolved to follow their brother to town directly, and of their meaning to dine in Grosvenor Street, where Mr. Hurst had a house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next was in these words: \"I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave in Hertfordshire, except your society, my dearest friend; but we will hope, at some future period, to enjoy many returns of that delightful intercourse we have known, and in the meanwhile may lessen the pain of separation by a very frequent and most unreserved correspondence. I depend on you for that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To these highflown expressions Elizabeth listened with all the insensibility of distrust; and though the suddenness of their removal surprised her, she saw nothing in it really to lament; it was not to be supposed that their absence from Netherfield would prevent Mr. Bingley's being there; and as to the loss of their society, she was persuaded that Jane must cease to regard it, in the enjoyment of his.\n\n\"It is unlucky,\" said she, after a short pause, \"that you should not be able to see your friends before they leave the country. But may we not hope that the period of future happiness to which Miss Bingley looks forward may arrive earlier than she is aware, and that the delightful intercourse you have known as friends will be renewed with yet greater satisfaction as sisters? Mr. Bingley will not be detained in London by them.\"\n\n\"Caroline decidedly says that none of the party will return into Hertfordshire this winter. I will read it to you:\"\n\n\"When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the business which took him to London might be concluded in three or four days; but as we are certain it cannot be so, and at the same time convinced that when Charles gets to town he will be in no hurry to leave it again, we have determined on following him thither, that he may not be obliged to spend his vacant hours in a comfortless hotel. Many of my acquaintances are already there for the winter; I wish that I could hear that you, my dearest friend, had any intention of making one of the crowd—but of that I despair. I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire may abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and that your beaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling the loss of the three of whom we shall deprive you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is evident by this,\" added Jane, \"that he comes back no more this winter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is only evident that Miss Bingley does not mean that he should.\"\n\n\"Why will you think so? It must be his own doing. He is his own master. But you do not know all. I will read you the passage which particularly hurts me. I will have no reserves from you.\"\n\n\"Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister; and, to confess the truth, we are scarcely less eager to meet her again. I really do not think Georgiana Darcy has her equal for beauty, elegance, and accomplishments; and the affection she inspires in Louisa and myself is heightened into something still more interesting, from the hope we dare entertain of her being hereafter our sister. I do not know whether I ever before mentioned to you my feelings on this subject; but I will not leave the country without confiding them, and I trust you will not esteem them unreasonable. My brother admires her greatly already; he will have frequent opportunity now of seeing her on the most intimate footing; her relations all wish the connection as much as his own; and a sister's partiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call Charles most capable of engaging any woman's heart. With all these circumstances to favour an attachment, and nothing to prevent it, am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of an event which will secure the happiness of so many?\"\n\n\"What do you think of this sentence, my dear Lizzy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "said Jane as she finished it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it not clear enough? Does it not expressly declare that Caroline neither expects nor wishes me to be her sister; that she is perfectly convinced of her brother's indifference; and that if she suspects the nature of my feelings for him, she means (most kindly!) to put me on my guard? Can there be any other opinion on the subject?\"\n\n\"Yes, there can; for mine is totally different. Will you hear it?\"\n\n\"Most willingly.\"\n\n\"You shall have it in a few words. Miss Bingley sees that her brother is in love with you, and wants him to marry Miss Darcy. She follows him to town in hope of keeping him there, and tries to persuade you that he does not care about you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. No one who has ever seen you together can doubt his affection. Miss Bingley, I am sure, cannot. She is not such a simpleton. Could she have seen half as much love in Mr. Darcy for herself, she would have ordered her wedding clothes. But the case is this: We are not rich enough or grand enough for them; and she is the more anxious to get Miss Darcy for her brother, from the notion that when there has been one intermarriage, she may have less trouble in achieving a second; in which there is certainly some ingenuity, and I dare say it would succeed, if Miss de Bourgh were out of the way. But, my dearest Jane, you cannot seriously imagine that because Miss Bingley tells you her brother greatly admires Miss Darcy, he is in the smallest degree less sensible of your merit than when he took leave of you on Tuesday, or that it will be in her power to persuade him that, instead of being in love with you, he is very much in love with her friend.\"\n\n\"If we thought alike of Miss Bingley,\" replied Jane, \"your representation of all this might make me quite easy. But I know the foundation is unjust. Caroline is incapable of wilfully deceiving anyone; and all that I can hope in this case is that she is deceiving herself.\"\n\n\"That is right. You could not have started a more happy idea, since you will not take comfort in mine. Believe her to be deceived, by all means. You have now done your duty by her, and must fret no longer.\"\n\n\"But, my dear sister, can I be happy, even supposing the best, in accepting a man whose sisters and friends are all wishing him to marry elsewhere?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must decide for yourself,\" said Elizabeth; \"and if, upon mature deliberation, you find that the misery of disobliging his two sisters is more than equivalent to the happiness of being his wife, I advise you by all means to refuse him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can you talk so?\" said Jane, faintly smiling. \"You must know that though I should be exceedingly grieved at their disapprobation, I could not hesitate.\"\n\n\"I did not think you would; and that being the case, I cannot consider your situation with much compassion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if he returns no more this winter, my choice will never be required. A thousand things may arise in six months!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The idea of his returning no more Elizabeth treated with the utmost contempt. It appeared to her merely the suggestion of Caroline's interested wishes, and she could not for a moment suppose that those wishes, however openly or artfully spoken, could influence a young man so totally independent of everyone.\n\nShe represented to her sister as forcibly as possible what she felt on the subject, and had soon the pleasure of seeing its happy effect. Jane's temper was not desponding, and she was gradually led to hope, though the diffidence of affection sometimes overcame the hope, that Bingley would return to Netherfield and answer every wish of her heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They agreed that Mrs. Bennet should only hear of the departure of the family, without being alarmed on the score of the gentleman's conduct; but even this partial communication gave her a great deal of concern, and she bewailed it as exceedingly unlucky that the ladies should happen to go away just as they were all getting so intimate together." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After lamenting it, however, at some length, she had the consolation that Mr. Bingley would be soon down again and soon dining at Longbourn, and the conclusion of all was the comfortable declaration, that though he had been invited only to a family dinner, she would take care to have two full courses." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases and again during the chief of the day was Miss Lucas so kind as to listen to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took an opportunity of thanking her. \"It keeps him in good humour,\" said she, \"and I am more obliged to you than I can express.\" Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice of her time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was very amiable, but Charlotte's kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of; its object was nothing else than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins's addresses, by engaging them towards herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such was Miss Lucas's scheme; and appearances were so favourable, that when they parted at night, she would have felt almost secure of success if he had not been to leave Hertfordshire so very soon. But here she did injustice to the fire and independence of his character, for it led him to escape out of Longbourn House the next morning with admirable slyness, and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a conviction that if they saw him depart, they could not fail to conjecture his design, and he was not willing to have the attempt known till its success might be known likewise; for though feeling almost secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging, he was comparatively diffident since the adventure of Wednesday. His reception, however, was of the most flattering kind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Lucas perceived him from an upper window as he walked towards the house, and instantly set out to meet him accidentally in the lane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But little had she dared to hope that so much love and eloquence awaited her there.\n\nIn as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, everything was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the house he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though such a solicitation must be waived for the present, the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with which he was favoured by nature must guard his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained.\n\nSir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their consent; and it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins's present circumstances made it a most eligible match for their daughter, to whom they could give little fortune; and his prospects of future wealth were exceedingly fair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Lucas began directly to calculate, with more interest than the matter had ever excited before, how many years longer Mr. Bennet was likely to live; and Sir William gave it as his decided opinion, that whenever Mr. Collins should be in possession of the Longbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he and his wife should make their appearance at St. James's. The whole family, in short, were properly overjoyed on the occasion. The younger girls formed hopes of coming out a year or two sooner than they might otherwise have done; and the boys were relieved from their apprehension of Charlotte's dying an old maid. Charlotte herself was tolerably composed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had gained her point, and had time to consider of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her reflections were in general satisfactory. Mr. Collins, to be sure, was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her must be imaginary. But still he would be her husband. Without thinking highly either of men or matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The least agreeable circumstance in the business was the surprise it must occasion to Elizabeth Bennet, whose friendship she valued beyond that of any other person. Elizabeth would wonder, and probably would blame her; and though her resolution was not to be shaken, her feelings must be hurt by such a disapprobation. She resolved to give her the information herself, and therefore charged Mr. Collins, when he returned to Longbourn to dinner, to drop no hint of what had passed before any of the family. A promise of secrecy was of course very dutifully given, but it could not be kept without difficulty; for the curiosity excited by his long absence burst forth in such very direct questions on his return as required some ingenuity to evade, and he was at the same time exercising great self-denial, for he was longing to publish his prosperous love." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he was to begin his journey too early on the morrow to see any of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed when the ladies moved for the night; and Mrs. Bennet, with great politeness and cordiality, said how happy they should be to see him at Longbourn again, whenever his engagements might allow him to visit them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My dear madam,\" he replied, \"this invitation is particularly gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as possible.\"\n\nThey were all astonished; and Mr. Bennet, who could by no means wish for so speedy a return, immediately said:\n\n\"But is there not danger of Lady Catherine's disapprobation here, my good sir? You had better neglect your relations than run the risk of offending your patroness.\"\n\n\"My dear sir,\" replied Mr. Collins, \"I am particularly obliged to you for this friendly caution, and you may depend upon my not taking so material a step without her ladyship's concurrence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You cannot be too much upon your guard. Risk anything rather than her displeasure; and if you find it likely to be raised by your coming to us again, which I should think exceedingly probable, stay quietly at home, and be satisfied that we shall take no offence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Believe me, my dear sir, my gratitude is warmly excited by such affectionate attention; and depend upon it, you will speedily receive from me a letter of thanks for this, and for every other mark of your regard during my stay in Hertfordshire. As for my fair cousins, though my absence may not be long enough to render it necessary, I shall now take the liberty of wishing them health and happiness, not excepting my cousin Elizabeth.\"\n\nWith proper civilities the ladies then withdrew; all of them equally surprised that he meditated a quick return. Mrs. Bennet wished to understand by it that he thought of paying his addresses to one of her younger girls, and Mary might have been prevailed on to accept him. She rated his abilities much higher than any of the others; there was a solidity in his reflections which often struck her, and though by no means so clever as herself, she thought that if encouraged to read and improve himself by such an example as hers, he might become a very agreeable companion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But on the following morning, every hope of this kind was done away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Lucas called soon after breakfast, and in a private conference with Elizabeth related the event of the day before.\n\nThe possibility of Mr. Collins's fancying himself in love with her friend had once occurred to Elizabeth within the last day or two; but that Charlotte could encourage him seemed almost as far from possibility as she could encourage him herself, and her astonishment was consequently so great as to overcome at first the bounds of decorum, and she could not help crying out:\n\n\"Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear Charlotte—impossible!\"\n\nThe steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a strong effort for it, was able to assure with tolerable firmness that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness.\n\n\"I see what you are feeling,\" replied Charlotte. \"You must be surprised, very much surprised—so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.\"\n\nElizabeth quietly answered \"Undoubtedly;\" and after an awkward pause, they returned to the rest of the family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Charlotte did not stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what she had heard." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a long time before she became at all reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness of Mr. Collins's making two offers of marriage within three days was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she had not supposed it to be possible that, when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage. Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins was a most humiliating picture! And to the pang of a friend disgracing herself and sunk in her esteem, was added the distressing conviction that it was impossible for that friend to be tolerably happy in the lot she had chosen." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth was sitting with her mother and sisters, reflecting on what she had heard, and doubting whether she was authorised to mention it, when Sir William Lucas himself appeared, sent by his daughter, to announce her engagement to the family. With many compliments to them, and much self-gratulation on the prospect of a connection between the houses, he unfolded the matter—to an audience not merely wondering, but incredulous; for Mrs. Bennet, with more perseverance than politeness, protested he must be entirely mistaken; and Lydia, always unguarded and often uncivil, boisterously exclaimed:\n\n\"Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell such a story? Do not you know that Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?\"\n\nNothing less than the complaisance of a courtier could have borne without anger such treatment; but Sir William's good breeding carried him through it all; and though he begged leave to be positive as to the truth of his information, he listened to all their impertinence with the most forbearing courtesy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her to relieve him from so unpleasant a situation, now put herself forward to confirm his account, by mentioning her prior knowledge of it from Charlotte herself; and endeavoured to put a stop to the exclamations of her mother and sisters by the earnestness of her congratulations to Sir William, in which she was readily joined by Jane, and by making a variety of remarks on the happiness that might be expected from the match, the excellent character of Mr. Collins, and the convenient distance of Hunsford from London." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet was in fact too much overpowered to say a great deal while Sir William remained; but no sooner had he left them than her feelings found a rapid vent. In the first place, she persisted in disbelieving the whole of the matter; secondly, she was very sure that Mr. Collins had been taken in; thirdly, she trusted that they would never be happy together; and fourthly, that the match might be broken off. Two inferences, however, were plainly deduced from the whole: one, that Elizabeth was the real cause of the mischief; and the other that she herself had been barbarously misused by them all; and on these two points she principally dwelt during the rest of the day. Nothing could console and nothing could appease her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor did that day wear out her resentment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A week elapsed before she could see Elizabeth without scolding her, a month passed away before she could speak to Sir William or Lady Lucas without being rude, and many months were gone before she could at all forgive their daughter.\n\nMr. Bennet's emotions were much more tranquil on the occasion, and such as he did experience he pronounced to be of a most agreeable sort; for it gratified him, he said, to discover that Charlotte Lucas, whom he had been used to think tolerably sensible, was as foolish as his wife, and more foolish than his daughter!\n\nJane confessed herself a little surprised at the match; but she said less of her astonishment than of her earnest desire for their happiness; nor could Elizabeth persuade her to consider it as improbable. Kitty and Lydia were far from envying Miss Lucas, for Mr. Collins was only a clergyman; and it affected them in no other way than as a piece of news to spread at Meryton." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Lucas could not be insensible of triumph on being able to retort on Mrs. Bennet the comfort of having a daughter well married; and she called at Longbourn rather oftener than usual to say how happy she was, though Mrs. Bennet's sour looks and ill-natured remarks might have been enough to drive happiness away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Between Elizabeth and Charlotte there was a restraint which kept them mutually silent on the subject; and Elizabeth felt persuaded that no real confidence could ever subsist between them again. Her disappointment in Charlotte made her turn with fonder regard to her sister, of whose rectitude and delicacy she was sure her opinion could never be shaken, and for whose happiness she grew daily more anxious, as Bingley had now been gone a week and nothing more was heard of his return.\n\nJane had sent Caroline an early answer to her letter, and was counting the days till she might reasonably hope to hear again. The promised letter of thanks from Mr. Collins arrived on Tuesday, addressed to their father, and written with all the solemnity of gratitude which a twelvemonth's abode in the family might have prompted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After discharging his conscience on that head, he proceeded to inform them, with many rapturous expressions, of his happiness in having obtained the affection of their amiable neighbour, Miss Lucas, and then explained that it was merely with the view of enjoying her society that he had been so ready to close with their kind wish of seeing him again at Longbourn, whither he hoped to be able to return on Monday fortnight; for Lady Catherine, he added, so heartily approved his marriage, that she wished it to take place as soon as possible, which he trusted would be an unanswerable argument with his amiable Charlotte to name an early day for making him the happiest of men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Collins's return into Hertfordshire was no longer a matter of pleasure to Mrs. Bennet. On the contrary, she was as much disposed to complain of it as her husband. It was very strange that he should come to Longbourn instead of to Lucas Lodge; it was also very inconvenient and exceedingly troublesome. She hated having visitors in the house while her health was so indifferent, and lovers were of all people the most disagreeable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such were the gentle murmurs of Mrs. Bennet, and they gave way only to the greater distress of Mr. Bingley's continued absence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither Jane nor Elizabeth were comfortable on this subject. Day after day passed away without bringing any other tidings of him than the report which shortly prevailed in Meryton of his coming no more to Netherfield the whole winter; a report which highly incensed Mrs. Bennet, and which she never failed to contradict as a most scandalous falsehood.\n\nEven Elizabeth began to fear—not that Bingley was indifferent—but that his sisters would be successful in keeping him away. Unwilling as she was to admit an idea so destructive of Jane's happiness, and so dishonorable to the stability of her lover, she could not prevent its frequently occurring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The united efforts of his two unfeeling sisters and of his overpowering friend, assisted by the attractions of Miss Darcy and the amusements of London might be too much, she feared, for the strength of his attachment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As for Jane, her anxiety under this suspense was, of course, more painful than Elizabeth's, but whatever she felt she was desirous of concealing, and between herself and Elizabeth, therefore, the subject was never alluded to. But as no such delicacy restrained her mother, an hour seldom passed in which she did not talk of Bingley, express her impatience for his arrival, or even require Jane to confess that if he did not come back she would think herself very ill used. It needed all Jane's steady mildness to bear these attacks with tolerable tranquillity.\n\nMr. Collins returned most punctually on Monday fortnight, but his reception at Longbourn was not quite so gracious as it had been on his first introduction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was too happy, however, to need much attention; and luckily for the others, the business of love-making relieved them from a great deal of his company." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chief of every day was spent by him at Lucas Lodge, and he sometimes returned to Longbourn only in time to make an apology for his absence before the family went to bed.\n\nMrs. Bennet was really in a most pitiable state. The very mention of anything concerning the match threw her into an agony of ill-humour, and wherever she went she was sure of hearing it talked of. The sight of Miss Lucas was odious to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As her successor in that house, she regarded her with jealous abhorrence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whenever Charlotte came to see them, she concluded her to be anticipating the hour of possession; and whenever she spoke in a low voice to Mr. Collins, was convinced that they were talking of the Longbourn estate, and resolving to turn herself and her daughters out of the house, as soon as Mr. Bennet were dead. She complained bitterly of all this to her husband.\n\n\"Indeed, Mr. Bennet,\" said she, \"it is very hard to think that Charlotte Lucas should ever be mistress of this house, that I should be forced to make way for her, and live to see her take her place in it!\"\n\n\"My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet, and therefore, instead of making any answer, she went on as before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot bear to think that they should have all this estate. If it was not for the entail, I should not mind it.\"\n\n\"What should not you mind?\"\n\n\"I should not mind anything at all.\"\n\n\"Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of such insensibility.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for anything about the entail. How anyone could have the conscience to entail away an estate from one's own daughters, I cannot understand; and all for the sake of Mr. Collins too! Why should he have it more than anybody else?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I leave it to yourself to determine,\" said Mr. Bennet." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Jane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Bingley's letter arrived, and put an end to doubt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The very first sentence conveyed the assurance of their being all settled in London for the winter, and concluded with her brother's regret at not having had time to pay his respects to his friends in Hertfordshire before he left the country.\n\nHope was over, entirely over; and when Jane could attend to the rest of the letter, she found little, except the professed affection of the writer, that could give her any comfort. Miss Darcy's praise occupied the chief of it. Her many attractions were again dwelt on, and Caroline boasted joyfully of their increasing intimacy, and ventured to predict the accomplishment of the wishes which had been unfolded in her former letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wrote also with great pleasure of her brother's being an inmate of Mr. Darcy's house, and mentioned with raptures some plans of the latter with regard to new furniture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, to whom Jane very soon communicated the chief of all this, heard it in silent indignation. Her heart was divided between concern for her sister, and resentment against all others. To Caroline's assertion of her brother's being partial to Miss Darcy she paid no credit. That he was really fond of Jane, she doubted no more than she had ever done; and much as she had always been disposed to like him, she could not think without anger, hardly without contempt, on that easiness of temper, that want of proper resolution, which now made him the slave of his designing friends, and led him to sacrifice of his own happiness to the caprice of their inclination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had his own happiness, however, been the only sacrifice, he might have been allowed to sport with it in whatever manner he thought best, but her sister's was involved in it, as she thought he must be sensible himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a subject, in short, on which reflection would be long indulged, and must be unavailing. She could think of nothing else; and yet whether Bingley's regard had really died away, or were suppressed by his friends' interference; whether he had been aware of Jane's attachment, or whether it had escaped his observation; whatever were the case, though her opinion of him must be materially affected by the difference, her sister's situation remained the same, her peace equally wounded.\n\nA day or two passed before Jane had courage to speak of her feelings to Elizabeth; but at last, on Mrs. Bennet's leaving them together, after a longer irritation than usual about Netherfield and its master, she could not help saying:\n\n\"Oh, that my dear mother had more command over herself! She can have no idea of the pain she gives me by her continual reflections on him. But I will not repine. It cannot last long. He will be forgot, and we shall all be as we were before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth looked at her sister with incredulous solicitude, but said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You doubt me,\" cried Jane, slightly colouring; \"indeed, you have no reason. He may live in my memory as the most amiable man of my acquaintance, but that is all. I have nothing either to hope or fear, and nothing to reproach him with. Thank God! I have not that pain. A little time, therefore—I shall certainly try to get the better.\"\n\nWith a stronger voice she soon added, \"I have this comfort immediately, that it has not been more than an error of fancy on my side, and that it has done no harm to anyone but myself.\"\n\n\"My dear Jane!\" exclaimed Elizabeth, \"you are too good. Your sweetness and disinterestedness are really angelic; I do not know what to say to you. I feel as if I had never done you justice, or loved you as you deserve.\"\n\nMiss Bennet eagerly disclaimed all extraordinary merit, and threw back the praise on her sister's warm affection." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nay,\" said Elizabeth, \"this is not fair. You wish to think all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of anybody. I only want to think you perfect, and you set yourself against it. Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, of my encroaching on your privilege of universal good-will. You need not. There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense. I have met with two instances lately, one I will not mention; the other is Charlotte's marriage. It is unaccountable! In every view it is unaccountable!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My dear Lizzy, do not give way to such feelings as these. They will ruin your happiness. You do not make allowance enough for difference of situation and temper. Consider Mr. Collins's respectability, and Charlotte's steady, prudent character. Remember that she is one of a large family; that as to fortune, it is a most eligible match; and be ready to believe, for everybody's sake, that she may feel something like regard and esteem for our cousin.\"\n\n\"To oblige you, I would try to believe almost anything, but no one else could be benefited by such a belief as this; for were I persuaded that Charlotte had any regard for him, I should only think worse of her understanding than I now do of her heart. My dear Jane, Mr. Collins is a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man; you know he is, as well as I do; and you must feel, as well as I do, that the woman who married him cannot have a proper way of thinking. You shall not defend her, though it is Charlotte Lucas. You shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the meaning of principle and integrity, nor endeavour to persuade yourself or me, that selfishness is prudence, and insensibility of danger security for happiness.\"\n\n\"I must think your language too strong in speaking of both,\" replied Jane; \"and I hope you will be convinced of it by seeing them happy together. But enough of this. You alluded to something else. You mentioned two instances. I cannot misunderstand you, but I entreat you, dear Lizzy, not to pain me by thinking that person to blame, and saying your opinion of him is sunk. We must not be so ready to fancy ourselves intentionally injured. We must not expect a lively young man to be always so guarded and circumspect. It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does.\"\n\n\"And men take care that they should.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but I have no idea of there being so much design in the world as some persons imagine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley's conduct to design,\" said Elizabeth; \"but without scheming to do wrong, or to make others unhappy, there may be error, and there may be misery. Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people's feelings, and want of resolution, will do the business.\"\n\n\"And do you impute it to either of those?\"\n\n\"Yes; to the last. But if I go on, I shall displease you by saying what I think of persons you esteem. Stop me whilst you can.\"\n\n\"You persist, then, in supposing his sisters influence him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, in conjunction with his friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence him? They can only wish his happiness; and if he is attached to me, no other woman can secure it.\"\n\n\"Your first position is false. They may wish many things besides his happiness; they may wish his increase of wealth and consequence; they may wish him to marry a girl who has all the importance of money, great connections, and pride.\"\n\n\"Beyond a doubt, they do wish him to choose Miss Darcy,\" replied Jane; \"but this may be from better feelings than you are supposing. They have known her much longer than they have known me; no wonder if they love her better. But, whatever may be their own wishes, it is very unlikely they should have opposed their brother's. What sister would think herself at liberty to do it, unless there were something very objectionable? If they believed him attached to me, they would not try to part us; if he were so, they could not succeed. By supposing such an affection, you make everybody acting unnaturally and wrong, and me most unhappy. Do not distress me by the idea. I am not ashamed of having been mistaken—or, at least, it is light, it is nothing in comparison of what I should feel in thinking ill of him or his sisters. Let me take it in the best light, in the light in which it may be understood.\"\n\nElizabeth could not oppose such a wish; and from this time Mr. Bingley's name was scarcely ever mentioned between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Bennet still continued to wonder and repine at his returning no more, and though a day seldom passed in which Elizabeth did not account for it clearly, there was little chance of her ever considering it with less perplexity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her daughter endeavoured to convince her of what she did not believe herself, that his attentions to Jane had been merely the effect of a common and transient liking, which ceased when he saw her no more; but though the probability of the statement was admitted at the time, she had the same story to repeat every day. Mrs. Bennet's best comfort was that Mr. Bingley must be down again in the summer.\n\nMr. Bennet treated the matter differently. \"So, Lizzy,\" said he one day, \"your sister is crossed in love, I find. I congratulate her. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of, and it gives her a sort of distinction among her companions. When is your turn to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Now is your time. Here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, sir, but a less agreeable man would satisfy me. We must not all expect Jane's good fortune.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True,\" said Mr. Bennet, \"but it is a comfort to think that whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate mother who will make the most of it.\"\n\nMr. Wickham's society was of material service in dispelling the gloom which the late perverse occurrences had thrown on many of the Longbourn family. They saw him often, and to his other recommendations was now added that of general unreserve. The whole of what Elizabeth had already heard, his claims on Mr. Darcy, and all that he had suffered from him, was now openly acknowledged and publicly canvassed; and everybody was pleased to know how much they had always disliked Mr. Darcy before they had known anything of the matter.\n\nMiss Bennet was the only creature who could suppose there might be any extenuating circumstances in the case, unknown to the society of Hertfordshire; her mild and steady candour always pleaded for allowances, and urged the possibility of mistakes—but by everybody else Mr. Darcy was condemned as the worst of men." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Jane Austen would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a week spent in professions of love and schemes of felicity, Mr. Collins was called from his amiable Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday. The pain of separation, however, might be alleviated on his side, by preparations for the reception of his bride; as he had reason to hope, that shortly after his return into Hertfordshire, the day would be fixed that was to make him the happiest of men. He took leave of his relations at Longbourn with as much solemnity as before; wished his fair cousins health and happiness again, and promised their father another letter of thanks.\n\nOn the following Monday, Mrs. Bennet had the pleasure of receiving her brother and his wife, who came as usual to spend the Christmas at Longbourn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Gardiner was a sensible, gentlemanlike man, greatly superior to his sister, as well by nature as education." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Netherfield ladies would have had difficulty in believing that a man who lived by trade, and within view of his own warehouses, could have been so well-bred and agreeable. Mrs. Gardiner, who was several years younger than Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips, was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, and a great favourite with all her Longbourn nieces. Between the two eldest and herself especially, there subsisted a particular regard. They had frequently been staying with her in town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first part of Mrs. Gardiner's business on her arrival was to distribute her presents and describe the newest fashions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When this was done she had a less active part to play. It became her turn to listen. Mrs. Bennet had many grievances to relate, and much to complain of. They had all been very ill-used since she last saw her sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two of her girls had been upon the point of marriage, and after all there was nothing in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not blame Jane,\" she continued, \"for Jane would have got Mr. Bingley if she could. But Lizzy! Oh, sister! It is very hard to think that she might have been Mr. Collins's wife by this time, had it not been for her own perverseness. He made her an offer in this very room, and she refused him. The consequence of it is, that Lady Lucas will have a daughter married before I have, and that the Longbourn estate is just as much entailed as ever. The Lucases are very artful people indeed, sister. They are all for what they can get. I am sorry to say it of them, but so it is. It makes me very nervous and poorly, to be thwarted so in my own family, and to have neighbours who think of themselves before anybody else. However, your coming just at this time is the greatest of comforts, and I am very glad to hear what you tell us, of long sleeves.\"\n\nMrs. Gardiner, to whom the chief of this news had been given before, in the course of Jane and Elizabeth's correspondence with her, made her sister a slight answer, and, in compassion to her nieces, turned the conversation.\n\nWhen alone with Elizabeth afterwards, she spoke more on the subject. \"It seems likely to have been a desirable match for Jane,\" said she." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sorry it went off. But these things happen so often! A young man, such as you describe Mr. Bingley, so easily falls in love with a pretty girl for a few weeks, and when accident separates them, so easily forgets her, that these sort of inconsistencies are very frequent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An excellent consolation in its way,\" said Elizabeth, \"but it will not do for us. We do not suffer by accident. It does not often happen that the interference of friends will persuade a young man of independent fortune to think no more of a girl whom he was violently in love with only a few days before.\"\n\n\"But that expression of 'violently in love' is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. It is as often applied to feelings which arise from a half-hour's acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment. Pray, how violent was Mr. Bingley's love?\"\n\n\"I never saw a more promising inclination; he was growing quite inattentive to other people, and wholly engrossed by her. Every time they met, it was more decided and remarkable. At his own ball he offended two or three young ladies, by not asking them to dance; and I spoke to him twice myself, without receiving an answer. Could there be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the very essence of love?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes!—of that kind of love which I suppose him to have felt. Poor Jane! I am sorry for her, because, with her disposition, she may not get over it immediately. It had better have happened to you, Lizzy; you would have laughed yourself out of it sooner. But do you think she would be prevailed upon to go back with us? Change of scene might be of service—and perhaps a little relief from home may be as useful as anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister's ready acquiescence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope,\" added Mrs. Gardiner, \"that no consideration with regard to this young man will influence her. We live in so different a part of town, all our connections are so different, and, as you well know, we go out so little, that it is very improbable that they should meet at all, unless he really comes to see her.\"\n\n\"And that is quite impossible; for he is now in the custody of his friend, and Mr. Darcy would no more suffer him to call on Jane in such a part of London! My dear aunt, how could you think of it? Mr. Darcy may perhaps have heard of such a place as Gracechurch Street, but he would hardly think a month's ablution enough to cleanse him from its impurities, were he once to enter it; and depend upon it, Mr. Bingley never stirs without him.\"\n\n\"So much the better. I hope they will not meet at all. But does not Jane correspond with his sister? She will not be able to help calling.\"\n\n\"She will drop the acquaintance entirely.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But in spite of the certainty in which Elizabeth affected to place this point, as well as the still more interesting one of Bingley's being withheld from seeing Jane, she felt a solicitude on the subject which convinced her, on examination, that she did not consider it entirely hopeless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was possible, and sometimes she thought it probable, that his affection might be reanimated, and the influence of his friends successfully combated by the more natural influence of Jane's attractions.\n\nMiss Bennet accepted her aunt's invitation with pleasure; and the Bingleys were no otherwise in her thoughts at the same time, than as she hoped by Caroline's not living in the same house with her brother, she might occasionally spend a morning with her, without any danger of seeing him.\n\nThe Gardiners stayed a week at Longbourn; and what with the Phillipses, the Lucases, and the officers, there was not a day without its engagement. Mrs. Bennet had so carefully provided for the entertainment of her brother and sister, that they did not once sit down to a family dinner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the engagement was for home, some of the officers always made part of it—of which officers Mr. Wickham was sure to be one; and on these occasions, Mrs. Gardiner, rendered suspicious by Elizabeth's warm commendation, narrowly observed them both." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without supposing them, from what she saw, to be very seriously in love, their preference of each other was plain enough to make her a little uneasy; and she resolved to speak to Elizabeth on the subject before she left Hertfordshire, and represent to her the imprudence of encouraging such an attachment.\n\nTo Mrs. Gardiner, Wickham had one means of affording pleasure, unconnected with his general powers. About ten or a dozen years ago, before her marriage, she had spent a considerable time in that very part of Derbyshire to which he belonged. They had, therefore, many acquaintances in common; and though Wickham had been little there since the death of Darcy's father, it was yet in his power to give her fresher intelligence of her former friends than she had been in the way of procuring." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner's caution to Elizabeth was punctually and kindly given on the first favourable opportunity of speaking to her alone; after honestly telling her what she thought, she thus went on:\n\n\"You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not afraid of speaking openly. Seriously, I would have you be on your guard. Do not involve yourself or endeavour to involve him in an affection which the want of fortune would make so very imprudent. I have nothing to say against him; he is a most interesting young man; and if he had the fortune he ought to have, I should think you could not do better. But as it is, you must not let your fancy run away with you. You have sense, and we all expect you to use it. Your father would depend on your resolution and good conduct, I am sure. You must not disappoint your father.\"\n\n\"My dear aunt, this is being serious indeed.\"\n\n\"Yes, and I hope to engage you to be serious likewise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, then, you need not be under any alarm. I will take care of myself, and of Mr. Wickham too. He shall not be in love with me, if I can prevent it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Elizabeth, you are not serious now.\"\n\n\"I beg your pardon, I will try again. At present I am not in love with Mr. Wickham; no, I certainly am not. But he is, beyond all comparison, the most agreeable man I ever saw—and if he becomes really attached to me—I believe it will be better that he should not. I see the imprudence of it. Oh! that abominable Mr. Darcy! My father's opinion of me does me the greatest honour, and I should be miserable to forfeit it. My father, however, is partial to Mr. Wickham. In short, my dear aunt, I should be very sorry to be the means of making any of you unhappy; but since we see every day that where there is affection, young people are seldom withheld by immediate want of fortune from entering into engagements with each other, how can I promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow-creatures if I am tempted, or how am I even to know that it would be wisdom to resist? All that I can promise you, therefore, is not to be in a hurry. I will not be in a hurry to believe myself his first object. When I am in company with him, I will not be wishing. In short, I will do my best.\"\n\n\"Perhaps it will be as well if you discourage his coming here so very often. At least, you should not remind your mother of inviting him.\"\n\n\"As I did the other day,\" said Elizabeth with a conscious smile: \"very true, it will be wise in me to refrain from that. But do not imagine that he is always here so often. It is on your account that he has been so frequently invited this week. You know my mother's ideas as to the necessity of constant company for her friends. But really, and upon my honour, I will try to do what I think to be the wisest; and now I hope you are satisfied.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her aunt assured her that she was, and Elizabeth having thanked her for the kindness of her hints, they parted; a wonderful instance of advice being given on such a point, without being resented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Collins returned into Hertfordshire soon after it had been quitted by the Gardiners and Jane; but as he took up his abode with the Lucases, his arrival was no great inconvenience to Mrs. Bennet. His marriage was now fast approaching, and she was at length so far resigned as to think it inevitable, and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured tone, that she \"wished they might be happy.\" Thursday was to be the wedding day, and on Wednesday Miss Lucas paid her farewell visit; and when she rose to take leave, Elizabeth, ashamed of her mother's ungracious and reluctant good wishes, and sincerely affected herself, accompanied her out of the room. As they went downstairs together, Charlotte said:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I shall depend on hearing from you very often, Eliza.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That you certainly shall.\"\n\n\"And I have another favour to ask you. Will you come and see me?\"\n\n\"We shall often meet, I hope, in Hertfordshire.\"\n\n\"I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. Promise me, therefore, to come to Hunsford.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth could not refuse, though she foresaw little pleasure in the visit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My father and Maria are coming to me in March,\" added Charlotte, \"and I hope you will consent to be of the party. Indeed, Eliza, you will be as welcome as either of them.\"\n\nThe wedding took place; the bride and bridegroom set off for Kent from the church door, and everybody had as much to say, or to hear, on the subject as usual. Elizabeth soon heard from her friend; and their correspondence was as regular and frequent as it had ever been; that it should be equally unreserved was impossible. Elizabeth could never address her without feeling that all the comfort of intimacy was over, and though determined not to slacken as a correspondent, it was for the sake of what had been, rather than what was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Charlotte's first letters were received with a good deal of eagerness; there could not but be curiosity to know how she would speak of her new home, how she would like Lady Catherine, and how happy she would dare pronounce herself to be; though, when the letters were read, Elizabeth felt that Charlotte expressed herself on every point exactly as she might have foreseen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wrote cheerfully, seemed surrounded with comforts, and mentioned nothing which she could not praise. The house, furniture, neighbourhood, and roads, were all to her taste, and Lady Catherine's behaviour was most friendly and obliging. It was Mr. Collins's picture of Hunsford and Rosings rationally softened; and Elizabeth perceived that she must wait for her own visit there to know the rest.\n\nJane had already written a few lines to her sister to announce their safe arrival in London; and when she wrote again, Elizabeth hoped it would be in her power to say something of the Bingleys." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her impatience for this second letter was as well rewarded as impatience generally is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jane had been a week in town without either seeing or hearing from Caroline. She accounted for it, however, by supposing that her last letter to her friend from Longbourn had by some accident been lost.\n\n\"My aunt,\" she continued, \"is going to-morrow into that part of the town, and I shall take the opportunity of calling in Grosvenor Street.\"\n\nShe wrote again when the visit was paid, and she had seen Miss Bingley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I did not think Caroline in spirits,\" were her words, \"but she was very glad to see me, and reproached me for giving her no notice of my coming to London. I was right, therefore, my last letter had never reached her. I inquired after their brother, of course. He was well, but so much engaged with Mr. Darcy that they scarcely ever saw him. I found that Miss Darcy was expected to dinner. I wish I could see her. My visit was not long, as Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out. I dare say I shall see them soon here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth shook her head over this letter. It convinced her that accident only could discover to Mr. Bingley her sister's being in town.\n\nFour weeks passed away, and Jane saw nothing of him. She endeavoured to persuade herself that she did not regret it; but she could no longer be blind to Miss Bingley's inattention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After waiting at home every morning for a fortnight, and inventing every evening a fresh excuse for her, the visitor did at last appear; but the shortness of her stay, and yet more, the alteration of her manner would allow Jane to deceive herself no longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The letter which she wrote on this occasion to her sister will prove what she felt.\n\n\"My dearest Lizzy will, I am sure, be incapable of triumphing in her better judgement, at my expense, when I confess myself to have been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me. But, my dear sister, though the event has proved you right, do not think me obstinate if I still assert that, considering what her behaviour was, my confidence was as natural as your suspicion. I do not at all comprehend her reason for wishing to be intimate with me; but if the same circumstances were to happen again, I am sure I should be deceived again. Caroline did not return my visit till yesterday; and not a note, not a line, did I receive in the meantime. When she did come, it was very evident that she had no pleasure in it; she made a slight, formal apology, for not calling before, said not a word of wishing to see me again, and was in every respect so altered a creature, that when she went away I was perfectly resolved to continue the acquaintance no longer. I pity, though I cannot help blaming her. She was very wrong in singling me out as she did; I can safely say that every advance to intimacy began on her side. But I pity her, because she must feel that she has been acting wrong, and because I am very sure that anxiety for her brother is the cause of it. I need not explain myself farther; and though we know this anxiety to be quite needless, yet if she feels it, it will easily account for her behaviour to me; and so deservedly dear as he is to his sister, whatever anxiety she must feel on his behalf is natural and amiable. I cannot but wonder, however, at her having any such fears now, because, if he had at all cared about me, we must have met, long ago. He knows of my being in town, I am certain, from something she said herself; and yet it would seem, by her manner of talking, as if she wanted to persuade herself that he is really partial to Miss Darcy. I cannot understand it. If I were not afraid of judging harshly, I should be almost tempted to say that there is a strong appearance of duplicity in all this. But I will endeavour to banish every painful thought, and think only of what will make me happy—your affection, and the invariable kindness of my dear uncle and aunt. Let me hear from you very soon. Miss Bingley said something of his never returning to Netherfield again, of giving up the house, but not with any certainty. We had better not mention it. I am extremely glad that you have such pleasant accounts from our friends at Hunsford. Pray go to see them, with Sir William and Maria. I am sure you will be very comfortable there.—Yours, etc.\"\n\nThis letter gave Elizabeth some pain; but her spirits returned as she considered that Jane would no longer be duped, by the sister at least. All expectation from the brother was now absolutely over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would not even wish for a renewal of his attentions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His character sunk on every review of it; and as a punishment for him, as well as a possible advantage to Jane, she seriously hoped he might really soon marry Mr. Darcy's sister, as by Wickham's account, she would make him abundantly regret what he had thrown away.\n\nMrs. Gardiner about this time reminded Elizabeth of her promise concerning that gentleman, and required information; and Elizabeth had such to send as might rather give contentment to her aunt than to herself. His apparent partiality had subsided, his attentions were over, he was the admirer of some one else. Elizabeth was watchful enough to see it all, but she could see it and write of it without material pain." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Jane Austen would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With no greater events than these in the Longbourn family, and otherwise diversified by little beyond the walks to Meryton, sometimes dirty and sometimes cold, did January and February pass away. March was to take Elizabeth to Hunsford. She had not at first thought very seriously of going thither; but Charlotte, she soon found, was depending on the plan and she gradually learned to consider it herself with greater pleasure as well as greater certainty. Absence had increased her desire of seeing Charlotte again, and weakened her disgust of Mr. Collins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was novelty in the scheme, and as, with such a mother and such uncompanionable sisters, home could not be faultless, a little change was not unwelcome for its own sake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The journey would moreover give her a peep at Jane; and, in short, as the time drew near, she would have been very sorry for any delay. Everything, however, went on smoothly, and was finally settled according to Charlotte's first sketch. She was to accompany Sir William and his second daughter. The improvement of spending a night in London was added in time, and the plan became perfect as plan could be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only pain was in leaving her father, who would certainly miss her, and who, when it came to the point, so little liked her going, that he told her to write to him, and almost promised to answer her letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The farewell between herself and Mr. Wickham was perfectly friendly; on his side even more. His present pursuit could not make him forget that Elizabeth had been the first to excite and to deserve his attention, the first to listen and to pity, the first to be admired; and in his manner of bidding her adieu, wishing her every enjoyment, reminding her of what she was to expect in Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and trusting their opinion of her—their opinion of everybody—would always coincide, there was a solicitude, an interest which she felt must ever attach her to him with a most sincere regard; and she parted from him convinced that, whether married or single, he must always be her model of the amiable and pleasing.\n\nHer fellow-travellers the next day were not of a kind to make her think him less agreeable. Sir William Lucas, and his daughter Maria, a good-humoured girl, but as empty-headed as himself, had nothing to say that could be worth hearing, and were listened to with about as much delight as the rattle of the chaise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth loved absurdities, but she had known Sir William's too long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could tell her nothing new of the wonders of his presentation and knighthood; and his civilities were worn out, like his information.\n\nIt was a journey of only twenty-four miles, and they began it so early as to be in Gracechurch Street by noon. As they drove to Mr. Gardiner's door, Jane was at a drawing-room window watching their arrival; when they entered the passage she was there to welcome them, and Elizabeth, looking earnestly in her face, was pleased to see it healthful and lovely as ever. On the stairs were a troop of little boys and girls, whose eagerness for their cousin's appearance would not allow them to wait in the drawing-room, and whose shyness, as they had not seen her for a twelvemonth, prevented their coming lower." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All was joy and kindness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day passed most pleasantly away; the morning in bustle and shopping, and the evening at one of the theatres.\n\nElizabeth then contrived to sit by her aunt. Their first object was her sister; and she was more grieved than astonished to hear, in reply to her minute inquiries, that though Jane always struggled to support her spirits, there were periods of dejection. It was reasonable, however, to hope that they would not continue long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner gave her the particulars also of Miss Bingley's visit in Gracechurch Street, and repeated conversations occurring at different times between Jane and herself, which proved that the former had, from her heart, given up the acquaintance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner then rallied her niece on Wickham's desertion, and complimented her on bearing it so well.\n\n\"But my dear Elizabeth,\" she added, \"what sort of girl is Miss King? I should be sorry to think our friend mercenary.\"\n\n\"Pray, my dear aunt, what is the difference in matrimonial affairs, between the mercenary and the prudent motive? Where does discretion end, and avarice begin? Last Christmas you were afraid of his marrying me, because it would be imprudent; and now, because he is trying to get a girl with only ten thousand pounds, you want to find out that he is mercenary.\"\n\n\"If you will only tell me what sort of girl Miss King is, I shall know what to think.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is a very good kind of girl, I believe. I know no harm of her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he paid her not the smallest attention till her grandfather's death made her mistress of this fortune.\"\n\n\"No—why should he? If it were not allowable for him to gain my affections because I had no money, what occasion could there be for making love to a girl whom he did not care about, and who was equally poor?\"\n\n\"But there seems an indelicacy in directing his attentions towards her so soon after this event.\"\n\n\"A man in distressed circumstances has not time for all those elegant decorums which other people may observe. If she does not object to it, why should we?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her not objecting does not justify him. It only shows her being deficient in something herself—sense or feeling.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" cried Elizabeth, \"have it as you choose. He shall be mercenary, and she shall be foolish.\"\n\n\"No, Lizzy, that is what I do not choose. I should be sorry, you know, to think ill of a young man who has lived so long in Derbyshire.\"\n\n\"Oh! if that is all, I have a very poor opinion of young men who live in Derbyshire; and their intimate friends who live in Hertfordshire are not much better. I am sick of them all. Thank Heaven! I am going to-morrow where I shall find a man who has not one agreeable quality, who has neither manner nor sense to recommend him. Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after all.\"\n\n\"Take care, Lizzy; that speech savours strongly of disappointment.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every object in the next day's journey was new and interesting to Elizabeth; and her spirits were in a state of enjoyment; for she had seen her sister looking so well as to banish all fear for her health, and the prospect of her northern tour was a constant source of delight.\n\nWhen they left the high road for the lane to Hunsford, every eye was in search of the Parsonage, and every turning expected to bring it in view. The palings of Rosings Park was their boundary on one side. Elizabeth smiled at the recollection of all that she had heard of its inhabitants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length the Parsonage was discernible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The garden sloping to the road, the house standing in it, the green pales, and the laurel hedge, everything declared they were arriving. Mr. Collins and Charlotte appeared at the door, and the carriage stopped at the small gate which led by a short gravel walk to the house, amidst the nods and smiles of the whole party. In a moment they were all out of the chaise, rejoicing at the sight of each other. Mrs. Collins welcomed her friend with the liveliest pleasure, and Elizabeth was more and more satisfied with coming when she found herself so affectionately received." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw instantly that her cousin's manners were not altered by his marriage; his formal civility was just what it had been, and he detained her some minutes at the gate to hear and satisfy his inquiries after all her family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were then, with no other delay than his pointing out the neatness of the entrance, taken into the house; and as soon as they were in the parlour, he welcomed them a second time, with ostentatious formality to his humble abode, and punctually repeated all his wife's offers of refreshment.\n\nElizabeth was prepared to see him in his glory; and she could not help in fancying that in displaying the good proportion of the room, its aspect and its furniture, he addressed himself particularly to her, as if wishing to make her feel what she had lost in refusing him. But though everything seemed neat and comfortable, she was not able to gratify him by any sigh of repentance, and rather looked with wonder at her friend that she could have so cheerful an air with such a companion. When Mr. Collins said anything of which his wife might reasonably be ashamed, which certainly was not unseldom, she involuntarily turned her eye on Charlotte." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once or twice she could discern a faint blush; but in general Charlotte wisely did not hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After sitting long enough to admire every article of furniture in the room, from the sideboard to the fender, to give an account of their journey, and of all that had happened in London, Mr. Collins invited them to take a stroll in the garden, which was large and well laid out, and to the cultivation of which he attended himself. To work in this garden was one of his most respectable pleasures; and Elizabeth admired the command of countenance with which Charlotte talked of the healthfulness of the exercise, and owned she encouraged it as much as possible. Here, leading the way through every walk and cross walk, and scarcely allowing them an interval to utter the praises he asked for, every view was pointed out with a minuteness which left beauty entirely behind. He could number the fields in every direction, and could tell how many trees there were in the most distant clump." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But of all the views which his garden, or which the country or kingdom could boast, none were to be compared with the prospect of Rosings, afforded by an opening in the trees that bordered the park nearly opposite the front of his house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a handsome modern building, well situated on rising ground.\n\nFrom his garden, Mr. Collins would have led them round his two meadows; but the ladies, not having shoes to encounter the remains of a white frost, turned back; and while Sir William accompanied him, Charlotte took her sister and friend over the house, extremely well pleased, probably, to have the opportunity of showing it without her husband's help. It was rather small, but well built and convenient; and everything was fitted up and arranged with a neatness and consistency of which Elizabeth gave Charlotte all the credit. When Mr. Collins could be forgotten, there was really an air of great comfort throughout, and by Charlotte's evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he must be often forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had already learnt that Lady Catherine was still in the country." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was spoken of again while they were at dinner, when Mr. Collins joining in, observed:\n\n\"Yes, Miss Elizabeth, you will have the honour of seeing Lady Catherine de Bourgh on the ensuing Sunday at church, and I need not say you will be delighted with her. She is all affability and condescension, and I doubt not but you will be honoured with some portion of her notice when service is over. I have scarcely any hesitation in saying she will include you and my sister Maria in every invitation with which she honours us during your stay here. Her behaviour to my dear Charlotte is charming. We dine at Rosings twice every week, and are never allowed to walk home. Her ladyship's carriage is regularly ordered for us. I should say, one of her ladyship's carriages, for she has several.\"\n\n\"Lady Catherine is a very respectable, sensible woman indeed,\" added Charlotte, \"and a most attentive neighbour.\"\n\n\"Very true, my dear, that is exactly what I say. She is the sort of woman whom one cannot regard with too much deference.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The evening was spent chiefly in talking over Hertfordshire news, and telling again what had already been written; and when it closed, Elizabeth, in the solitude of her chamber, had to meditate upon Charlotte's degree of contentment, to understand her address in guiding, and composure in bearing with, her husband, and to acknowledge that it was all done very well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had also to anticipate how her visit would pass, the quiet tenor of their usual employments, the vexatious interruptions of Mr. Collins, and the gaieties of their intercourse with Rosings. A lively imagination soon settled it all.\n\nAbout the middle of the next day, as she was in her room getting ready for a walk, a sudden noise below seemed to speak the whole house in confusion; and, after listening a moment, she heard somebody running up stairs in a violent hurry, and calling loudly after her. She opened the door and met Maria in the landing place, who, breathless with agitation, cried out—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, my dear Eliza! pray make haste and come into the dining-room, for there is such a sight to be seen! I will not tell you what it is. Make haste, and come down this moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth asked questions in vain; Maria would tell her nothing more, and down they ran into the dining-room, which fronted the lane, in quest of this wonder; It was two ladies stopping in a low phaeton at the garden gate.\n\n\"And is this all?\" cried Elizabeth. \"I expected at least that the pigs were got into the garden, and here is nothing but Lady Catherine and her daughter.\"\n\n\"La! my dear,\" said Maria, quite shocked at the mistake, \"it is not Lady Catherine. The old lady is Mrs. Jenkinson, who lives with them; the other is Miss de Bourgh. Only look at her. She is quite a little creature. Who would have thought that she could be so thin and small?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is abominably rude to keep Charlotte out of doors in all this wind. Why does she not come in?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Charlotte says she hardly ever does. It is the greatest of favours when Miss de Bourgh comes in.\"\n\n\"I like her appearance,\" said Elizabeth, struck with other ideas. \"She looks sickly and cross. Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a very proper wife.\"\n\nMr. Collins and Charlotte were both standing at the gate in conversation with the ladies; and Sir William, to Elizabeth's high diversion, was stationed in the doorway, in earnest contemplation of the greatness before him, and constantly bowing whenever Miss de Bourgh looked that way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length there was nothing more to be said; the ladies drove on, and the others returned into the house." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Collins no sooner saw the two girls than he began to congratulate them on their good fortune, which Charlotte explained by letting them know that the whole party was asked to dine at Rosings the next day." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Jane Austen would" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins's triumph, in consequence of this invitation, was complete." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The power of displaying the grandeur of his patroness to his wondering visitors, and of letting them see her civility towards himself and his wife, was exactly what he had wished for; and that an opportunity of doing it should be given so soon, was such an instance of Lady Catherine's condescension, as he knew not how to admire enough.\n\n\"I confess,\" said he, \"that I should not have been at all surprised by her ladyship's asking us on Sunday to drink tea and spend the evening at Rosings. I rather expected, from my knowledge of her affability, that it would happen. But who could have foreseen such an attention as this? Who could have imagined that we should receive an invitation to dine there (an invitation, moreover, including the whole party) so immediately after your arrival!\"\n\n\"I am the less surprised at what has happened,\" replied Sir William, \"from that knowledge of what the manners of the great really are, which my situation in life has allowed me to acquire. About the court, such instances of elegant breeding are not uncommon.\"\n\nScarcely anything was talked of the whole day or next morning but their visit to Rosings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Collins was carefully instructing them in what they were to expect, that the sight of such rooms, so many servants, and so splendid a dinner, might not wholly overpower them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the ladies were separating for the toilette, he said to Elizabeth—\n\n\"Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us which becomes herself and her daughter. I would advise you merely to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest—there is no occasion for anything more. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved.\"\n\nWhile they were dressing, he came two or three times to their different doors, to recommend their being quick, as Lady Catherine very much objected to be kept waiting for her dinner. Such formidable accounts of her ladyship, and her manner of living, quite frightened Maria Lucas who had been little used to company, and she looked forward to her introduction at Rosings with as much apprehension as her father had done to his presentation at St. James's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the weather was fine, they had a pleasant walk of about half a mile across the park." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every park has its beauty and its prospects; and Elizabeth saw much to be pleased with, though she could not be in such raptures as Mr. Collins expected the scene to inspire, and was but slightly affected by his enumeration of the windows in front of the house, and his relation of what the glazing altogether had originally cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh.\n\nWhen they ascended the steps to the hall, Maria's alarm was every moment increasing, and even Sir William did not look perfectly calm. Elizabeth's courage did not fail her. She had heard nothing of Lady Catherine that spoke her awful from any extraordinary talents or miraculous virtue, and the mere stateliness of money or rank she thought she could witness without trepidation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the entrance-hall, of which Mr. Collins pointed out, with a rapturous air, the fine proportion and the finished ornaments, they followed the servants through an ante-chamber, to the room where Lady Catherine, her daughter, and Mrs. Jenkinson were sitting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her ladyship, with great condescension, arose to receive them; and as Mrs. Collins had settled it with her husband that the office of introduction should be hers, it was performed in a proper manner, without any of those apologies and thanks which he would have thought necessary.\n\nIn spite of having been at St. James's, Sir William was so completely awed by the grandeur surrounding him, that he had but just courage enough to make a very low bow, and take his seat without saying a word; and his daughter, frightened almost out of her senses, sat on the edge of her chair, not knowing which way to look. Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene, and could observe the three ladies before her composedly. Lady Catherine was a tall, large woman, with strongly-marked features, which might once have been handsome." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her air was not conciliating, nor was her manner of receiving them such as to make her visitors forget their inferior rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was not rendered formidable by silence; but whatever she said was spoken in so authoritative a tone, as marked her self-importance, and brought Mr. Wickham immediately to Elizabeth's mind; and from the observation of the day altogether, she believed Lady Catherine to be exactly what he represented.\n\nWhen, after examining the mother, in whose countenance and deportment she soon found some resemblance of Mr. Darcy, she turned her eyes on the daughter, she could almost have joined in Maria's astonishment at her being so thin and so small. There was neither in figure nor face any likeness between the ladies. Miss de Bourgh was pale and sickly; her features, though not plain, were insignificant; and she spoke very little, except in a low voice, to Mrs. Jenkinson, in whose appearance there was nothing remarkable, and who was entirely engaged in listening to what she said, and placing a screen in the proper direction before her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After sitting a few minutes, they were all sent to one of the windows to admire the view, Mr. Collins attending them to point out its beauties, and Lady Catherine kindly informing them that it was much better worth looking at in the summer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dinner was exceedingly handsome, and there were all the servants and all the articles of plate which Mr. Collins had promised; and, as he had likewise foretold, he took his seat at the bottom of the table, by her ladyship's desire, and looked as if he felt that life could furnish nothing greater. He carved, and ate, and praised with delighted alacrity; and every dish was commended, first by him and then by Sir William, who was now enough recovered to echo whatever his son-in-law said, in a manner which Elizabeth wondered Lady Catherine could bear. But Lady Catherine seemed gratified by their excessive admiration, and gave most gracious smiles, especially when any dish on the table proved a novelty to them. The party did not supply much conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was ready to speak whenever there was an opening, but she was seated between Charlotte and Miss de Bourgh—the former of whom was engaged in listening to Lady Catherine, and the latter said not a word to her all dinner-time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Jenkinson was chiefly employed in watching how little Miss de Bourgh ate, pressing her to try some other dish, and fearing she was indisposed. Maria thought speaking out of the question, and the gentlemen did nothing but eat and admire.\n\nWhen the ladies returned to the drawing-room, there was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without any intermission till coffee came in, delivering her opinion on every subject in so decisive a manner, as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted. She inquired into Charlotte's domestic concerns familiarly and minutely, gave her a great deal of advice as to the management of them all; told her how everything ought to be regulated in so small a family as hers, and instructed her as to the care of her cows and her poultry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth found that nothing was beneath this great lady's attention, which could furnish her with an occasion of dictating to others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the intervals of her discourse with Mrs. Collins, she addressed a variety of questions to Maria and Elizabeth, but especially to the latter, of whose connections she knew the least, and who she observed to Mrs. Collins was a very genteel, pretty kind of girl. She asked her, at different times, how many sisters she had, whether they were older or younger than herself, whether any of them were likely to be married, whether they were handsome, where they had been educated, what carriage her father kept, and what had been her mother's maiden name? Elizabeth felt all the impertinence of her questions but answered them very composedly. Lady Catherine then observed," }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your father's estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, I think. For your sake,\" turning to Charlotte, \"I am glad of it; but otherwise I see no occasion for entailing estates from the female line. It was not thought necessary in Sir Lewis de Bourgh's family. Do you play and sing, Miss Bennet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A little.\"\n\n\"Oh! then—some time or other we shall be happy to hear you. Our instrument is a capital one, probably superior to——You shall try it some day. Do your sisters play and sing?\"\n\n\"One of them does.\"\n\n\"Why did not you all learn? You ought all to have learned. The Miss Webbs all play, and their father has not so good an income as yours. Do you draw?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, not at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What, none of you?\"\n\n\"Not one.\"\n\n\"That is very strange. But I suppose you had no opportunity. Your mother should have taken you to town every spring for the benefit of masters.\"\n\n\"My mother would have had no objection, but my father hates London.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has your governess left you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We never had any governess.\"\n\n\"No governess! How was that possible? Five daughters brought up at home without a governess! I never heard of such a thing. Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education.\"\n\nElizabeth could hardly help smiling as she assured her that had not been the case.\n\n\"Then, who taught you? who attended to you? Without a governess, you must have been neglected.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Compared with some families, I believe we were; but such of us as wished to learn never wanted the means. We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle, certainly might.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, no doubt; but that is what a governess will prevent, and if I had known your mother, I should have advised her most strenuously to engage one. I always say that nothing is to be done in education without steady and regular instruction, and nobody but a governess can give it. It is wonderful how many families I have been the means of supplying in that way. I am always glad to get a young person well placed out. Four nieces of Mrs. Jenkinson are most delightfully situated through my means; and it was but the other day that I recommended another young person, who was merely accidentally mentioned to me, and the family are quite delighted with her. Mrs. Collins, did I tell you of Lady Metcalf's calling yesterday to thank me? She finds Miss Pope a treasure. 'Lady Catherine,' said she, 'you have given me a treasure.' Are any of your younger sisters out, Miss Bennet?\"\n\n\"Yes, ma'am, all.\"\n\n\"All! What, all five out at once? Very odd! And you only the second. The younger ones out before the elder ones are married! Your younger sisters must be very young?\"\n\n\"Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is full young to be much in company. But really, ma'am, I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their share of society and amusement, because the elder may not have the means or inclination to marry early. The last-born has as good a right to the pleasures of youth as the first. And to be kept back on such a motive! I think it would not be very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Upon my word,\" said her ladyship, \"you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With three younger sisters grown up,\" replied Elizabeth, smiling, \"your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.\"\n\nLady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence.\n\n\"You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, therefore you need not conceal your age.\"\n\n\"I am not one-and-twenty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the gentlemen had joined them, and tea was over, the card-tables were placed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Catherine, Sir William, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins sat down to quadrille; and as Miss de Bourgh chose to play at cassino, the two girls had the honour of assisting Mrs. Jenkinson to make up her party. Their table was superlatively stupid. Scarcely a syllable was uttered that did not relate to the game, except when Mrs. Jenkinson expressed her fears of Miss de Bourgh's being too hot or too cold, or having too much or too little light. A great deal more passed at the other table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Catherine was generally speaking—stating the mistakes of the three others, or relating some anecdote of herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Collins was employed in agreeing to everything her ladyship said, thanking her for every fish he won, and apologising if he thought he won too many. Sir William did not say much. He was storing his memory with anecdotes and noble names.\n\nWhen Lady Catherine and her daughter had played as long as they chose, the tables were broken up, the carriage was offered to Mrs. Collins, gratefully accepted and immediately ordered." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William stayed only a week at Hunsford, but his visit was long enough to convince him of his daughter's being most comfortably settled, and of her possessing such a husband and such a neighbour as were not often met with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While Sir William was with them, Mr. Collins devoted his morning to driving him out in his gig, and showing him the country; but when he went away, the whole family returned to their usual employments, and Elizabeth was thankful to find that they did not see more of her cousin by the alteration, for the chief of the time between breakfast and dinner was now passed by him either at work in the garden or in reading and writing, and looking out of the window in his own book-room, which fronted the road. The room in which the ladies sat was backwards. Elizabeth had at first rather wondered that Charlotte should not prefer the dining-parlour for common use; it was a better sized room, and had a more pleasant aspect; but she soon saw that her friend had an excellent reason for what she did, for Mr. Collins would undoubtedly have been much less in his own apartment, had they sat in one equally lively; and she gave Charlotte credit for the arrangement.\n\nFrom the drawing-room they could distinguish nothing in the lane, and were indebted to Mr. Collins for the knowledge of what carriages went along, and how often especially Miss de Bourgh drove by in her phaeton, which he never failed coming to inform them of, though it happened almost every day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She not unfrequently stopped at the Parsonage, and had a few minutes' conversation with Charlotte, but was scarcely ever prevailed upon to get out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very few days passed in which Mr. Collins did not walk to Rosings, and not many in which his wife did not think it necessary to go likewise; and till Elizabeth recollected that there might be other family livings to be disposed of, she could not understand the sacrifice of so many hours. Now and then they were honoured with a call from her ladyship, and nothing escaped her observation that was passing in the room during these visits. She examined into their employments, looked at their work, and advised them to do it differently; found fault with the arrangement of the furniture; or detected the housemaid in negligence; and if she accepted any refreshment, seemed to do it only for the sake of finding out that Mrs. Collins's joints of meat were too large for her family.\n\nElizabeth soon perceived, that though this great lady was not in commission of the peace of the county, she was a most active magistrate in her own parish, the minutest concerns of which were carried to her by Mr. Collins; and whenever any of the cottagers were disposed to be quarrelsome, discontented, or too poor, she sallied forth into the village to settle their differences, silence their complaints, and scold them into harmony and plenty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The entertainment of dining at Rosings was repeated about twice a week; and, allowing for the loss of Sir William, and there being only one card-table in the evening, every such entertainment was the counterpart of the first." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their other engagements were few, as the style of living in the neighbourhood in general was beyond Mr. Collins's reach. This, however, was no evil to Elizabeth, and upon the whole she spent her time comfortably enough; there were half-hours of pleasant conversation with Charlotte, and the weather was so fine for the time of year that she had often great enjoyment out of doors. Her favourite walk, and where she frequently went while the others were calling on Lady Catherine, was along the open grove which edged that side of the park, where there was a nice sheltered path, which no one seemed to value but herself, and where she felt beyond the reach of Lady Catherine's curiosity.\n\nIn this quiet way, the first fortnight of her visit soon passed away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Easter was approaching, and the week preceding it was to bring an addition to the family at Rosings, which in so small a circle must be important." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth had heard soon after her arrival that Mr. Darcy was expected there in the course of a few weeks, and though there were not many of her acquaintances whom she did not prefer, his coming would furnish one comparatively new to look at in their Rosings parties, and she might be amused in seeing how hopeless Miss Bingley's designs on him were, by his behaviour to his cousin, for whom he was evidently destined by Lady Catherine, who talked of his coming with the greatest satisfaction, spoke of him in terms of the highest admiration, and seemed almost angry to find that he had already been frequently seen by Miss Lucas and herself.\n\nHis arrival was soon known at the Parsonage; for Mr. Collins was walking the whole morning within view of the lodges opening into Hunsford Lane, in order to have the earliest assurance of it, and after making his bow as the carriage turned into the Park, hurried home with the great intelligence. On the following morning he hastened to Rosings to pay his respects. There were two nephews of Lady Catherine to require them, for Mr. Darcy had brought with him a Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son of his uncle Lord ——, and, to the great surprise of all the party, when Mr. Collins returned, the gentlemen accompanied him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Charlotte had seen them from her husband's room, crossing the road, and immediately running into the other, told the girls what an honour they might expect, adding:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece of civility. Mr. Darcy would never have come so soon to wait upon me.\"\n\nElizabeth had scarcely time to disclaim all right to the compliment, before their approach was announced by the door-bell, and shortly afterwards the three gentlemen entered the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led the way, was about thirty, not handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman. Mr. Darcy looked just as he had been used to look in Hertfordshire—paid his compliments, with his usual reserve, to Mrs. Collins, and whatever might be his feelings toward her friend, met her with every appearance of composure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth merely curtseyed to him without saying a word." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation directly with the readiness and ease of a well-bred man, and talked very pleasantly; but his cousin, after having addressed a slight observation on the house and garden to Mrs. Collins, sat for some time without speaking to anybody. At length, however, his civility was so far awakened as to inquire of Elizabeth after the health of her family. She answered him in the usual way, and after a moment's pause, added:\n\n\"My eldest sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was perfectly sensible that he never had; but she wished to see whether he would betray any consciousness of what had passed between the Bingleys and Jane, and she thought he looked a little confused as he answered that he had never been so fortunate as to meet Miss Bennet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The subject was pursued no farther, and the gentlemen soon afterwards went away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Jane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Colonel Fitzwilliam's manners were very much admired at the Parsonage, and the ladies all felt that he must add considerably to the pleasures of their engagements at Rosings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was some days, however, before they received any invitation thither—for while there were visitors in the house, they could not be necessary; and it was not till Easter-day, almost a week after the gentlemen's arrival, that they were honoured by such an attention, and then they were merely asked on leaving church to come there in the evening. For the last week they had seen very little of Lady Catherine or her daughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam had called at the Parsonage more than once during the time, but Mr. Darcy they had seen only at church.\n\nThe invitation was accepted of course, and at a proper hour they joined the party in Lady Catherine's drawing-room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her ladyship received them civilly, but it was plain that their company was by no means so acceptable as when she could get nobody else; and she was, in fact, almost engrossed by her nephews, speaking to them, especially to Darcy, much more than to any other person in the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really glad to see them; anything was a welcome relief to him at Rosings; and Mrs. Collins's pretty friend had moreover caught his fancy very much. He now seated himself by her, and talked so agreeably of Kent and Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying at home, of new books and music, that Elizabeth had never been half so well entertained in that room before; and they conversed with so much spirit and flow, as to draw the attention of Lady Catherine herself, as well as of Mr. Darcy. His eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned towards them with a look of curiosity; and that her ladyship, after a while, shared the feeling, was more openly acknowledged, for she did not scruple to call out:\n\n\"What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are speaking of music, madam,\" said he, when no longer able to avoid a reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. How does Georgiana get on, Darcy?\"\n\nMr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister's proficiency.\n\n\"I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,\" said Lady Catherine; \"and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to excel if she does not practice a good deal.\"\n\n\"I assure you, madam,\" he replied, \"that she does not need such advice. She practises very constantly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account. I often tell young ladies that no excellence in music is to be acquired without constant practice. I have told Miss Bennet several times, that she will never play really well unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her, to come to Rosings every day, and play on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way, you know, in that part of the house.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt's ill-breeding, and made no answer.\n\nWhen coffee was over, Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth of having promised to play to him; and she sat down directly to the instrument. He drew a chair near her. Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as before, to her other nephew; till the latter walked away from her, and making with his usual deliberation towards the pianoforte stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer's countenance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at the first convenient pause, turned to him with an arch smile, and said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me? I will not be alarmed though your sister does play so well. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.\"\n\n\"I shall not say you are mistaken,\" he replied, \"because you could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.\"\n\nElizabeth laughed heartily at this picture of herself, and said to Colonel Fitzwilliam, \"Your cousin will give you a very pretty notion of me, and teach you not to believe a word I say. I am particularly unlucky in meeting with a person so able to expose my real character, in a part of the world where I had hoped to pass myself off with some degree of credit. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire—and, give me leave to say, very impolitic too—for it is provoking me to retaliate, and such things may come out as will shock your relations to hear.\"\n\n\"I am not afraid of you,\" said he, smilingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pray let me hear what you have to accuse him of,\" cried Colonel Fitzwilliam." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should like to know how he behaves among strangers.\"\n\n\"You shall hear then—but prepare yourself for something very dreadful. The first time of my ever seeing him in Hertfordshire, you must know, was at a ball—and at this ball, what do you think he did? He danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce; and, to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the fact.\"\n\n\"I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the assembly beyond my own party.\"\n\n\"True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room. Well, Colonel Fitzwilliam, what do I play next? My fingers wait your orders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps,\" said Darcy, \"I should have judged better, had I sought an introduction; but I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to strangers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shall we ask your cousin the reason of this?\" said Elizabeth, still addressing Colonel Fitzwilliam. \"Shall we ask him why a man of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers?\"\n\n\"I can answer your question,\" said Fitzwilliam, \"without applying to him. It is because he will not give himself the trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,\" said Darcy, \"of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My fingers,\" said Elizabeth, \"do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women's do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault—because I will not take the trouble of practising. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman's of superior execution.\"\n\nDarcy smiled and said, \"You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you can think anything wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers.\"\n\nHere they were interrupted by Lady Catherine, who called out to know what they were talking of. Elizabeth immediately began playing again." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nJane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was sitting by herself the next morning, and writing to Jane while Mrs. Collins and Maria were gone on business into the village, when she was startled by a ring at the door, the certain signal of a visitor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she had heard no carriage, she thought it not unlikely to be Lady Catherine, and under that apprehension was putting away her half-finished letter that she might escape all impertinent questions, when the door opened, and, to her very great surprise, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room.\n\nHe seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologised for his intrusion by letting her know that he had understood all the ladies were to be within.\n\nThey then sat down, and when her inquiries after Rosings were made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It was absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something, and in this emergence recollecting when she had seen him last in Hertfordshire, and feeling curious to know what he would say on the subject of their hasty departure, she observed:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr. Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I recollect right, he went but the day before. He and his sisters were well, I hope, when you left London?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perfectly so, I thank you.\"\n\nShe found that she was to receive no other answer, and, after a short pause added:\n\n\"I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much idea of ever returning to Netherfield again?\"\n\n\"I have never heard him say so; but it is probable that he may spend very little of his time there in the future. He has many friends, and is at a time of life when friends and engagements are continually increasing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he means to be but little at Netherfield, it would be better for the neighbourhood that he should give up the place entirely, for then we might possibly get a settled family there. But, perhaps, Mr. Bingley did not take the house so much for the convenience of the neighbourhood as for his own, and we must expect him to keep it or quit it on the same principle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should not be surprised,\" said Darcy, \"if he were to give it up as soon as any eligible purchase offers.\"\n\nElizabeth made no answer. She was afraid of talking longer of his friend; and, having nothing else to say, was now determined to leave the trouble of finding a subject to him.\n\nHe took the hint, and soon began with, \"This seems a very comfortable house. Lady Catherine, I believe, did a great deal to it when Mr. Collins first came to Hunsford.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe she did—and I am sure she could not have bestowed her kindness on a more grateful object.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Collins appears to be very fortunate in his choice of a wife.\"\n\n\"Yes, indeed, his friends may well rejoice in his having met with one of the very few sensible women who would have accepted him, or have made him happy if they had. My friend has an excellent understanding—though I am not certain that I consider her marrying Mr. Collins as the wisest thing she ever did. She seems perfectly happy, however, and in a prudential light it is certainly a very good match for her.\"\n\n\"It must be very agreeable for her to be settled within so easy a distance of her own family and friends.\"\n\n\"An easy distance, do you call it? It is nearly fifty miles.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And what is fifty miles of good road? Little more than half a day's journey. Yes, I call it a very easy distance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should never have considered the distance as one of the advantages of the match,\" cried Elizabeth. \"I should never have said Mrs. Collins was settled near her family.\"\n\n\"It is a proof of your own attachment to Hertfordshire. Anything beyond the very neighbourhood of Longbourn, I suppose, would appear far.\"\n\nAs he spoke there was a sort of smile which Elizabeth fancied she understood; he must be supposing her to be thinking of Jane and Netherfield, and she blushed as she answered:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not mean to say that a woman may not be settled too near her family. The far and the near must be relative, and depend on many varying circumstances. Where there is fortune to make the expenses of travelling unimportant, distance becomes no evil. But that is not the case here. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have a comfortable income, but not such a one as will allow of frequent journeys—and I am persuaded my friend would not call herself near her family under less than half the present distance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy drew his chair a little towards her, and said, \"You cannot have a right to such very strong local attachment. You cannot have been always at Longbourn.\"\n\nElizabeth looked surprised. The gentleman experienced some change of feeling; he drew back his chair, took a newspaper from the table, and glancing over it, said, in a colder voice:\n\n\"Are you pleased with Kent?\"\n\nA short dialogue on the subject of the country ensued, on either side calm and concise—and soon put an end to by the entrance of Charlotte and her sister, just returned from her walk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tete-a-tete surprised them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy related the mistake which had occasioned his intruding on Miss Bennet, and after sitting a few minutes longer without saying much to anybody, went away.\n\n\"What can be the meaning of this?\" said Charlotte, as soon as he was gone. \"My dear, Eliza, he must be in love with you, or he would never have called us in this familiar way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when Elizabeth told of his silence, it did not seem very likely, even to Charlotte's wishes, to be the case; and after various conjectures, they could at last only suppose his visit to proceed from the difficulty of finding anything to do, which was the more probable from the time of year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All field sports were over. Within doors there was Lady Catherine, books, and a billiard-table, but gentlemen cannot always be within doors; and in the nearness of the Parsonage, or the pleasantness of the walk to it, or of the people who lived in it, the two cousins found a temptation from this period of walking thither almost every day. They called at various times of the morning, sometimes separately, sometimes together, and now and then accompanied by their aunt. It was plain to them all that Colonel Fitzwilliam came because he had pleasure in their society, a persuasion which of course recommended him still more; and Elizabeth was reminded by her own satisfaction in being with him, as well as by his evident admiration of her, of her former favourite George Wickham; and though, in comparing them, she saw there was less captivating softness in Colonel Fitzwilliam's manners, she believed he might have the best informed mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But why Mr. Darcy came so often to the Parsonage, it was more difficult to understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It could not be for society, as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of necessity rather than of choice—a sacrifice to propriety, not a pleasure to himself. He seldom appeared really animated. Mrs. Collins knew not what to make of him. Colonel Fitzwilliam's occasionally laughing at his stupidity, proved that he was generally different, which her own knowledge of him could not have told her; and as she would liked to have believed this change the effect of love, and the object of that love her friend Eliza, she set herself seriously to work to find it out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She watched him whenever they were at Rosings, and whenever he came to Hunsford; but without much success." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He certainly looked at her friend a great deal, but the expression of that look was disputable. It was an earnest, steadfast gaze, but she often doubted whether there were much admiration in it, and sometimes it seemed nothing but absence of mind.\n\nShe had once or twice suggested to Elizabeth the possibility of his being partial to her, but Elizabeth always laughed at the idea; and Mrs. Collins did not think it right to press the subject, from the danger of raising expectations which might only end in disappointment; for in her opinion it admitted not of a doubt, that all her friend's dislike would vanish, if she could suppose him to be in her power.\n\nIn her kind schemes for Elizabeth, she sometimes planned her marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was beyond comparison the most pleasant man; he certainly admired her, and his situation in life was most eligible; but, to counterbalance these advantages, Mr. Darcy had considerable patronage in the church, and his cousin could have none at all." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More than once did Elizabeth, in her ramble within the park, unexpectedly meet Mr. Darcy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt all the perverseness of the mischance that should bring him where no one else was brought, and, to prevent its ever happening again, took care to inform him at first that it was a favourite haunt of hers. How it could occur a second time, therefore, was very odd! Yet it did, and even a third. It seemed like wilful ill-nature, or a voluntary penance, for on these occasions it was not merely a few formal inquiries and an awkward pause and then away, but he actually thought it necessary to turn back and walk with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He never said a great deal, nor did she give herself the trouble of talking or of listening much; but it struck her in the course of their third rencontre that he was asking some odd unconnected questions—about her pleasure in being at Hunsford, her love of solitary walks, and her opinion of Mr. and Mrs. Collins's happiness; and that in speaking of Rosings and her not perfectly understanding the house, he seemed to expect that whenever she came into Kent again she would be staying there too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His words seemed to imply it. Could he have Colonel Fitzwilliam in his thoughts? She supposed, if he meant anything, he must mean an allusion to what might arise in that quarter. It distressed her a little, and she was quite glad to find herself at the gate in the pales opposite the Parsonage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was engaged one day as she walked, in perusing Jane's last letter, and dwelling on some passages which proved that Jane had not written in spirits, when, instead of being again surprised by Mr. Darcy, she saw on looking up that Colonel Fitzwilliam was meeting her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Putting away the letter immediately and forcing a smile, she said:\n\n\"I did not know before that you ever walked this way.\"\n\n\"I have been making the tour of the park,\" he replied, \"as I generally do every year, and intend to close it with a call at the Parsonage. Are you going much farther?\"\n\n\"No, I should have turned in a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And accordingly she did turn, and they walked towards the Parsonage together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you certainly leave Kent on Saturday?\" said she.\n\n\"Yes—if Darcy does not put it off again. But I am at his disposal. He arranges the business just as he pleases.\"\n\n\"And if not able to please himself in the arrangement, he has at least pleasure in the great power of choice. I do not know anybody who seems more to enjoy the power of doing what he likes than Mr. Darcy.\"\n\n\"He likes to have his own way very well,\" replied Colonel Fitzwilliam." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But so we all do. It is only that he has better means of having it than many others, because he is rich, and many others are poor. I speak feelingly. A younger son, you know, must be inured to self-denial and dependence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In my opinion, the younger son of an earl can know very little of either. Now seriously, what have you ever known of self-denial and dependence? When have you been prevented by want of money from going wherever you chose, or procuring anything you had a fancy for?\"\n\n\"These are home questions—and perhaps I cannot say that I have experienced many hardships of that nature. But in matters of greater weight, I may suffer from want of money. Younger sons cannot marry where they like.\"\n\n\"Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they very often do.\"\n\n\"Our habits of expense make us too dependent, and there are not many in my rank of life who can afford to marry without some attention to money.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this,\" thought Elizabeth, \"meant for me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and she coloured at the idea; but, recovering herself, said in a lively tone, \"And pray, what is the usual price of an earl's younger son? Unless the elder brother is very sickly, I suppose you would not ask above fifty thousand pounds.\"\n\nHe answered her in the same style, and the subject dropped. To interrupt a silence which might make him fancy her affected with what had passed, she soon afterwards said:\n\n\"I imagine your cousin brought you down with him chiefly for the sake of having someone at his disposal. I wonder he does not marry, to secure a lasting convenience of that kind. But, perhaps, his sister does as well for the present, and, as she is under his sole care, he may do what he likes with her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" said Colonel Fitzwilliam, \"that is an advantage which he must divide with me. I am joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you indeed? And pray what sort of guardians do you make? Does your charge give you much trouble? Young ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult to manage, and if she has the true Darcy spirit, she may like to have her own way.\"\n\nAs she spoke she observed him looking at her earnestly; and the manner in which he immediately asked her why she supposed Miss Darcy likely to give them any uneasiness, convinced her that she had somehow or other got pretty near the truth. She directly replied:\n\n\"You need not be frightened. I never heard any harm of her; and I dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the world. She is a very great favourite with some ladies of my acquaintance, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. I think I have heard you say that you know them.\"\n\n\"I know them a little. Their brother is a pleasant gentlemanlike man—he is a great friend of Darcy's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh! yes,\" said Elizabeth drily; \"Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of care of him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Care of him! Yes, I really believe Darcy does take care of him in those points where he most wants care. From something that he told me in our journey hither, I have reason to think Bingley very much indebted to him. But I ought to beg his pardon, for I have no right to suppose that Bingley was the person meant. It was all conjecture.\"\n\n\"What is it you mean?\"\n\n\"It is a circumstance which Darcy could not wish to be generally known, because if it were to get round to the lady's family, it would be an unpleasant thing.\"\n\n\"You may depend upon my not mentioning it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And remember that I have not much reason for supposing it to be Bingley. What he told me was merely this: that he congratulated himself on having lately saved a friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage, but without mentioning names or any other particulars, and I only suspected it to be Bingley from believing him the kind of young man to get into a scrape of that sort, and from knowing them to have been together the whole of last summer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did Mr. Darcy give you reasons for this interference?\"\n\n\"I understood that there were some very strong objections against the lady.\"\n\n\"And what arts did he use to separate them?\"\n\n\"He did not talk to me of his own arts,\" said Fitzwilliam, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He only told me what I have now told you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth made no answer, and walked on, her heart swelling with indignation. After watching her a little, Fitzwilliam asked her why she was so thoughtful.\n\n\"I am thinking of what you have been telling me,\" said she. \"Your cousin's conduct does not suit my feelings. Why was he to be the judge?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the propriety of his friend's inclination, or why, upon his own judgement alone, he was to determine and direct in what manner his friend was to be happy. But,\" she continued, recollecting herself, \"as we know none of the particulars, it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be supposed that there was much affection in the case.\"\n\n\"That is not an unnatural surmise,\" said Fitzwilliam, \"but it is a lessening of the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly.\"\n\nThis was spoken jestingly; but it appeared to her so just a picture of Mr. Darcy, that she would not trust herself with an answer, and therefore, abruptly changing the conversation talked on indifferent matters until they reached the Parsonage. There, shut into her own room, as soon as their visitor left them, she could think without interruption of all that she had heard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not to be supposed that any other people could be meant than those with whom she was connected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There could not exist in the world two men over whom Mr. Darcy could have such boundless influence. That he had been concerned in the measures taken to separate Bingley and Jane she had never doubted; but she had always attributed to Miss Bingley the principal design and arrangement of them. If his own vanity, however, did not mislead him, he was the cause, his pride and caprice were the cause, of all that Jane had suffered, and still continued to suffer. He had ruined for a while every hope of happiness for the most affectionate, generous heart in the world; and no one could say how lasting an evil he might have inflicted." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Jane Austen.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Jane Austen every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they were gone, Elizabeth, as if intending to exasperate herself as much as possible against Mr. Darcy, chose for her employment the examination of all the letters which Jane had written to her since her being in Kent. They contained no actual complaint, nor was there any revival of past occurrences, or any communication of present suffering. But in all, and in almost every line of each, there was a want of that cheerfulness which had been used to characterise her style, and which, proceeding from the serenity of a mind at ease with itself and kindly disposed towards everyone, had been scarcely ever clouded. Elizabeth noticed every sentence conveying the idea of uneasiness, with an attention which it had hardly received on the first perusal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Darcy's shameful boast of what misery he had been able to inflict, gave her a keener sense of her sister's sufferings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was some consolation to think that his visit to Rosings was to end on the day after the next—and, a still greater, that in less than a fortnight she should herself be with Jane again, and enabled to contribute to the recovery of her spirits, by all that affection could do.\n\nShe could not think of Darcy's leaving Kent without remembering that his cousin was to go with him; but Colonel Fitzwilliam had made it clear that he had no intentions at all, and agreeable as he was, she did not mean to be unhappy about him.\n\nWhile settling this point, she was suddenly roused by the sound of the door-bell, and her spirits were a little fluttered by the idea of its being Colonel Fitzwilliam himself, who had once before called late in the evening, and might now come to inquire particularly after her. But this idea was soon banished, and her spirits were very differently affected, when, to her utter amazement, she saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In an hurried manner he immediately began an inquiry after her health, imputing his visit to a wish of hearing that she were better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She answered him with cold civility. He sat down for a few moments, and then getting up, walked about the room. Elizabeth was surprised, but said not a word. After a silence of several minutes, he came towards her in an agitated manner, and thus began:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth's astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with patience, when he should have done. He concluded with representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see that he had no doubt of a favourable answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spoke of apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real security." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and, when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said:\n\n\"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot—I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to have occasioned pain to anyone. It has been most unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation.\"\n\nMr. Darcy, who was leaning against the mantelpiece with his eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less resentment than surprise. His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips till he believed himself to have attained it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pause was to Elizabeth's feelings dreadful. At length, with a voice of forced calmness, he said:\n\n\"And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small importance.\"\n\n\"I might as well inquire,\" replied she, \"why with so evident a desire of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character? Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil? But I have other provocations. You know I have. Had not my feelings decided against you—had they been indifferent, or had they even been favourable, do you think that any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As she pronounced these words, Mr. Darcy changed colour; but the emotion was short, and he listened without attempting to interrupt her while she continued:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have every reason in the world to think ill of you. No motive can excuse the unjust and ungenerous part you acted there. You dare not, you cannot deny, that you have been the principal, if not the only means of dividing them from each other—of exposing one to the censure of the world for caprice and instability, and the other to its derision for disappointed hopes, and involving them both in misery of the acutest kind.\"\n\nShe paused, and saw with no slight indignation that he was listening with an air which proved him wholly unmoved by any feeling of remorse. He even looked at her with a smile of affected incredulity.\n\n\"Can you deny that you have done it?\" she repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With assumed tranquillity he then replied: \"I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success. Towards him I have been kinder than towards myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth disdained the appearance of noticing this civil reflection, but its meaning did not escape, nor was it likely to conciliate her.\n\n\"But it is not merely this affair,\" she continued, \"on which my dislike is founded. Long before it had taken place my opinion of you was decided. Your character was unfolded in the recital which I received many months ago from Mr. Wickham. On this subject, what can you have to say? In what imaginary act of friendship can you here defend yourself? or under what misrepresentation can you here impose upon others?\"\n\n\"You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns,\" said Darcy, in a less tranquil tone, and with a heightened colour.\n\n\"Who that knows what his misfortunes have been, can help feeling an interest in him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His misfortunes!\" repeated Darcy contemptuously; \"yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And of your infliction,\" cried Elizabeth with energy. \"You have reduced him to his present state of poverty—comparative poverty. You have withheld the advantages which you must know to have been designed for him. You have deprived the best years of his life of that independence which was no less his due than his desert. You have done all this! and yet you can treat the mention of his misfortune with contempt and ridicule.\"\n\n\"And this,\" cried Darcy, as he walked with quick steps across the room, \"is your opinion of me! This is the estimation in which you hold me! I thank you for explaining it so fully. My faults, according to this calculation, are heavy indeed! But perhaps,\" added he, stopping in his walk, and turning towards her, \"these offenses might have been overlooked, had not your pride been hurt by my honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented my forming any serious design. These bitter accusations might have been suppressed, had I, with greater policy, concealed my struggles, and flattered you into the belief of my being impelled by unqualified, unalloyed inclination; by reason, by reflection, by everything. But disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. Nor am I ashamed of the feelings I related. They were natural and just. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?—to congratulate myself on the hope of relations, whose condition in life is so decidedly beneath my own?\"\n\nElizabeth felt herself growing more angry every moment; yet she tried to the utmost to speak with composure when she said:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw him start at this, but he said nothing, and she continued:\n\n\"You could not have made the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.\"\n\nAgain his astonishment was obvious; and he looked at her with an expression of mingled incredulity and mortification. She went on:\n\n\"From the very beginning—from the first moment, I may almost say—of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And with these words he hastily left the room, and Elizabeth heard him the next moment open the front door and quit the house.\n\nThe tumult of her mind, was now painfully great. She knew not how to support herself, and from actual weakness sat down and cried for half-an-hour. Her astonishment, as she reflected on what had passed, was increased by every review of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That she should receive an offer of marriage from Mr. Darcy!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That he should have been in love with her for so many months! So much in love as to wish to marry her in spite of all the objections which had made him prevent his friend's marrying her sister, and which must appear at least with equal force in his own case—was almost incredible! It was gratifying to have inspired unconsciously so strong an affection. But his pride, his abominable pride—his shameless avowal of what he had done with respect to Jane—his unpardonable assurance in acknowledging, though he could not justify it, and the unfeeling manner in which he had mentioned Mr. Wickham, his cruelty towards whom he had not attempted to deny, soon overcame the pity which the consideration of his attachment had for a moment excited. She continued in very agitated reflections till the sound of Lady Catherine's carriage made her feel how unequal she was to encounter Charlotte's observation, and hurried her away to her room." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Jane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the same thoughts and meditations which had at length closed her eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could not yet recover from the surprise of what had happened; it was impossible to think of anything else; and, totally indisposed for employment, she resolved, soon after breakfast, to indulge herself in air and exercise. She was proceeding directly to her favourite walk, when the recollection of Mr. Darcy's sometimes coming there stopped her, and instead of entering the park, she turned up the lane, which led farther from the turnpike-road. The park paling was still the boundary on one side, and she soon passed one of the gates into the ground.\n\nAfter walking two or three times along that part of the lane, she was tempted, by the pleasantness of the morning, to stop at the gates and look into the park." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The five weeks which she had now passed in Kent had made a great difference in the country, and every day was adding to the verdure of the early trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was on the point of continuing her walk, when she caught a glimpse of a gentleman within the sort of grove which edged the park; he was moving that way; and, fearful of its being Mr. Darcy, she was directly retreating. But the person who advanced was now near enough to see her, and stepping forward with eagerness, pronounced her name. She had turned away; but on hearing herself called, though in a voice which proved it to be Mr. Darcy, she moved again towards the gate. He had by that time reached it also, and, holding out a letter, which she instinctively took, said, with a look of haughty composure, \"I have been walking in the grove some time in the hope of meeting you. Will you do me the honour of reading that letter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then, with a slight bow, turned again into the plantation, and was soon out of sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With no expectation of pleasure, but with the strongest curiosity, Elizabeth opened the letter, and, to her still increasing wonder, perceived an envelope containing two sheets of letter-paper, written quite through, in a very close hand. The envelope itself was likewise full. Pursuing her way along the lane, she then began it. It was dated from Rosings, at eight o'clock in the morning, and was as follows:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be not alarmed, madam, on receiving this letter, by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments or renewal of those offers which were last night so disgusting to you. I write without any intention of paining you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on wishes which, for the happiness of both, cannot be too soon forgotten; and the effort which the formation and the perusal of this letter must occasion, should have been spared, had not my character required it to be written and read. You must, therefore, pardon the freedom with which I demand your attention; your feelings, I know, will bestow it unwillingly, but I demand it of your justice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Two offenses of a very different nature, and by no means of equal magnitude, you last night laid to my charge. The first mentioned was, that, regardless of the sentiments of either, I had detached Mr. Bingley from your sister, and the other, that I had, in defiance of various claims, in defiance of honour and humanity, ruined the immediate prosperity and blasted the prospects of Mr. Wickham. Wilfully and wantonly to have thrown off the companion of my youth, the acknowledged favourite of my father, a young man who had scarcely any other dependence than on our patronage, and who had been brought up to expect its exertion, would be a depravity, to which the separation of two young persons, whose affection could be the growth of only a few weeks, could bear no comparison. But from the severity of that blame which was last night so liberally bestowed, respecting each circumstance, I shall hope to be in the future secured, when the following account of my actions and their motives has been read. If, in the explanation of them, which is due to myself, I am under the necessity of relating feelings which may be offensive to yours, I can only say that I am sorry. The necessity must be obeyed, and further apology would be absurd.\"\n\n\"I had not been long in Hertfordshire, before I saw, in common with others, that Bingley preferred your elder sister to any other young woman in the country. But it was not till the evening of the dance at Netherfield that I had any apprehension of his feeling a serious attachment. I had often seen him in love before. At that ball, while I had the honour of dancing with you, I was first made acquainted, by Sir William Lucas's accidental information, that Bingley's attentions to your sister had given rise to a general expectation of their marriage. He spoke of it as a certain event, of which the time alone could be undecided. From that moment I observed my friend's behaviour attentively; and I could then perceive that his partiality for Miss Bennet was beyond what I had ever witnessed in him. Your sister I also watched. Her look and manners were open, cheerful, and engaging as ever, but without any symptom of peculiar regard, and I remained convinced from the evening's scrutiny, that though she received his attentions with pleasure, she did not invite them by any participation of sentiment. If you have not been mistaken here, I must have been in error. Your superior knowledge of your sister must make the latter probable. If it be so, if I have been misled by such error to inflict pain on her, your resentment has not been unreasonable. But I shall not scruple to assert, that the serenity of your sister's countenance and air was such as might have given the most acute observer a conviction that, however amiable her temper, her heart was not likely to be easily touched. That I was desirous of believing her indifferent is certain—but I will venture to say that my investigation and decisions are not usually influenced by my hopes or fears. I did not believe her to be indifferent because I wished it; I believed it on impartial conviction, as truly as I wished it in reason. My objections to the marriage were not merely those which I last night acknowledged to have the utmost force of passion to put aside, in my own case; the want of connection could not be so great an evil to my friend as to me. But there were other causes of repugnance; causes which, though still existing, and existing to an equal degree in both instances, I had myself endeavoured to forget, because they were not immediately before me. These causes must be stated, though briefly. The situation of your mother's family, though objectionable, was nothing in comparison to that total want of propriety so frequently, so almost uniformly betrayed by herself, by your three younger sisters, and occasionally even by your father. Pardon me. It pains me to offend you. But amidst your concern for the defects of your nearest relations, and your displeasure at this representation of them, let it give you consolation to consider that, to have conducted yourselves so as to avoid any share of the like censure, is praise no less generally bestowed on you and your elder sister, than it is honourable to the sense and disposition of both. I will only say farther that from what passed that evening, my opinion of all parties was confirmed, and every inducement heightened which could have led me before, to preserve my friend from what I esteemed a most unhappy connection. He left Netherfield for London, on the day following, as you, I am certain, remember, with the design of soon returning.\"\n\n\"The part which I acted is now to be explained. His sisters' uneasiness had been equally excited with my own; our coincidence of feeling was soon discovered, and, alike sensible that no time was to be lost in detaching their brother, we shortly resolved on joining him directly in London. We accordingly went—and there I readily engaged in the office of pointing out to my friend the certain evils of such a choice. I described, and enforced them earnestly. But, however this remonstrance might have staggered or delayed his determination, I do not suppose that it would ultimately have prevented the marriage, had it not been seconded by the assurance that I hesitated not in giving, of your sister's indifference. He had before believed her to return his affection with sincere, if not with equal regard. But Bingley has great natural modesty, with a stronger dependence on my judgement than on his own. To convince him, therefore, that he had deceived himself, was no very difficult point. To persuade him against returning into Hertfordshire, when that conviction had been given, was scarcely the work of a moment. I cannot blame myself for having done thus much. There is but one part of my conduct in the whole affair on which I do not reflect with satisfaction; it is that I condescended to adopt the measures of art so far as to conceal from him your sister's being in town. I knew it myself, as it was known to Miss Bingley; but her brother is even yet ignorant of it. That they might have met without ill consequence is perhaps probable; but his regard did not appear to me enough extinguished for him to see her without some danger. Perhaps this concealment, this disguise was beneath me; it is done, however, and it was done for the best. On this subject I have nothing more to say, no other apology to offer. If I have wounded your sister's feelings, it was unknowingly done and though the motives which governed me may to you very naturally appear insufficient, I have not yet learnt to condemn them.\"\n\n\"With respect to that other, more weighty accusation, of having injured Mr. Wickham, I can only refute it by laying before you the whole of his connection with my family. Of what he has particularly accused me I am ignorant; but of the truth of what I shall relate, I can summon more than one witness of undoubted veracity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Wickham is the son of a very respectable man, who had for many years the management of all the Pemberley estates, and whose good conduct in the discharge of his trust naturally inclined my father to be of service to him; and on George Wickham, who was his godson, his kindness was therefore liberally bestowed. My father supported him at school, and afterwards at Cambridge—most important assistance, as his own father, always poor from the extravagance of his wife, would have been unable to give him a gentleman's education. My father was not only fond of this young man's society, whose manners were always engaging; he had also the highest opinion of him, and hoping the church would be his profession, intended to provide for him in it. As for myself, it is many, many years since I first began to think of him in a very different manner. The vicious propensities—the want of principle, which he was careful to guard from the knowledge of his best friend, could not escape the observation of a young man of nearly the same age with himself, and who had opportunities of seeing him in unguarded moments, which Mr. Darcy could not have. Here again I shall give you pain—to what degree you only can tell. But whatever may be the sentiments which Mr. Wickham has created, a suspicion of their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his real character—it adds even another motive.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My excellent father died about five years ago; and his attachment to Mr. Wickham was to the last so steady, that in his will he particularly recommended it to me, to promote his advancement in the best manner that his profession might allow—and if he took orders, desired that a valuable family living might be his as soon as it became vacant. There was also a legacy of one thousand pounds. His own father did not long survive mine, and within half a year from these events, Mr. Wickham wrote to inform me that, having finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the preferment, by which he could not be benefited. He had some intention, he added, of studying law, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would be a very insufficient support therein. I rather wished, than believed him to be sincere; but, at any rate, was perfectly ready to accede to his proposal. I knew that Mr. Wickham ought not to be a clergyman; the business was therefore soon settled—he resigned all claim to assistance in the church, were it possible that he could ever be in a situation to receive it, and accepted in return three thousand pounds. All connection between us seemed now dissolved. I thought too ill of him to invite him to Pemberley, or admit his society in town. In town I believe he chiefly lived, but his studying the law was a mere pretence, and being now free from all restraint, his life was a life of idleness and dissipation. For about three years I heard little of him; but on the decease of the incumbent of the living which had been designed for him, he applied to me again by letter for the presentation. His circumstances, he assured me, and I had no difficulty in believing it, were exceedingly bad. He had found the law a most unprofitable study, and was now absolutely resolved on being ordained, if I would present him to the living in question—of which he trusted there could be little doubt, as he was well assured that I had no other person to provide for, and I could not have forgotten my revered father's intentions. You will hardly blame me for refusing to comply with this entreaty, or for resisting every repetition to it. His resentment was in proportion to the distress of his circumstances—and he was doubtless as violent in his abuse of me to others as in his reproaches to myself. After this period every appearance of acquaintance was dropped. How he lived I know not. But last summer he was again most painfully obtruded on my notice.\"\n\n\"I must now mention a circumstance which I would wish to forget myself, and which no obligation less than the present should induce me to unfold to any human being. Having said thus much, I feel no doubt of your secrecy. My sister, who is more than ten years my junior, was left to the guardianship of my mother's nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and myself. About a year ago, she was taken from school, and an establishment formed for her in London; and last summer she went with the lady who presided over it, to Ramsgate; and thither also went Mr. Wickham, undoubtedly by design; for there proved to have been a prior acquaintance between him and Mrs. Younge, in whose character we were most unhappily deceived; and by her connivance and aid, he so far recommended himself to Georgiana, whose affectionate heart retained a strong impression of his kindness to her as a child, that she was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent to an elopement. She was then but fifteen, which must be her excuse; and after stating her imprudence, I am happy to add, that I owed the knowledge of it to herself. I joined them unexpectedly a day or two before the intended elopement, and then Georgiana, unable to support the idea of grieving and offending a brother whom she almost looked up to as a father, acknowledged the whole to me. You may imagine what I felt and how I acted. Regard for my sister's credit and feelings prevented any public exposure; but I wrote to Mr. Wickham, who left the place immediately, and Mrs. Younge was of course removed from her charge. Mr. Wickham's chief object was unquestionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong inducement. His revenge would have been complete indeed.\"\n\n\"This, madam, is a faithful narrative of every event in which we have been concerned together; and if you do not absolutely reject it as false, you will, I hope, acquit me henceforth of cruelty towards Mr. Wickham. I know not in what manner, under what form of falsehood he had imposed on you; but his success is not perhaps to be wondered at. Ignorant as you previously were of everything concerning either, detection could not be in your power, and suspicion certainly not in your inclination.\"\n\n\"You may possibly wonder why all this was not told you last night; but I was not then master enough of myself to know what could or ought to be revealed. For the truth of everything here related, I can appeal more particularly to the testimony of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, from our near relationship and constant intimacy, and, still more, as one of the executors of my father's will, has been unavoidably acquainted with every particular of these transactions. If your abhorrence of me should make my assertions valueless, you cannot be prevented by the same cause from confiding in my cousin; and that there may be the possibility of consulting him, I shall endeavour to find some opportunity of putting this letter in your hands in the course of the morning. I will only add, God bless you.\"\n\n\"FITZWILLIAM DARCY\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Jane Austen.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Jane Austen every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Elizabeth, when Mr. Darcy gave her the letter, did not expect it to contain a renewal of his offers, she had formed no expectation at all of its contents. But such as they were, it may well be supposed how eagerly she went through them, and what a contrariety of emotion they excited. Her feelings as she read were scarcely to be defined. With amazement did she first understand that he believed any apology to be in his power; and steadfastly was she persuaded, that he could have no explanation to give, which a just sense of shame would not conceal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a strong prejudice against everything he might say, she began his account of what had happened at Netherfield." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She read with an eagerness which hardly left her power of comprehension, and from impatience of knowing what the next sentence might bring, was incapable of attending to the sense of the one before her eyes. His belief of her sister's insensibility she instantly resolved to be false; and his account of the real, the worst objections to the match, made her too angry to have any wish of doing him justice. He expressed no regret for what he had done which satisfied her; his style was not penitent, but haughty. It was all pride and insolence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when this subject was succeeded by his account of Mr. Wickham—when she read with somewhat clearer attention a relation of events which, if true, must overthrow every cherished opinion of his worth, and which bore so alarming an affinity to his own history of himself—her feelings were yet more acutely painful and more difficult of definition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Astonishment, apprehension, and even horror, oppressed her. She wished to discredit it entirely, repeatedly exclaiming, \"This must be false! This cannot be! This must be the grossest falsehood! \"—and when she had gone through the whole letter, though scarcely knowing anything of the last page or two, put it hastily away, protesting that she would not regard it, that she would never look in it again.\n\nIn this perturbed state of mind, with thoughts that could rest on nothing, she walked on; but it would not do; in half a minute the letter was unfolded again, and collecting herself as well as she could, she again began the mortifying perusal of all that related to Wickham, and commanded herself so far as to examine the meaning of every sentence. The account of his connection with the Pemberley family was exactly what he had related himself; and the kindness of the late Mr. Darcy, though she had not before known its extent, agreed equally well with his own words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So far each recital confirmed the other; but when she came to the will, the difference was great." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What Wickham had said of the living was fresh in her memory, and as she recalled his very words, it was impossible not to feel that there was gross duplicity on one side or the other; and, for a few moments, she flattered herself that her wishes did not err. But when she read and re-read with the closest attention, the particulars immediately following of Wickham's resigning all pretensions to the living, of his receiving in lieu so considerable a sum as three thousand pounds, again was she forced to hesitate. She put down the letter, weighed every circumstance with what she meant to be impartiality—deliberated on the probability of each statement—but with little success. On both sides it was only assertion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again she read on; but every line proved more clearly that the affair, which she had believed it impossible that any contrivance could so represent as to render Mr. Darcy's conduct in it less than infamous, was capable of a turn which must make him entirely blameless throughout the whole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The extravagance and general profligacy which he scrupled not to lay at Mr. Wickham's charge, exceedingly shocked her; the more so, as she could bring no proof of its injustice. She had never heard of him before his entrance into the ——shire Militia, in which he had engaged at the persuasion of the young man who, on meeting him accidentally in town, had there renewed a slight acquaintance. Of his former way of life nothing had been known in Hertfordshire but what he told himself. As to his real character, had information been in her power, she had never felt a wish of inquiring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His countenance, voice, and manner had established him at once in the possession of every virtue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tried to recollect some instance of goodness, some distinguished trait of integrity or benevolence, that might rescue him from the attacks of Mr. Darcy; or at least, by the predominance of virtue, atone for those casual errors under which she would endeavour to class what Mr. Darcy had described as the idleness and vice of many years' continuance. But no such recollection befriended her. She could see him instantly before her, in every charm of air and address; but she could remember no more substantial good than the general approbation of the neighbourhood, and the regard which his social powers had gained him in the mess. After pausing on this point a considerable while, she once more continued to read." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But, alas! the story which followed, of his designs on Miss Darcy, received some confirmation from what had passed between Colonel Fitzwilliam and herself only the morning before; and at last she was referred for the truth of every particular to Colonel Fitzwilliam himself—from whom she had previously received the information of his near concern in all his cousin's affairs, and whose character she had no reason to question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At one time she had almost resolved on applying to him, but the idea was checked by the awkwardness of the application, and at length wholly banished by the conviction that Mr. Darcy would never have hazarded such a proposal, if he had not been well assured of his cousin's corroboration.\n\nShe perfectly remembered everything that had passed in conversation between Wickham and herself, in their first evening at Mr. Phillips's. Many of his expressions were still fresh in her memory. She was now struck with the impropriety of such communications to a stranger, and wondered it had escaped her before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he had done, and the inconsistency of his professions with his conduct." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She remembered that he had boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr. Darcy—that Mr. Darcy might leave the country, but that he should stand his ground; yet he had avoided the Netherfield ball the very next week. She remembered also that, till the Netherfield family had quitted the country, he had told his story to no one but herself; but that after their removal it had been everywhere discussed; that he had then no reserves, no scruples in sinking Mr. Darcy's character, though he had assured her that respect for the father would always prevent his exposing the son.\n\nHow differently did everything now appear in which he was concerned! His attentions to Miss King were now the consequence of views solely and hatefully mercenary; and the mediocrity of her fortune proved no longer the moderation of his wishes, but his eagerness to grasp at anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His behaviour to herself could now have had no tolerable motive; he had either been deceived with regard to her fortune, or had been gratifying his vanity by encouraging the preference which she believed she had most incautiously shown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every lingering struggle in his favour grew fainter and fainter; and in farther justification of Mr. Darcy, she could not but allow that Mr. Bingley, when questioned by Jane, had long ago asserted his blamelessness in the affair; that proud and repulsive as were his manners, she had never, in the whole course of their acquaintance—an acquaintance which had latterly brought them much together, and given her a sort of intimacy with his ways—seen anything that betrayed him to be unprincipled or unjust—anything that spoke him of irreligious or immoral habits; that among his own connections he was esteemed and valued—that even Wickham had allowed him merit as a brother, and that she had often heard him speak so affectionately of his sister as to prove him capable of some amiable feeling; that had his actions been what Mr. Wickham represented them, so gross a violation of everything right could hardly have been concealed from the world; and that friendship between a person capable of it, and such an amiable man as Mr. Bingley, was incomprehensible.\n\nShe grew absolutely ashamed of herself. Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think without feeling she had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd.\n\n\"How despicably I have acted!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she cried; \"I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust! How humiliating is this discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation! Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind! But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment I never knew myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From herself to Jane—from Jane to Bingley, her thoughts were in a line which soon brought to her recollection that Mr. Darcy's explanation there had appeared very insufficient, and she read it again. Widely different was the effect of a second perusal. How could she deny that credit to his assertions in one instance, which she had been obliged to give in the other? He declared himself to be totally unsuspicious of her sister's attachment; and she could not help remembering what Charlotte's opinion had always been." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither could she deny the justice of his description of Jane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt that Jane's feelings, though fervent, were little displayed, and that there was a constant complacency in her air and manner not often united with great sensibility.\n\nWhen she came to that part of the letter in which her family were mentioned in terms of such mortifying, yet merited reproach, her sense of shame was severe. The justice of the charge struck her too forcibly for denial, and the circumstances to which he particularly alluded as having passed at the Netherfield ball, and as confirming all his first disapprobation, could not have made a stronger impression on his mind than on hers.\n\nThe compliment to herself and her sister was not unfelt." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Jane Austen" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning, and Mr. Collins having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings. To Rosings he then hastened, to console Lady Catherine and her daughter; and on his return brought back, with great satisfaction, a message from her ladyship, importing that she felt herself so dull as to make her very desirous of having them all to dine with her.\n\nElizabeth could not see Lady Catherine without recollecting that, had she chosen it, she might by this time have been presented to her as her future niece; nor could she think, without a smile, of what her ladyship's indignation would have been. \"What would she have said? how would she have behaved?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "were questions with which she amused herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings party. \"I assure you, I feel it exceedingly,\" said Lady Catherine; \"I believe no one feels the loss of friends so much as I do. But I am particularly attached to these young men, and know them to be so much attached to me! They were excessively sorry to go! But so they always are. The dear Colonel rallied his spirits tolerably till just at last; but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely, more, I think, than last year. His attachment to Rosings certainly increases.\"\n\nMr. Collins had a compliment, and an allusion to throw in here, which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter.\n\nLady Catherine observed, after dinner, that Miss Bennet seemed out of spirits, and immediately accounting for it by herself, by supposing that she did not like to go home again so soon, she added:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if that is the case, you must write to your mother and beg that you may stay a little longer. Mrs. Collins will be very glad of your company, I am sure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am much obliged to your ladyship for your kind invitation,\" replied Elizabeth, \"but it is not in my power to accept it. I must be in town next Saturday.\"\n\n\"Why, at that rate, you will have been here only six weeks. I expected you to stay two months. I told Mrs. Collins so before you came. There can be no occasion for your going so soon. Mrs. Bennet could certainly spare you for another fortnight.\"\n\n\"But my father cannot. He wrote last week to hurry my return.\"\n\n\"Oh! your father of course may spare you, if your mother can. Daughters are never of so much consequence to a father. And if you will stay another month complete, it will be in my power to take one of you as far as London, for I am going there early in June, for a week; and as Dawson does not object to the barouche-box, there will be very good room for one of you—and indeed, if the weather should happen to be cool, I should not object to taking you both, as you are neither of you large.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are all kindness, madam; but I believe we must abide by our original plan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Catherine seemed resigned. \"Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant with them. You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot bear the idea of two young women travelling post by themselves. It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody. I have the greatest dislike in the world to that sort of thing. Young women should always be properly guarded and attended, according to their situation in life. When my niece Georgiana went to Ramsgate last summer, I made a point of her having two men-servants go with her. Miss Darcy, the daughter of Mr. Darcy, of Pemberley, and Lady Anne, could not have appeared with propriety in a different manner. I am excessively attentive to all those things. You must send John with the young ladies, Mrs. Collins. I am glad it occurred to me to mention it; for it would really be discreditable to you to let them go alone.\"\n\n\"My uncle is to send a servant for us.\"\n\n\"Oh! Your uncle! He keeps a man-servant, does he? I am very glad you have somebody who thinks of these things. Where shall you change horses? Oh! Bromley, of course. If you mention my name at the Bell, you will be attended to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting their journey, and as she did not answer them all herself, attention was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her; or, with a mind so occupied, she might have forgotten where she was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours; whenever she was alone, she gave way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day went by without a solitary walk, in which she might indulge in all the delight of unpleasant recollections.\n\nMr. Darcy's letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by heart. She studied every sentence; and her feelings towards its writer were at times widely different. When she remembered the style of his address, she was still full of indignation; but when she considered how unjustly she had condemned and upbraided him, her anger was turned against herself; and his disappointed feelings became the object of compassion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His attachment excited gratitude, his general character respect; but she could not approve him; nor could she for a moment repent her refusal, or feel the slightest inclination ever to see him again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In her own past behaviour, there was a constant source of vexation and regret; and in the unhappy defects of her family, a subject of yet heavier chagrin. They were hopeless of remedy. Her father, contented with laughing at them, would never exert himself to restrain the wild giddiness of his youngest daughters; and her mother, with manners so far from right herself, was entirely insensible of the evil. Elizabeth had frequently united with Jane in an endeavour to check the imprudence of Catherine and Lydia; but while they were supported by their mother's indulgence, what chance could there be of improvement?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Catherine, weak-spirited, irritable, and completely under Lydia's guidance, had been always affronted by their advice; and Lydia, self-willed and careless, would scarcely give them a hearing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were ignorant, idle, and vain. While there was an officer in Meryton, they would flirt with him; and while Meryton was within a walk of Longbourn, they would be going there forever.\n\nAnxiety on Jane's behalf was another prevailing concern; and Mr. Darcy's explanation, by restoring Bingley to all her former good opinion, heightened the sense of what Jane had lost. His affection was proved to have been sincere, and his conduct cleared of all blame, unless any could attach to the implicitness of his confidence in his friend." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Jane Austen would" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for breakfast a few minutes before the others appeared; and he took the opportunity of paying the parting civilities which he deemed indispensably necessary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know not, Miss Elizabeth,\" said he, \"whether Mrs. Collins has yet expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us; but I am very certain you will not leave the house without receiving her thanks for it. The favour of your company has been much felt, I assure you. We know how little there is to tempt anyone to our humble abode. Our plain manner of living, our small rooms and few domestics, and the little we see of the world, must make Hunsford extremely dull to a young lady like yourself; but I hope you will believe us grateful for the condescension, and that we have done everything in our power to prevent your spending your time unpleasantly.\"\n\nElizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness. She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of being with Charlotte, and the kind attentions she had received, must make her feel the obliged. Mr. Collins was gratified, and with a more smiling solemnity replied:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It gives me great pleasure to hear that you have passed your time not disagreeably. We have certainly done our best; and most fortunately having it in our power to introduce you to very superior society, and, from our connection with Rosings, the frequent means of varying the humble home scene, I think we may flatter ourselves that your Hunsford visit cannot have been entirely irksome. Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine's family is indeed the sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing which few can boast. You see on what a footing we are. You see how continually we are engaged there. In truth I must acknowledge that, with all the disadvantages of this humble parsonage, I should not think anyone abiding in it an object of compassion, while they are sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Words were insufficient for the elevation of his feelings; and he was obliged to walk about the room, while Elizabeth tried to unite civility and truth in a few short sentences.\n\n\"You may, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into Hertfordshire, my dear cousin. I flatter myself at least that you will be able to do so. Lady Catherine's great attentions to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily witness of; and altogether I trust it does not appear that your friend has drawn an unfortunate—but on this point it will be as well to be silent. Only let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I can from my heart most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage. My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.\"\n\nElizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was the case, and with equal sincerity could add, that she firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts. She was not sorry, however, to have the recital of them interrupted by the lady from whom they sprang." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poor Charlotte! it was melancholy to leave her to such society!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go, she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her housekeeping, her parish and her poultry, and all their dependent concerns, had not yet lost their charms.\n\nAt length the chaise arrived, the trunks were fastened on, the parcels placed within, and it was pronounced to be ready. After an affectionate parting between the friends, Elizabeth was attended to the carriage by Mr. Collins, and as they walked down the garden he was commissioning her with his best respects to all her family, not forgetting his thanks for the kindness he had received at Longbourn in the winter, and his compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, though unknown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He then handed her in, Maria followed, and the door was on the point of being closed, when he suddenly reminded them, with some consternation, that they had hitherto forgotten to leave any message for the ladies at Rosings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But,\" he added, \"you will of course wish to have your humble respects delivered to them, with your grateful thanks for their kindness to you while you have been here.\"\n\nElizabeth made no objection; the door was then allowed to be shut, and the carriage drove off.\n\n\"Good gracious!\" cried Maria, after a few minutes' silence, \"it seems but a day or two since we first came! and yet how many things have happened!\"\n\n\"A great many indeed,\" said her companion with a sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea there twice! How much I shall have to tell!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth added privately, \"And how much I shall have to conceal!\"\n\nTheir journey was performed without much conversation, or any alarm; and within four hours of their leaving Hunsford they reached Mr. Gardiner's house, where they were to remain a few days.\n\nJane looked well, and Elizabeth had little opportunity of studying her spirits, amidst the various engagements which the kindness of her aunt had reserved for them. But Jane was to go home with her, and at Longbourn there would be leisure enough for observation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not without an effort, meanwhile, that she could wait even for Longbourn, before she told her sister of Mr. Darcy's proposals." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To know that she had the power of revealing what would so exceedingly astonish Jane, and must, at the same time, so highly gratify whatever of her own vanity she had not yet been able to reason away, was such a temptation to openness as nothing could have conquered but the state of indecision in which she remained as to the extent of what she should communicate; and her fear, if she once entered on the subject, of being hurried into repeating something of Bingley which might only grieve her sister further." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Jane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the second week in May, in which the three young ladies set out together from Gracechurch Street for the town of ——, in Hertfordshire; and, as they drew near the appointed inn where Mr. Bennet's carriage was to meet them, they quickly perceived, in token of the coachman's punctuality, both Kitty and Lydia looking out of a dining-room up stairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These two girls had been above an hour in the place, happily employed in visiting an opposite milliner, watching the sentinel on guard, and dressing a salad and cucumber.\n\nAfter welcoming their sisters, they triumphantly displayed a table set out with such cold meat as an inn larder usually affords, exclaiming, \"Is not this nice? Is not this an agreeable surprise?\"\n\n\"And we mean to treat you all,\" added Lydia, \"but you must lend us the money, for we have just spent ours at the shop out there.\" Then, showing her purchases—\"Look here, I have bought this bonnet. I do not think it is very pretty; but I thought I might as well buy it as not. I shall pull it to pieces as soon as I get home, and see if I can make it up any better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And when her sisters abused it as ugly, she added, with perfect unconcern, \"Oh! but there were two or three much uglier in the shop; and when I have bought some prettier-coloured satin to trim it with fresh, I think it will be very tolerable. Besides, it will not much signify what one wears this summer, after the ——shire have left Meryton, and they are going in a fortnight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are they indeed!\" cried Elizabeth, with the greatest satisfaction.\n\n\"They are going to be encamped near Brighton; and I do so want papa to take us all there for the summer! It would be such a delicious scheme; and I dare say would hardly cost anything at all. Mamma would like to go too of all things! Only think what a miserable summer else we shall have!\"\n\n\"Yes,\" thought Elizabeth, \"that would be a delightful scheme indeed, and completely do for us at once. Good Heaven! Brighton, and a whole campful of soldiers, to us, who have been overset already by one poor regiment of militia, and the monthly balls of Meryton!\"\n\n\"Now I have got some news for you,\" said Lydia, as they sat down at table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you think? It is excellent news—capital news—and about a certain person we all like!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other, and the waiter was told he need not stay. Lydia laughed, and said:\n\n\"Aye, that is just like your formality and discretion. You thought the waiter must not hear, as if he cared! I dare say he often hears worse things said than I am going to say. But he is an ugly fellow! I am glad he is gone. I never saw such a long chin in my life. Well, but now for my news; it is about dear Wickham; too good for the waiter, is it not? There is no danger of Wickham's marrying Mary King. There's for you! She is gone down to her uncle at Liverpool: gone to stay. Wickham is safe.\"\n\n\"And Mary King is safe!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "added Elizabeth; \"safe from a connection imprudent as to fortune.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is a great fool for going away, if she liked him.\"\n\n\"But I hope there is no strong attachment on either side,\" said Jane.\n\n\"I am sure there is not on his. I will answer for it, he never cared three straws about her—who could about such a nasty little freckled thing?\"\n\nElizabeth was shocked to think that, however incapable of such coarseness of expression herself, the coarseness of the sentiment was little other than her own breast had harboured and fancied liberal!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as all had ate, and the elder ones paid, the carriage was ordered; and after some contrivance, the whole party, with all their boxes, work-bags, and parcels, and the unwelcome addition of Kitty's and Lydia's purchases, were seated in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How nicely we are all crammed in,\" cried Lydia. \"I am glad I bought my bonnet, if it is only for the fun of having another bandbox! Well, now let us be quite comfortable and snug, and talk and laugh all the way home. And in the first place, let us hear what has happened to you all since you went away. Have you seen any pleasant men? Have you had any flirting? I was in great hopes that one of you would have got a husband before you came back. Jane will be quite an old maid soon, I declare. She is almost three-and-twenty! Lord, how ashamed I should be of not being married before three-and-twenty! My aunt Phillips wants you so to get husbands, you can't think. She says Lizzy had better have taken Mr. Collins; but I do not think there would have been any fun in it. Lord! how I should like to be married before any of you; and then I would chaperon you about to all the balls. Dear me! we had such a good piece of fun the other day at Colonel Forster's. Kitty and me were to spend the day there, and Mrs. Forster promised to have a little dance in the evening; (by the bye, Mrs. Forster and me are such friends!) and so she asked the two Harringtons to come, but Harriet was ill, and so Pen was forced to come by herself; and then, what do you think we did? We dressed up Chamberlayne in woman's clothes on purpose to pass for a lady, only think what fun! Not a soul knew of it, but Colonel and Mrs. Forster, and Kitty and me, except my aunt, for we were forced to borrow one of her gowns; and you cannot imagine how well he looked! When Denny, and Wickham, and Pratt, and two or three more of the men came in, they did not know him in the least. Lord! how I laughed! and so did Mrs. Forster. I thought I should have died. And that made the men suspect something, and then they soon found out what was the matter.\"\n\nWith such kinds of histories of their parties and good jokes, did Lydia, assisted by Kitty's hints and additions, endeavour to amuse her companions all the way to Longbourn. Elizabeth listened as little as she could, but there was no escaping the frequent mention of Wickham's name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their reception at home was most kind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet rejoiced to see Jane in undiminished beauty; and more than once during dinner did Mr. Bennet say voluntarily to Elizabeth:\n\n\"I am glad you are come back, Lizzy.\"\n\nTheir party in the dining-room was large, for almost all the Lucases came to meet Maria and hear the news; and various were the subjects that occupied them: Lady Lucas was inquiring of Maria, after the welfare and poultry of her eldest daughter; Mrs. Bennet was doubly engaged, on one hand collecting an account of the present fashions from Jane, who sat some way below her, and, on the other, retailing them all to the younger Lucases; and Lydia, in a voice rather louder than any other person's, was enumerating the various pleasures of the morning to anybody who would hear her.\n\n\"Oh! Mary,\" said she, \"I wish you had gone with us, for we had such fun! As we went along, Kitty and I drew up the blinds, and pretended there was nobody in the coach; and I should have gone so all the way, if Kitty had not been sick; and when we got to the George, I do think we behaved very handsomely, for we treated the other three with the nicest cold luncheon in the world, and if you would have gone, we would have treated you too. And then when we came away it was such fun! I thought we never should have got into the coach. I was ready to die of laughter. And then we were so merry all the way home! we talked and laughed so loud, that anybody might have heard us ten miles off!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To this Mary very gravely replied, \"Far be it from me, my dear sister, to depreciate such pleasures! They would doubtless be congenial with the generality of female minds. But I confess they would have no charms for me—I should infinitely prefer a book.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But of this answer Lydia heard not a word. She seldom listened to anybody for more than half a minute, and never attended to Mary at all.\n\nIn the afternoon Lydia was urgent with the rest of the girls to walk to Meryton, and to see how everybody went on; but Elizabeth steadily opposed the scheme. It should not be said that the Miss Bennets could not be at home half a day before they were in pursuit of the officers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was another reason too for her opposition." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dreaded seeing Mr. Wickham again, and was resolved to avoid it as long as possible. The comfort to her of the regiment's approaching removal was indeed beyond expression. In a fortnight they were to go—and once gone, she hoped there could be nothing more to plague her on his account.\n\nShe had not been many hours at home before she found that the Brighton scheme, of which Lydia had given them a hint at the inn, was under frequent discussion between her parents. Elizabeth saw directly that her father had not the smallest intention of yielding; but his answers were at the same time so vague and equivocal, that her mother, though often disheartened, had never yet despaired of succeeding at last." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with four sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Jane Austen.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next four sentences in the distinctive voice of Jane Austen.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going four sentences at a time, also im going for a Jane Austen sorta thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth's impatience to acquaint Jane with what had happened could no longer be overcome; and at length, resolving to suppress every particular in which her sister was concerned, and preparing her to be surprised, she related to her the next morning the chief of the scene between Mr. Darcy and herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Bennet's astonishment was soon lessened by the strong sisterly partiality which made any admiration of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural; and all surprise was shortly lost in other feelings. She was sorry that Mr. Darcy should have delivered his sentiments in a manner so little suited to recommend them; but still more was she grieved for the unhappiness which her sister's refusal must have given him.\n\n\"His being so sure of succeeding was wrong,\" said she, \"and certainly ought not to have appeared; but consider how much it must increase his disappointment!\"\n\n\"Indeed,\" replied Elizabeth, \"I am heartily sorry for him; but he has other feelings, which will probably soon drive away his regard for me. You do not blame me, however, for refusing him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Blame you! Oh, no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you blame me for having spoken so warmly of Wickham?\"\n\n\"No—I do not know that you were wrong in saying what you did.\"\n\n\"But you will know it, when I tell you what happened the very next day.\"\n\nShe then spoke of the letter, repeating the whole of its contents as far as they concerned George Wickham." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a stroke was this for poor Jane!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "who would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole race of mankind, as was here collected in one individual. Nor was Darcy's vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of consoling her for such discovery. Most earnestly did she labour to prove the probability of error, and seek to clear the one without involving the other.\n\n\"This will not do,\" said Elizabeth; \"you never will be able to make both of them good for anything. Take your choice, but you must be satisfied with only one. There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man; and of late it has been shifting about pretty much. For my part, I am inclined to believe it all Darcy's; but you shall do as you choose.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was some time, however, before a smile could be extorted from Jane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not know when I have been more shocked,\" said she. \"Wickham so very bad! It is almost past belief. And poor Mr. Darcy! Dear Lizzy, only consider what he must have suffered. Such a disappointment! and with the knowledge of your ill opinion, too! and having to relate such a thing of his sister! It is really too distressing. I am sure you must feel it so.\"\n\n\"Oh! no, my regret and compassion are all done away by seeing you so full of both. I know you will do him such ample justice, that I am growing every moment more unconcerned and indifferent. Your profusion makes me saving; and if you lament over him much longer, my heart will be as light as a feather.\"\n\n\"Poor Wickham! there is such an expression of goodness in his countenance! such an openness and gentleness in his manner!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I never thought Mr. Darcy so deficient in the appearance of it as you used to do.\"\n\n\"And yet I meant to be uncommonly clever in taking so decided a dislike to him, without any reason. It is such a spur to one's genius, such an opening for wit, to have a dislike of that kind. One may be continually abusive without saying anything just; but one cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.\"\n\n\"Lizzy, when you first read that letter, I am sure you could not treat the matter as you do now.\"\n\n\"Indeed, I could not. I was uncomfortable enough, I may say unhappy. And with no one to speak to about what I felt, no Jane to comfort me and say that I had not been so very weak and vain and nonsensical as I knew I had! Oh! how I wanted you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How unfortunate that you should have used such very strong expressions in speaking of Wickham to Mr. Darcy, for now they do appear wholly undeserved.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Certainly. But the misfortune of speaking with bitterness is a most natural consequence of the prejudices I had been encouraging. There is one point on which I want your advice. I want to be told whether I ought, or ought not, to make our acquaintances in general understand Wickham's character.\"\n\nMiss Bennet paused a little, and then replied, \"Surely there can be no occasion for exposing him so dreadfully. What is your opinion?\"\n\n\"That it ought not to be attempted. Mr. Darcy has not authorised me to make his communication public. On the contrary, every particular relative to his sister was meant to be kept as much as possible to myself; and if I endeavour to undeceive people as to the rest of his conduct, who will believe me? The general prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so violent, that it would be the death of half the good people in Meryton to attempt to place him in an amiable light. I am not equal to it. Wickham will soon be gone; and therefore it will not signify to anyone here what he really is. Some time hence it will be all found out, and then we may laugh at their stupidity in not knowing it before. At present I will say nothing about it.\"\n\n\"You are quite right. To have his errors made public might ruin him for ever. He is now, perhaps, sorry for what he has done, and anxious to re-establish a character. We must not make him desperate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tumult of Elizabeth's mind was allayed by this conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had got rid of two of the secrets which had weighed on her for a fortnight, and was certain of a willing listener in Jane, whenever she might wish to talk again of either. But there was still something lurking behind, of which prudence forbade the disclosure. She dared not relate the other half of Mr. Darcy's letter, nor explain to her sister how sincerely she had been valued by her friend. Here was knowledge in which no one could partake; and she was sensible that nothing less than a perfect understanding between the parties could justify her in throwing off this last encumbrance of mystery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And then,\" said she, \"if that very improbable event should ever take place, I shall merely be able to tell what Bingley may tell in a much more agreeable manner himself. The liberty of communication cannot be mine till it has lost all its value!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was now, on being settled at home, at leisure to observe the real state of her sister's spirits. Jane was not happy. She still cherished a very tender affection for Bingley. Having never even fancied herself in love before, her regard had all the warmth of first attachment, and, from her age and disposition, greater steadiness than most first attachments often boast; and so fervently did she value his remembrance, and prefer him to every other man, that all her good sense, and all her attention to the feelings of her friends, were requisite to check the indulgence of those regrets which must have been injurious to her own health and their tranquillity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, Lizzy,\" said Mrs. Bennet one day, \"what is your opinion now of this sad business of Jane's? For my part, I am determined never to speak of it again to anybody. I told my sister Phillips so the other day. But I cannot find out that Jane saw anything of him in London. Well, he is a very undeserving young man—and I do not suppose there's the least chance in the world of her ever getting him now. There is no talk of his coming to Netherfield again in the summer; and I have inquired of everybody, too, who is likely to know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not believe he will ever live at Netherfield any more.\"\n\n\"Oh well! it is just as he chooses. Nobody wants him to come. Though I shall always say he used my daughter extremely ill; and if I was her, I would not have put up with it. Well, my comfort is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken heart; and then he will be sorry for what he has done.\"\n\nBut as Elizabeth could not receive comfort from any such expectation, she made no answer.\n\n\"Well, Lizzy,\" continued her mother, soon afterwards, \"and so the Collinses live very comfortable, do they? Well, well, I only hope it will last. And what sort of table do they keep? Charlotte is an excellent manager, I dare say. If she is half as sharp as her mother, she is saving enough. There is nothing extravagant in their housekeeping, I dare say.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding four sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first week of their return was soon gone. The second began. It was the last of the regiment's stay in Meryton, and all the young ladies in the neighbourhood were drooping apace. The dejection was almost universal. The elder Miss Bennets alone were still able to eat, drink, and sleep, and pursue the usual course of their employments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Very frequently were they reproached for this insensibility by Kitty and Lydia, whose own misery was extreme, and who could not comprehend such hard-heartedness in any of the family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good Heaven! what is to become of us? What are we to do?\" would they often exclaim in the bitterness of woe. \"How can you be smiling so, Lizzy?\"\n\nTheir affectionate mother shared all their grief; she remembered what she had herself endured on a similar occasion, five-and-twenty years ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sure,\" said she, \"I cried for two days together when Colonel Miller's regiment went away. I thought I should have broken my heart.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am sure I shall break mine,\" said Lydia.\n\n\"If one could but go to Brighton!\" observed Mrs. Bennet.\n\n\"Oh, yes!—if one could but go to Brighton! But papa is so disagreeable.\"\n\n\"A little sea-bathing would set me up forever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And my aunt Phillips is sure it would do me a great deal of good,\" added Kitty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such were the kind of lamentations resounding perpetually through Longbourn House. Elizabeth tried to be diverted by them; but all sense of pleasure was lost in shame. She felt anew the justice of Mr. Darcy's objections; and never had she been so much disposed to pardon his interference in the views of his friend.\n\nBut the gloom of Lydia's prospect was shortly cleared away; for she received an invitation from Mrs. Forster, the wife of the colonel of the regiment, to accompany her to Brighton." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This invaluable friend was a very young woman, and very lately married." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A resemblance in good humour and good spirits had recommended her and Lydia to each other, and out of their three months' acquaintance they had been intimate two.\n\nThe rapture of Lydia on this occasion, her adoration of Mrs. Forster, the delight of Mrs. Bennet, and the mortification of Kitty, are scarcely to be described. Wholly inattentive to her sister's feelings, Lydia flew about the house in restless ecstasy, calling for everyone's congratulations, and laughing and talking with more violence than ever; whilst the luckless Kitty continued in the parlour repined at her fate in terms as unreasonable as her accent was peevish.\n\n\"I cannot see why Mrs. Forster should not ask me as well as Lydia,\" said she, \"Though I am not her particular friend. I have just as much right to be asked as she has, and more too, for I am two years older.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In vain did Elizabeth attempt to make her reasonable, and Jane to make her resigned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As for Elizabeth herself, this invitation was so far from exciting in her the same feelings as in her mother and Lydia, that she considered it as the death warrant of all possibility of common sense for the latter; and detestable as such a step must make her were it known, she could not help secretly advising her father not to let her go. She represented to him all the improprieties of Lydia's general behaviour, the little advantage she could derive from the friendship of such a woman as Mrs. Forster, and the probability of her being yet more imprudent with such a companion at Brighton, where the temptations must be greater than at home. He heard her attentively, and then said:\n\n\"Lydia will never be easy until she has exposed herself in some public place or other, and we can never expect her to do it with so little expense or inconvenience to her family as under the present circumstances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you were aware,\" said Elizabeth, \"of the very great disadvantage to us all which must arise from the public notice of Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner—nay, which has already arisen from it, I am sure you would judge differently in the affair.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Already arisen?\" repeated Mr. Bennet. \"What, has she frightened away some of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy! But do not be cast down. Such squeamish youths as cannot bear to be connected with a little absurdity are not worth a regret. Come, let me see the list of pitiful fellows who have been kept aloof by Lydia's folly.\"\n\n\"Indeed you are mistaken. I have no such injuries to resent. It is not of particular, but of general evils, which I am now complaining. Our importance, our respectability in the world must be affected by the wild volatility, the assurance and disdain of all restraint which mark Lydia's character. Excuse me, for I must speak plainly. If you, my dear father, will not take the trouble of checking her exuberant spirits, and of teaching her that her present pursuits are not to be the business of her life, she will soon be beyond the reach of amendment. Her character will be fixed, and she will, at sixteen, be the most determined flirt that ever made herself or her family ridiculous; a flirt, too, in the worst and meanest degree of flirtation; without any attraction beyond youth and a tolerable person; and, from the ignorance and emptiness of her mind, wholly unable to ward off any portion of that universal contempt which her rage for admiration will excite. In this danger Kitty also is comprehended. She will follow wherever Lydia leads. Vain, ignorant, idle, and absolutely uncontrolled! Oh! my dear father, can you suppose it possible that they will not be censured and despised wherever they are known, and that their sisters will not be often involved in the disgrace?\"\n\nMr. Bennet saw that her whole heart was in the subject, and affectionately taking her hand said in reply:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are known you must be respected and valued; and you will not appear to less advantage for having a couple of—or I may say, three—very silly sisters. We shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to Brighton. Let her go, then. Colonel Forster is a sensible man, and will keep her out of any real mischief; and she is luckily too poor to be an object of prey to anybody. At Brighton she will be of less importance even as a common flirt than she has been here. The officers will find women better worth their notice. Let us hope, therefore, that her being there may teach her her own insignificance. At any rate, she cannot grow many degrees worse, without authorising us to lock her up for the rest of her life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With this answer Elizabeth was forced to be content; but her own opinion continued the same, and she left him disappointed and sorry. It was not in her nature, however, to increase her vexations by dwelling on them. She was confident of having performed her duty, and to fret over unavoidable evils, or augment them by anxiety, was no part of her disposition.\n\nHad Lydia and her mother known the substance of her conference with her father, their indignation would hardly have found expression in their united volubility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In Lydia's imagination, a visit to Brighton comprised every possibility of earthly happiness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw, with the creative eye of fancy, the streets of that gay bathing-place covered with officers. She saw herself the object of attention, to tens and to scores of them at present unknown. She saw all the glories of the camp—its tents stretched forth in beauteous uniformity of lines, crowded with the young and the gay, and dazzling with scarlet; and, to complete the view, she saw herself seated beneath a tent, tenderly flirting with at least six officers at once.\n\nHad she known her sister sought to tear her from such prospects and such realities as these, what would have been her sensations?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They could have been understood only by her mother, who might have felt nearly the same." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lydia's going to Brighton was all that consoled her for her melancholy conviction of her husband's never intending to go there himself.\n\nBut they were entirely ignorant of what had passed; and their raptures continued, with little intermission, to the very day of Lydia's leaving home.\n\nElizabeth was now to see Mr. Wickham for the last time. Having been frequently in company with him since her return, agitation was pretty well over; the agitations of former partiality entirely so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had even learnt to detect, in the very gentleness which had first delighted her, an affectation and a sameness to disgust and weary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his present behaviour to herself, moreover, she had a fresh source of displeasure, for the inclination he soon testified of renewing those intentions which had marked the early part of their acquaintance could only serve, after what had since passed, to provoke her. She lost all concern for him in finding herself thus selected as the object of such idle and frivolous gallantry; and while she steadily repressed it, could not but feel the reproof contained in his believing, that however long, and for whatever cause, his attentions had been withdrawn, her vanity would be gratified, and her preference secured at any time by their renewal.\n\nOn the very last day of the regiment's remaining at Meryton, he dined, with other of the officers, at Longbourn; and so little was Elizabeth disposed to part from him in good humour, that on his making some inquiry as to the manner in which her time had passed at Hunsford, she mentioned Colonel Fitzwilliam's and Mr. Darcy's having both spent three weeks at Rosings, and asked him, if he was acquainted with the former.\n\nHe looked surprised, displeased, alarmed; but with a moment's recollection and a returning smile, replied, that he had formerly seen him often; and, after observing that he was a very gentlemanlike man, asked her how she had liked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her answer was warmly in his favour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With an air of indifference he soon afterwards added:\n\n\"How long did you say he was at Rosings?\"\n\n\"Nearly three weeks.\"\n\n\"And you saw him frequently?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, almost every day.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His manners are very different from his cousin's.\"\n\n\"Yes, very different. But I think Mr. Darcy improves upon acquaintance.\"\n\n\"Indeed!\" cried Mr. Wickham with a look which did not escape her. \"And pray, may I ask?—\" But checking himself, he added, in a gayer tone, \"Is it in address that he improves? Has he deigned to add aught of civility to his ordinary style?—for I dare not hope,\" he continued in a lower and more serious tone, \"that he is improved in essentials.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no!\" said Elizabeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In essentials, I believe, he is very much what he ever was.\"\n\nWhile she spoke, Wickham looked as if scarcely knowing whether to rejoice over her words, or to distrust their meaning. There was a something in her countenance which made him listen with an apprehensive and anxious attention, while she added:\n\n\"When I said that he improved on acquaintance, I did not mean that his mind or his manners were in a state of improvement, but that, from knowing him better, his disposition was better understood.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wickham's alarm now appeared in a heightened complexion and agitated look; for a few minutes he was silent, till, shaking off his embarrassment, he turned to her again, and said in the gentlest of accents:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You, who so well know my feeling towards Mr. Darcy, will readily comprehend how sincerely I must rejoice that he is wise enough to assume even the appearance of what is right. His pride, in that direction, may be of service, if not to himself, to many others, for it must only deter him from such foul misconduct as I have suffered by. I only fear that the sort of cautiousness to which you, I imagine, have been alluding, is merely adopted on his visits to his aunt, of whose good opinion and judgement he stands much in awe. His fear of her has always operated, I know, when they were together; and a good deal is to be imputed to his wish of forwarding the match with Miss de Bourgh, which I am certain he has very much at heart.\"\n\nElizabeth could not repress a smile at this, but she answered only by a slight inclination of the head. She saw that he wanted to engage her on the old subject of his grievances, and she was in no humour to indulge him. The rest of the evening passed with the appearance, on his side, of usual cheerfulness, but with no further attempt to distinguish Elizabeth; and they parted at last with mutual civility, and possibly a mutual desire of never meeting again." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Jane Austen and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family, she could not have formed a very pleasing opinion of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown. But Mr. Bennet was not of a disposition to seek comfort for the disappointment which his own imprudence had brought on, in any of those pleasures which too often console the unfortunate for their folly or their vice. He was fond of the country and of books; and from these tastes had arisen his principal enjoyments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his wife he was very little otherwise indebted, than as her ignorance and folly had contributed to his amusement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is not the sort of happiness which a man would in general wish to owe to his wife; but where other powers of entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will derive benefit from such as are given.\n\nElizabeth, however, had never been blind to the impropriety of her father's behaviour as a husband. She had always seen it with pain; but respecting his abilities, and grateful for his affectionate treatment of herself, she endeavoured to forget what she could not overlook, and to banish from her thoughts that continual breach of conjugal obligation and decorum which, in exposing his wife to the contempt of her own children, was so highly reprehensible. But she had never felt so strongly as now the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable a marriage, nor ever been so fully aware of the evils arising from so ill-judged a direction of talents; talents, which, rightly used, might at least have preserved the respectability of his daughters, even if incapable of enlarging the mind of his wife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Elizabeth had rejoiced over Wickham's departure she found little other cause for satisfaction in the loss of the regiment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their parties abroad were less varied than before, and at home she had a mother and sister whose constant repinings at the dullness of everything around them threw a real gloom over their domestic circle; and, though Kitty might in time regain her natural degree of sense, since the disturbers of her brain were removed, her other sister, from whose disposition greater evil might be apprehended, was likely to be hardened in all her folly and assurance by a situation of such double danger as a watering-place and a camp. Upon the whole, therefore, she found, what has been sometimes found before, that an event to which she had been looking with impatient desire did not, in taking place, bring all the satisfaction she had promised herself. It was consequently necessary to name some other period for the commencement of actual felicity—to have some other point on which her wishes and hopes might be fixed, and by again enjoying the pleasure of anticipation, console herself for the present, and prepare for another disappointment. Her tour to the Lakes was now the object of her happiest thoughts; it was her best consolation for all the uncomfortable hours which the discontentedness of her mother and Kitty made inevitable; and could she have included Jane in the scheme, every part of it would have been perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But it is fortunate,\" thought she, \"that I have something to wish for. Were the whole arrangement complete, my disappointment would be certain. But here, by carrying with me one ceaseless source of regret in my sister's absence, I may reasonably hope to have all my expectations of pleasure realised. A scheme of which every part promises delight can never be successful; and general disappointment is only warded off by the defence of some little peculiar vexation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Lydia went away she promised to write very often and very minutely to her mother and Kitty; but her letters were always long expected, and always very short. Those to her mother contained little else than that they were just returned from the library, where such and such officers had attended them, and where she had seen such beautiful ornaments as made her quite wild; that she had a new gown, or a new parasol, which she would have described more fully, but was obliged to leave off in a violent hurry, as Mrs. Forster called her, and they were going off to the camp; and from her correspondence with her sister, there was still less to be learnt—for her letters to Kitty, though rather longer, were much too full of lines under the words to be made public.\n\nAfter the first fortnight or three weeks of her absence, health, good humour, and cheerfulness began to reappear at Longbourn. Everything wore a happier aspect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The families who had been in town for the winter came back again, and summer finery and summer engagements arose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet was restored to her usual querulous serenity; and, by the middle of June, Kitty was so much recovered as to be able to enter Meryton without tears; an event of such happy promise as to make Elizabeth hope that by the following Christmas she might be so tolerably reasonable as not to mention an officer above once a day, unless, by some cruel and malicious arrangement at the War Office, another regiment should be quartered in Meryton.\n\nThe time fixed for the beginning of their northern tour was now fast approaching, and a fortnight only was wanting of it, when a letter arrived from Mrs. Gardiner, which at once delayed its commencement and curtailed its extent. Mr. Gardiner would be prevented by business from setting out till a fortnight later in July, and must be in London again within a month, and as that left too short a period for them to go so far, and see so much as they had proposed, or at least to see it with the leisure and comfort they had built on, they were obliged to give up the Lakes, and substitute a more contracted tour, and, according to the present plan, were to go no farther northwards than Derbyshire. In that county there was enough to be seen to occupy the chief of their three weeks; and to Mrs. Gardiner it had a peculiarly strong attraction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The town where she had formerly passed some years of her life, and where they were now to spend a few days, was probably as great an object of her curiosity as all the celebrated beauties of Matlock, Chatsworth, Dovedale, or the Peak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth was excessively disappointed; she had set her heart on seeing the Lakes, and still thought there might have been time enough. But it was her business to be satisfied—and certainly her temper to be happy; and all was soon right again.\n\nWith the mention of Derbyshire there were many ideas connected. It was impossible for her to see the word without thinking of Pemberley and its owner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But surely,\" said she, \"I may enter his county with impunity, and rob it of a few petrified spars without his perceiving me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The period of expectation was now doubled. Four weeks were to pass away before her uncle and aunt's arrival. But they did pass away, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with their four children, did at length appear at Longbourn. The children, two girls of six and eight years old, and two younger boys, were to be left under the particular care of their cousin Jane, who was the general favourite, and whose steady sense and sweetness of temper exactly adapted her for attending to them in every way—teaching them, playing with them, and loving them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Gardiners stayed only one night at Longbourn, and set off the next morning with Elizabeth in pursuit of novelty and amusement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One enjoyment was certain—that of suitableness of companions; a suitableness which comprehended health and temper to bear inconveniences—cheerfulness to enhance every pleasure—and affection and intelligence, which might supply it among themselves if there were disappointments abroad.\n\nIt is not the object of this work to give a description of Derbyshire, nor of any of the remarkable places through which their route thither lay; Oxford, Blenheim, Warwick, Kenilworth, Birmingham, etc. are sufficiently known. A small part of Derbyshire is all the present concern. To the little town of Lambton, the scene of Mrs. Gardiner's former residence, and where she had lately learned some acquaintance still remained, they bent their steps, after having seen all the principal wonders of the country; and within five miles of Lambton, Elizabeth found from her aunt that Pemberley was situated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not in their direct road, nor more than a mile or two out of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In talking over their route the evening before, Mrs. Gardiner expressed an inclination to see the place again. Mr. Gardiner declared his willingness, and Elizabeth was applied to for her approbation.\n\n\"My love, should not you like to see a place of which you have heard so much?\" said her aunt; \"a place, too, with which so many of your acquaintances are connected. Wickham passed all his youth there, you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was distressed. She felt that she had no business at Pemberley, and was obliged to assume a disinclination for seeing it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She must own that she was tired of seeing great houses; after going over so many, she really had no pleasure in fine carpets or satin curtains.\n\nMrs. Gardiner abused her stupidity. \"If it were merely a fine house richly furnished,\" said she, \"I should not care about it myself; but the grounds are delightful. They have some of the finest woods in the country.\"\n\nElizabeth said no more—but her mind could not acquiesce." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The possibility of meeting Mr. Darcy, while viewing the place, instantly occurred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would be dreadful! She blushed at the very idea, and thought it would be better to speak openly to her aunt than to run such a risk. But against this there were objections; and she finally resolved that it could be the last resource, if her private inquiries to the absence of the family were unfavourably answered.\n\nAccordingly, when she retired at night, she asked the chambermaid whether Pemberley were not a very fine place?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Jane Austen" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter.\n\nThe park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent.\n\nElizabeth's mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They gradually ascended for half-a-mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door; and, while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all her apprehension of meeting its owner returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dreaded lest the chambermaid had been mistaken. On applying to see the place, they were admitted into the hall; and Elizabeth, as they waited for the housekeeper, had leisure to wonder at her being where she was.\n\nThe housekeeper came; a respectable-looking elderly woman, much less fine, and more civil, than she had any notion of finding her. They followed her into the dining-parlour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a large, well proportioned room, handsomely fitted up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, after slightly surveying it, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. The hill, crowned with wood, which they had descended, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good; and she looked on the whole scene, the river, the trees scattered on its banks and the winding of the valley, as far as she could trace it, with delight. As they passed into other rooms these objects were taking different positions; but from every window there were beauties to be seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of its proprietor; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine; with less of splendour, and more real elegance, than the furniture of Rosings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And of this place,\" thought she, \"I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my uncle and aunt. But no,\"—recollecting herself—\"that could never be; my uncle and aunt would have been lost to me; I should not have been allowed to invite them.\"\n\nThis was a lucky recollection—it saved her from something very like regret.\n\nShe longed to inquire of the housekeeper whether her master was really absent, but had not the courage for it. At length however, the question was asked by her uncle; and she turned away with alarm, while Mrs. Reynolds replied that he was, adding, \"But we expect him to-morrow, with a large party of friends.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How rejoiced was Elizabeth that their own journey had not by any circumstance been delayed a day!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her aunt now called her to look at a picture. She approached and saw the likeness of Mr. Wickham, suspended, amongst several other miniatures, over the mantelpiece. Her aunt asked her, smilingly, how she liked it. The housekeeper came forward, and told them it was a picture of a young gentleman, the son of her late master's steward, who had been brought up by him at his own expense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is now gone into the army,\" she added; \"but I am afraid he has turned out very wild.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece with a smile, but Elizabeth could not return it.\n\n\"And that,\" said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the miniatures, \"is my master—and very like him. It was drawn at the same time as the other—about eight years ago.\"\n\n\"I have heard much of your master's fine person,\" said Mrs. Gardiner, looking at the picture; \"it is a handsome face. But, Lizzy, you can tell us whether it is like or not.\"\n\nMrs. Reynolds respect for Elizabeth seemed to increase on this intimation of her knowing her master." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does that young lady know Mr. Darcy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth coloured, and said: \"A little.\"\n\n\"And do not you think him a very handsome gentleman, ma'am?\"\n\n\"Yes, very handsome.\"\n\n\"I am sure I know none so handsome; but in the gallery up stairs you will see a finer, larger picture of him than this. This room was my late master's favourite room, and these miniatures are just as they used to be then. He was very fond of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This accounted to Elizabeth for Mr. Wickham's being among them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Miss Darcy, drawn when she was only eight years old.\n\n\"And is Miss Darcy as handsome as her brother?\" said Mrs. Gardiner.\n\n\"Oh! yes—the handsomest young lady that ever was seen; and so accomplished!—She plays and sings all day long. In the next room is a new instrument just come down for her—a present from my master; she comes here to-morrow with him.\"\n\nMr. Gardiner, whose manners were very easy and pleasant, encouraged her communicativeness by his questions and remarks; Mrs. Reynolds, either by pride or attachment, had evidently great pleasure in talking of her master and his sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is your master much at Pemberley in the course of the year?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not so much as I could wish, sir; but I dare say he may spend half his time here; and Miss Darcy is always down for the summer months.\"\n\n\"Except,\" thought Elizabeth, \"when she goes to Ramsgate.\"\n\n\"If your master would marry, you might see more of him.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir; but I do not know when that will be. I do not know who is good enough for him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth could not help saying, \"It is very much to his credit, I am sure, that you should think so.\"\n\n\"I say no more than the truth, and everybody will say that knows him,\" replied the other. Elizabeth thought this was going pretty far; and she listened with increasing astonishment as the housekeeper added, \"I have never known a cross word from him in my life, and I have known him ever since he was four years old.\"\n\nThis was praise, of all others most extraordinary, most opposite to her ideas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That he was not a good-tempered man had been her firmest opinion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her keenest attention was awakened; she longed to hear more, and was grateful to her uncle for saying:\n\n\"There are very few people of whom so much can be said. You are lucky in having such a master.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir, I know I am. If I were to go through the world, I could not meet with a better. But I have always observed, that they who are good-natured when children, are good-natured when they grow up; and he was always the sweetest-tempered, most generous-hearted boy in the world.\"\n\nElizabeth almost stared at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can this be Mr. Darcy?\" thought she." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His father was an excellent man,\" said Mrs. Gardiner.\n\n\"Yes, ma'am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him—just as affable to the poor.\"\n\nElizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for more. Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no other point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She related the subjects of the pictures, the dimensions of the rooms, and the price of the furniture, in vain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Gardiner, highly amused by the kind of family prejudice to which he attributed her excessive commendation of her master, soon led again to the subject; and she dwelt with energy on his many merits as they proceeded together up the great staircase.\n\n\"He is the best landlord, and the best master,\" said she, \"that ever lived; not like the wild young men nowadays, who think of nothing but themselves. There is not one of his tenants or servants but will give him a good name. Some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.\"\n\n\"In what an amiable light does this place him!\" thought Elizabeth.\n\n\"This fine account of him,\" whispered her aunt as they walked, \"is not quite consistent with his behaviour to our poor friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps we might be deceived.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is not very likely; our authority was too good.\"\n\nOn reaching the spacious lobby above they were shown into a very pretty sitting-room, lately fitted up with greater elegance and lightness than the apartments below; and were informed that it was but just done to give pleasure to Miss Darcy, who had taken a liking to the room when last at Pemberley.\n\n\"He is certainly a good brother,\" said Elizabeth, as she walked towards one of the windows.\n\nMrs. Reynolds anticipated Miss Darcy's delight, when she should enter the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And this is always the way with him,\" she added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever can give his sister any pleasure is sure to be done in a moment. There is nothing he would not do for her.\"\n\nThe picture-gallery, and two or three of the principal bedrooms, were all that remained to be shown. In the former were many good paintings; but Elizabeth knew nothing of the art; and from such as had been already visible below, she had willingly turned to look at some drawings of Miss Darcy's, in crayons, whose subjects were usually more interesting, and also more intelligible.\n\nIn the gallery there were many family portraits, but they could have little to fix the attention of a stranger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth walked in quest of the only face whose features would be known to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last it arrested her—and she beheld a striking resemblance to Mr. Darcy, with such a smile over the face as she remembered to have sometimes seen when he looked at her. She stood several minutes before the picture, in earnest contemplation, and returned to it again before they quitted the gallery. Mrs. Reynolds informed them that it had been taken in his father's lifetime.\n\nThere was certainly at this moment, in Elizabeth's mind, a more gentle sensation towards the original than she had ever felt at the height of their acquaintance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The commendation bestowed on him by Mrs. Reynolds was of no trifling nature." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant? As a brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many people's happiness were in his guardianship!—how much of pleasure or pain was it in his power to bestow!—how much of good or evil must be done by him! Every idea that had been brought forward by the housekeeper was favourable to his character, and as she stood before the canvas on which he was represented, and fixed his eyes upon herself, she thought of his regard with a deeper sentiment of gratitude than it had ever raised before; she remembered its warmth, and softened its impropriety of expression.\n\nWhen all of the house that was open to general inspection had been seen, they returned downstairs, and, taking leave of the housekeeper, were consigned over to the gardener, who met them at the hall-door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they walked across the hall towards the river, Elizabeth turned back to look again; her uncle and aunt stopped also, and while the former was conjecturing as to the date of the building, the owner of it himself suddenly came forward from the road, which led behind it to the stables." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of both were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immovable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.\n\nShe had instinctively turned away; but stopping on his approach, received his compliments with an embarrassment impossible to be overcome." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had his first appearance, or his resemblance to the picture they had just been examining, been insufficient to assure the other two that they now saw Mr. Darcy, the gardener's expression of surprise, on beholding his master, must immediately have told it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They stood a little aloof while he was talking to their niece, who, astonished and confused, scarcely dared lift her eyes to his face, and knew not what answer she returned to his civil inquiries after her family. Amazed at the alteration of his manner since they last parted, every sentence that he uttered was increasing her embarrassment; and every idea of the impropriety of her being found there recurring to her mind, the few minutes in which they continued were some of the most uncomfortable in her life. Nor did he seem much more at ease; when he spoke, his accent had none of its usual sedateness; and he repeated his inquiries as to the time of her having left Longbourn, and of her having stayed in Derbyshire, so often, and in so hurried a way, as plainly spoke the distraction of his thoughts.\n\nAt length every idea seemed to fail him; and, after standing a few moments without saying a word, he suddenly recollected himself, and took leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The others then joined her, and expressed admiration of his figure; but Elizabeth heard not a word, and wholly engrossed by her own feelings, followed them in silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was overpowered by shame and vexation. Her coming there was the most unfortunate, the most ill-judged thing in the world! How strange it must appear to him! In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so vain a man!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself in his way again!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh! why did she come? Or, why did he thus come a day before he was expected? Had they been only ten minutes sooner, they should have been beyond the reach of his discrimination; for it was plain that he was that moment arrived—that moment alighted from his horse or his carriage. She blushed again and again over the perverseness of the meeting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And his behaviour, so strikingly altered—what could it mean?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That he should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family! Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified, never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting. What a contrast did it offer to his last address in Rosings Park, when he put his letter into her hand! She knew not what to think, or how to account for it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had now entered a beautiful walk by the side of the water, and every step was bringing forward a nobler fall of ground, or a finer reach of the woods to which they were approaching; but it was some time before Elizabeth was sensible of any of it; and, though she answered mechanically to the repeated appeals of her uncle and aunt, and seemed to direct her eyes to such objects as they pointed out, she distinguished no part of the scene." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of Pemberley House, whichever it might be, where Mr. Darcy then was. She longed to know what at the moment was passing in his mind—in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defiance of everything, she was still dear to him. Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt himself at ease; yet there had been that in his voice which was not like ease. Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in seeing her she could not tell, but he certainly had not seen her with composure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length, however, the remarks of her companions on her absence of mind aroused her, and she felt the necessity of appearing more like herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They entered the woods, and bidding adieu to the river for a while, ascended some of the higher grounds; when, in spots where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander, were many charming views of the valley, the opposite hills, with the long range of woods overspreading many, and occasionally part of the stream. Mr. Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. With a triumphant smile they were told that it was ten miles round. It settled the matter; and they pursued the accustomed circuit; which brought them again, after some time, in a descent among hanging woods, to the edge of the water, and one of its narrowest parts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They crossed it by a simple bridge, in character with the general air of the scene; it was a spot less adorned than any they had yet visited; and the valley, here contracted into a glen, allowed room only for the stream, and a narrow walk amidst the rough coppice-wood which bordered it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth longed to explore its windings; but when they had crossed the bridge, and perceived their distance from the house, Mrs. Gardiner, who was not a great walker, could go no farther, and thought only of returning to the carriage as quickly as possible. Her niece was, therefore, obliged to submit, and they took their way towards the house on the opposite side of the river, in the nearest direction; but their progress was slow, for Mr. Gardiner, though seldom able to indulge the taste, was very fond of fishing, and was so much engaged in watching the occasional appearance of some trout in the water, and talking to the man about them, that he advanced but little. Whilst wandering on in this slow manner, they were again surprised, and Elizabeth's astonishment was quite equal to what it had been at first, by the sight of Mr. Darcy approaching them, and at no great distance. The walk here being here less sheltered than on the other side, allowed them to see him before they met." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, however astonished, was at least more prepared for an interview than before, and resolved to appear and to speak with calmness, if he really intended to meet them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a few moments, indeed, she felt that he would probably strike into some other path. The idea lasted while a turning in the walk concealed him from their view; the turning past, he was immediately before them. With a glance, she saw that he had lost none of his recent civility; and, to imitate his politeness, she began, as they met, to admire the beauty of the place; but she had not got beyond the words \"delightful,\" and \"charming,\" when some unlucky recollections obtruded, and she fancied that praise of Pemberley from her might be mischievously construed. Her colour changed, and she said no more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner was standing a little behind; and on her pausing, he asked her if she would do him the honour of introducing him to her friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a stroke of civility for which she was quite unprepared; and she could hardly suppress a smile at his being now seeking the acquaintance of some of those very people against whom his pride had revolted in his offer to herself. \"What will be his surprise,\" thought she, \"when he knows who they are? He takes them now for people of fashion.\"\n\nThe introduction, however, was immediately made; and as she named their relationship to herself, she stole a sly look at him, to see how he bore it, and was not without the expectation of his decamping as fast as he could from such disgraceful companions. That he was surprised by the connection was evident; he sustained it, however, with fortitude, and so far from going away, turned back with them, and entered into conversation with Mr. Gardiner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth could not but be pleased, could not but triumph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was consoling that he should know she had some relations for whom there was no need to blush. She listened most attentively to all that passed between them, and gloried in every expression, every sentence of her uncle, which marked his intelligence, his taste, or his good manners.\n\nThe conversation soon turned upon fishing; and she heard Mr. Darcy invite him, with the greatest civility, to fish there as often as he chose while he continued in the neighbourhood, offering at the same time to supply him with fishing tackle, and pointing out those parts of the stream where there was usually most sport. Mrs. Gardiner, who was walking arm-in-arm with Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of wonder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly; the compliment must be all for herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her astonishment, however, was extreme, and continually was she repeating, \"Why is he so altered? From what can it proceed? It cannot be for me—it cannot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford could not work such a change as this. It is impossible that he should still love me.\"\n\nAfter walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the two gentlemen behind, on resuming their places, after descending to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some curious water-plant, there chanced to be a little alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fatigued by the exercise of the morning, found Elizabeth's arm inadequate to her support, and consequently preferred her husband's. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and they walked on together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a short silence, the lady first spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wished him to know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to the place, and accordingly began by observing, that his arrival had been very unexpected—\"for your housekeeper,\" she added, \"informed us that you would certainly not be here till to-morrow; and indeed, before we left Bakewell, we understood that you were not immediately expected in the country.\" He acknowledged the truth of it all, and said that business with his steward had occasioned his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been travelling. \"They will join me early to-morrow,\" he continued, \"and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with you—Mr. Bingley and his sisters.\"\n\nElizabeth answered only by a slight bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her thoughts were instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley's name had been the last mentioned between them; and, if she might judge by his complexion, his mind was not very differently engaged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is also one other person in the party,\" he continued after a pause, \"who more particularly wishes to be known to you. Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?\"\n\nThe surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of being acquainted with her must be the work of her brother, and, without looking farther, it was satisfactory; it was gratifying to know that his resentment had not made him think really ill of her.\n\nThey now walked on in silence, each of them deep in thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was not comfortable; that was impossible; but she was flattered and pleased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His wish of introducing his sister to her was a compliment of the highest kind. They soon outstripped the others, and when they had reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were half a quarter of a mile behind.\n\nHe then asked her to walk into the house—but she declared herself not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. At such a time much might have been said, and silence was very awkward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wanted to talk, but there seemed to be an embargo on every subject." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last she recollected that she had been travelling, and they talked of Matlock and Dove Dale with great perseverance. Yet time and her aunt moved slowly—and her patience and her ideas were nearly worn out before the tete-a-tete was over. On Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's coming up they were all pressed to go into the house and take some refreshment; but this was declined, and they parted on each side with utmost politeness. Mr. Darcy handed the ladies into the carriage; and when it drove off, Elizabeth saw him walking slowly towards the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The observations of her uncle and aunt now began; and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is perfectly well behaved, polite, and unassuming,\" said her uncle.\n\n\"There is something a little stately in him, to be sure,\" replied her aunt, \"but it is confined to his air, and is not unbecoming. I can now say with the housekeeper, that though some people may call him proud, I have seen nothing of it.\"\n\n\"I was never more surprised than by his behaviour to us. It was more than civil; it was really attentive; and there was no necessity for such attention. His acquaintance with Elizabeth was very trifling.\"\n\n\"To be sure, Lizzy,\" said her aunt, \"he is not so handsome as Wickham; or, rather, he has not Wickham's countenance, for his features are perfectly good. But how came you to tell me that he was so disagreeable?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth excused herself as well as she could; said that she had liked him better when they had met in Kent than before, and that she had never seen him so pleasant as this morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities,\" replied her uncle. \"Your great men often are; and therefore I shall not take him at his word, as he might change his mind another day, and warn me off his grounds.\"\n\nElizabeth felt that they had entirely misunderstood his character, but said nothing.\n\n\"From what we have seen of him,\" continued Mrs. Gardiner, \"I really should not have thought that he could have behaved in so cruel a way by anybody as he has done by poor Wickham. He has not an ill-natured look. On the contrary, there is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks. And there is something of dignity in his countenance that would not give one an unfavourable idea of his heart. But, to be sure, the good lady who showed us his house did give him a most flaming character! I could hardly help laughing aloud sometimes. But he is a liberal master, I suppose, and that in the eye of a servant comprehends every virtue.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Jane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth had settled it that Mr. Darcy would bring his sister to visit her the very day after her reaching Pemberley; and was consequently resolved not to be out of sight of the inn the whole of that morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But her conclusion was false; for on the very morning after their arrival at Lambton, these visitors came. They had been walking about the place with some of their new friends, and were just returning to the inn to dress themselves for dining with the same family, when the sound of a carriage drew them to a window, and they saw a gentleman and a lady in a curricle driving up the street. Elizabeth immediately recognizing the livery, guessed what it meant, and imparted no small degree of her surprise to her relations by acquainting them with the honour which she expected. Her uncle and aunt were all amazement; and the embarrassment of her manner as she spoke, joined to the circumstance itself, and many of the circumstances of the preceding day, opened to them a new idea on the business." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing had ever suggested it before, but they felt that there was no other way of accounting for such attentions from such a quarter than by supposing a partiality for their niece." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While these newly-born notions were passing in their heads, the perturbation of Elizabeth's feelings was at every moment increasing. She was quite amazed at her own discomposure; but amongst other causes of disquiet, she dreaded lest the partiality of the brother should have said too much in her favour; and, more than commonly anxious to please, she naturally suspected that every power of pleasing would fail her.\n\nShe retreated from the window, fearful of being seen; and as she walked up and down the room, endeavouring to compose herself, saw such looks of inquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt as made everything worse.\n\nMiss Darcy and her brother appeared, and this formidable introduction took place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With astonishment did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since her being at Lambton, she had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud; but the observation of a very few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable.\n\nMiss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth; and, though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother; but there was sense and good humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, who had expected to find in her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as ever Mr. Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had not long been together before Mr. Darcy told her that Bingley was also coming to wait on her; and she had barely time to express her satisfaction, and prepare for such a visitor, when Bingley's quick step was heard on the stairs, and in a moment he entered the room. All Elizabeth's anger against him had been long done away; but had she still felt any, it could hardly have stood its ground against the unaffected cordiality with which he expressed himself on seeing her again. He inquired in a friendly, though general way, after her family, and looked and spoke with the same good-humoured ease that he had ever done.\n\nTo Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner he was scarcely a less interesting personage than to herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had long wished to see him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The whole party before them, indeed, excited a lively attention. The suspicions which had just arisen of Mr. Darcy and their niece directed their observation towards each with an earnest though guarded inquiry; and they soon drew from those inquiries the full conviction that one of them at least knew what it was to love. Of the lady's sensations they remained a little in doubt; but that the gentleman was overflowing with admiration was evident enough.\n\nElizabeth, on her side, had much to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wanted to ascertain the feelings of each of her visitors; she wanted to compose her own, and to make herself agreeable to all; and in the latter object, where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of success, for those to whom she endeavoured to give pleasure were prepossessed in her favour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bingley was ready, Georgiana was eager, and Darcy determined, to be pleased.\n\nIn seeing Bingley, her thoughts naturally flew to her sister; and, oh! how ardently did she long to know whether any of his were directed in a like manner. Sometimes she could fancy that he talked less than on former occasions, and once or twice pleased herself with the notion that, as he looked at her, he was trying to trace a resemblance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But, though this might be imaginary, she could not be deceived as to his behaviour to Miss Darcy, who had been set up as a rival to Jane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No look appeared on either side that spoke particular regard. Nothing occurred between them that could justify the hopes of his sister. On this point she was soon satisfied; and two or three little circumstances occurred ere they parted, which, in her anxious interpretation, denoted a recollection of Jane not untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of saying more that might lead to the mention of her, had he dared. He observed to her, at a moment when the others were talking together, and in a tone which had something of real regret, that it \"was a very long time since he had had the pleasure of seeing her;\" and, before she could reply, he added, \"It is above eight months. We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was pleased to find his memory so exact; and he afterwards took occasion to ask her, when unattended to by any of the rest, whether all her sisters were at Longbourn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was not much in the question, nor in the preceding remark; but there was a look and a manner which gave them meaning.\n\nIt was not often that she could turn her eyes on Mr. Darcy himself; but, whenever she did catch a glimpse, she saw an expression of general complaisance, and in all that he said she heard an accent so removed from hauteur or disdain of his companions, as convinced her that the improvement of manners which she had yesterday witnessed however temporary its existence might prove, had at least outlived one day. When she saw him thus seeking the acquaintance and courting the good opinion of people with whom any intercourse a few months ago would have been a disgrace—when she saw him thus civil, not only to herself, but to the very relations whom he had openly disdained, and recollected their last lively scene in Hunsford Parsonage—the difference, the change was so great, and struck so forcibly on her mind, that she could hardly restrain her astonishment from being visible. Never, even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield, or his dignified relations at Rosings, had she seen him so desirous to please, so free from self-consequence or unbending reserve, as now, when no importance could result from the success of his endeavours, and when even the acquaintance of those to whom his attentions were addressed would draw down the ridicule and censure of the ladies both of Netherfield and Rosings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their visitors stayed with them above half-an-hour; and when they arose to depart, Mr. Darcy called on his sister to join him in expressing their wish of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and Miss Bennet, to dinner at Pemberley, before they left the country." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Darcy, though with a diffidence which marked her little in the habit of giving invitations, readily obeyed. Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece, desirous of knowing how she, whom the invitation most concerned, felt disposed as to its acceptance, but Elizabeth had turned away her head. Presuming however, that this studied avoidance spoke rather a momentary embarrassment than any dislike of the proposal, and seeing in her husband, who was fond of society, a perfect willingness to accept it, she ventured to engage for her attendance, and the day after the next was fixed on.\n\nBingley expressed great pleasure in the certainty of seeing Elizabeth again, having still a great deal to say to her, and many inquiries to make after all their Hertfordshire friends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, construing all this into a wish of hearing her speak of her sister, was pleased, and on this account, as well as some others, found herself, when their visitors left them, capable of considering the last half-hour with some satisfaction, though while it was passing, the enjoyment of it had been little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eager to be alone, and fearful of inquiries or hints from her uncle and aunt, she stayed with them only long enough to hear their favourable opinion of Bingley, and then hurried away to dress.\n\nBut she had no reason to fear Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's curiosity; it was not their wish to force her communication. It was evident that she was much better acquainted with Mr. Darcy than they had before any idea of; it was evident that he was very much in love with her. They saw much to interest, but nothing to justify inquiry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of Mr. Darcy it was now a matter of anxiety to think well; and, as far as their acquaintance reached, there was no fault to find." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They could not be untouched by his politeness; and had they drawn his character from their own feelings and his servant's report, without any reference to any other account, the circle in Hertfordshire to which he was known would not have recognized it for Mr. Darcy. There was now an interest, however, in believing the housekeeper; and they soon became sensible that the authority of a servant who had known him since he was four years old, and whose own manners indicated respectability, was not to be hastily rejected. Neither had anything occurred in the intelligence of their Lambton friends that could materially lessen its weight. They had nothing to accuse him of but pride; pride he probably had, and if not, it would certainly be imputed by the inhabitants of a small market-town where the family did not visit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was acknowledged, however, that he was a liberal man, and did much good among the poor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With respect to Wickham, the travellers soon found that he was not held there in much estimation; for though the chief of his concerns with the son of his patron were imperfectly understood, it was yet a well-known fact that, on his quitting Derbyshire, he had left many debts behind him, which Mr. Darcy afterwards discharged.\n\nAs for Elizabeth, her thoughts were at Pemberley this evening more than the last; and the evening, though as it passed it seemed long, was not long enough to determine her feelings towards one in that mansion; and she lay awake two whole hours endeavouring to make them out. She certainly did not hate him. No; hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him, that could be so called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The respect created by the conviction of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some time ceased to be repugnant to her feeling; and it was now heightened into somewhat of a friendlier nature, by the testimony so highly in his favour, and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable a light, which yesterday had produced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But above all, above respect and esteem, there was a motive within her of goodwill which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude; gratitude, not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough to forgive all the petulance and acrimony of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations accompanying her rejection. He who, she had been persuaded, would avoid her as his greatest enemy, seemed, on this accidental meeting, most eager to preserve the acquaintance, and without any indelicate display of regard, or any peculiarity of manner, where their two selves only were concerned, was soliciting the good opinion of her friends, and bent on making her known to his sister. Such a change in a man of so much pride exciting not only astonishment but gratitude—for to love, ardent love, it must be attributed; and as such its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him, she felt a real interest in his welfare; and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare to depend upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, of bringing on her the renewal of his addresses." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been settled in the evening between the aunt and the niece, that such a striking civility as Miss Darcy's in coming to see them on the very day of her arrival at Pemberley, for she had reached it only to a late breakfast, ought to be imitated, though it could not be equalled, by some exertion of politeness on their side; and, consequently, that it would be highly expedient to wait on her at Pemberley the following morning. They were, therefore, to go. Elizabeth was pleased; though when she asked herself the reason, she had very little to say in reply.\n\nMr. Gardiner left them soon after breakfast. The fishing scheme had been renewed the day before, and a positive engagement made of his meeting some of the gentlemen at Pemberley before noon." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next four sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated in jealousy, she could not help feeling how unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would now be renewed.\n\nOn reaching the house, they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn.\n\nIn this house they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom she lived in London." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Georgiana's reception of them was very civil, but attended with all the embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner and her niece, however, did her justice, and pitied her.\n\nBy Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a curtsey; and, on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments. It was first broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either of the others; and between her and Mrs. Gardiner, with occasional help from Elizabeth, the conversation was carried on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence when there was least danger of its being heard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley, and that she could not speak a word, especially to Miss Darcy, without calling her attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This observation would not have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter, had they not been seated at an inconvenient distance; but she was not sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much. Her own thoughts were employing her. She expected every moment that some of the gentlemen would enter the room. She wished, she feared that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whether she wished or feared it most, she could scarcely determine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour without hearing Miss Bingley's voice, Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold inquiry after the health of her family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She answered with equal indifference and brevity, and the other said no more.\n\nThe next variation which their visit afforded was produced by the entrance of servants with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all the finest fruits in season; but this did not take place till after many a significant look and smile from Mrs. Annesley to Miss Darcy had been given, to remind her of her post. There was now employment for the whole party—for though they could not all talk, they could all eat; and the beautiful pyramids of grapes, nectarines, and peaches soon collected them round the table.\n\nWhile thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr. Darcy, by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room; and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes to predominate, she began to regret that he came." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been some time with Mr. Gardiner, who, with two or three other gentlemen from the house, was engaged by the river, and had left him only on learning that the ladies of the family intended a visit to Georgiana that morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No sooner did he appear than Elizabeth wisely resolved to be perfectly easy and unembarrassed; a resolution the more necessary to be made, but perhaps not the more easily kept, because she saw that the suspicions of the whole party were awakened against them, and that there was scarcely an eye which did not watch his behaviour when he first came into the room. In no countenance was attentive curiosity so strongly marked as in Miss Bingley's, in spite of the smiles which overspread her face whenever she spoke to one of its objects; for jealousy had not yet made her desperate, and her attentions to Mr. Darcy were by no means over. Miss Darcy, on her brother's entrance, exerted herself much more to talk, and Elizabeth saw that he was anxious for his sister and herself to get acquainted, and forwarded as much as possible, every attempt at conversation on either side. Miss Bingley saw all this likewise; and, in the imprudence of anger, took the first opportunity of saying, with sneering civility:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the ——shire Militia removed from Meryton? They must be a great loss to your family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Darcy's presence she dared not mention Wickham's name; but Elizabeth instantly comprehended that he was uppermost in her thoughts; and the various recollections connected with him gave her a moment's distress; but exerting herself vigorously to repel the ill-natured attack, she presently answered the question in a tolerably detached tone. While she spoke, an involuntary glance showed her Darcy, with a heightened complexion, earnestly looking at her, and his sister overcome with confusion, and unable to lift up her eyes. Had Miss Bingley known what pain she was then giving her beloved friend, she undoubtedly would have refrained from the hint; but she had merely intended to discompose Elizabeth by bringing forward the idea of a man to whom she believed her partial, to make her betray a sensibility which might injure her in Darcy's opinion, and, perhaps, to remind the latter of all the follies and absurdities by which some part of her family were connected with that corps. Not a syllable had ever reached her of Miss Darcy's meditated elopement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To no creature had it been revealed, where secrecy was possible, except to Elizabeth; and from all Bingley's connections her brother was particularly anxious to conceal it, from the very wish which Elizabeth had long ago attributed to him, of their becoming hereafter her own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had certainly formed such a plan, and without meaning that it should affect his endeavour to separate him from Miss Bennet, it is probable that it might add something to his lively concern for the welfare of his friend.\n\nElizabeth's collected behaviour, however, soon quieted his emotion; and as Miss Bingley, vexed and disappointed, dared not approach nearer to Wickham, Georgiana also recovered in time, though not enough to be able to speak any more. Her brother, whose eye she feared to meet, scarcely recollected her interest in the affair, and the very circumstance which had been designed to turn his thoughts from Elizabeth seemed to have fixed them on her more and more cheerfully.\n\nTheir visit did not continue long after the question and answer above mentioned; and while Mr. Darcy was attending them to their carriage Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person, behaviour, and dress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Georgiana would not join her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her brother's recommendation was enough to ensure her favour; his judgement could not err. And he had spoken in such terms of Elizabeth as to leave Georgiana without the power of finding her otherwise than lovely and amiable. When Darcy returned to the saloon, Miss Bingley could not help repeating to him some part of what she had been saying to his sister.\n\n\"How very ill Miss Eliza Bennet looks this morning, Mr. Darcy,\" she cried; \"I never in my life saw anyone so much altered as she is since the winter. She is grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and I were agreeing that we should not have known her again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "However little Mr. Darcy might have liked such an address, he contented himself with coolly replying that he perceived no other alteration than her being rather tanned, no miraculous consequence of travelling in the summer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For my own part,\" she rejoined, \"I must confess that I never could see any beauty in her. Her face is too thin; her complexion has no brilliancy; and her features are not at all handsome. Her nose wants character—there is nothing marked in its lines. Her teeth are tolerable, but not out of the common way; and as for her eyes, which have sometimes been called so fine, I could never see anything extraordinary in them. They have a sharp, shrewish look, which I do not like at all; and in her air altogether there is a self-sufficiency without fashion, which is intolerable.\"\n\nPersuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the best method of recommending herself; but angry people are not always wise; and in seeing him at last look somewhat nettled, she had all the success she expected. He was resolutely silent, however, and, from a determination of making him speak, she continued:\n\n\"I remember, when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty; and I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, 'She a beauty!—I should as soon call her mother a wit.' But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a letter from Jane on their first arrival at Lambton; and this disappointment had been renewed on each of the mornings that had now been spent there; but on the third her repining was over, and her sister justified, by the receipt of two letters from her at once, on one of which was marked that it had been missent elsewhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth was not surprised at it, as Jane had written the direction remarkably ill.\n\nThey had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in; and her uncle and aunt, leaving her to enjoy them in quiet, set off by themselves. The one missent must first be attended to; it had been written five days ago. The beginning contained an account of all their little parties and engagements, with such news as the country afforded; but the latter half, which was dated a day later, and written in evident agitation, gave more important intelligence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was to this effect:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature; but I am afraid of alarming you—be assured that we are all well. What I have to say relates to poor Lydia. An express came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed, from Colonel Forster, to inform us that she was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers; to own the truth, with Wickham! Imagine our surprise. To Kitty, however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected. I am very, very sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides! But I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been misunderstood. Thoughtless and indiscreet I can easily believe him, but this step (and let us rejoice over it) marks nothing bad at heart. His choice is disinterested at least, for he must know my father can give her nothing. Our poor mother is sadly grieved. My father bears it better. How thankful am I that we never let them know what has been said against him; we must forget it ourselves. They were off Saturday night about twelve, as is conjectured, but were not missed till yesterday morning at eight. The express was sent off directly. My dear Lizzy, they must have passed within ten miles of us. Colonel Forster gives us reason to expect him here soon. Lydia left a few lines for his wife, informing her of their intention. I must conclude, for I cannot be long from my poor mother. I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, but I hardly know what I have written.\"\n\nWithout allowing herself time for consideration, and scarcely knowing what she felt, Elizabeth on finishing this letter instantly seized the other, and opening it with the utmost impatience, read as follows: it had been written a day later than the conclusion of the first.\n\n\"By this time, my dearest sister, you have received my hurried letter; I wish this may be more intelligible, but though not confined for time, my head is so bewildered that I cannot answer for being coherent. Dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed. Imprudent as the marriage between Mr. Wickham and our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious to be assured it has taken place, for there is but too much reason to fear they are not gone to Scotland. Colonel Forster came yesterday, having left Brighton the day before, not many hours after the express. Though Lydia's short letter to Mrs. F. gave them to understand that they were going to Gretna Green, something was dropped by Denny expressing his belief that W. never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all, which was repeated to Colonel F., who, instantly taking the alarm, set off from B. intending to trace their route. He did trace them easily to Clapham, but no further; for on entering that place, they removed into a hackney coach, and dismissed the chaise that brought them from Epsom. All that is known after this is, that they were seen to continue the London road. I know not what to think. After making every possible inquiry on that side London, Colonel F. came on into Hertfordshire, anxiously renewing them at all the turnpikes, and at the inns in Barnet and Hatfield, but without any success—no such people had been seen to pass through. With the kindest concern he came on to Longbourn, and broke his apprehensions to us in a manner most creditable to his heart. I am sincerely grieved for him and Mrs. F., but no one can throw any blame on them. Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him. Many circumstances might make it more eligible for them to be married privately in town than to pursue their first plan; and even if he could form such a design against a young woman of Lydia's connections, which is not likely, can I suppose her so lost to everything? Impossible! I grieve to find, however, that Colonel F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he shook his head when I expressed my hopes, and said he feared W. was not a man to be trusted. My poor mother is really ill, and keeps her room. Could she exert herself, it would be better; but this is not to be expected. And as to my father, I never in my life saw him so affected. Poor Kitty has anger for having concealed their attachment; but as it was a matter of confidence, one cannot wonder. I am truly glad, dearest Lizzy, that you have been spared something of these distressing scenes; but now, as the first shock is over, shall I own that I long for your return? I am not so selfish, however, as to press for it, if inconvenient. Adieu! I take up my pen again to do what I have just told you I would not; but circumstances are such that I cannot help earnestly begging you all to come here as soon as possible. I know my dear uncle and aunt so well, that I am not afraid of requesting it, though I have still something more to ask of the former. My father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly, to try to discover her. What he means to do I am sure I know not; but his excessive distress will not allow him to pursue any measure in the best and safest way, and Colonel Forster is obliged to be at Brighton again to-morrow evening. In such an exigence, my uncle's advice and assistance would be everything in the world; he will immediately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.\"\n\n\"Oh! where, where is my uncle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "cried Elizabeth, darting from her seat as she finished the letter, in eagerness to follow him, without losing a moment of the time so precious; but as she reached the door it was opened by a servant, and Mr. Darcy appeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her pale face and impetuous manner made him start, and before he could recover himself to speak, she, in whose mind every idea was superseded by Lydia's situation, hastily exclaimed, \"I beg your pardon, but I must leave you. I must find Mr. Gardiner this moment, on business that cannot be delayed; I have not an instant to lose.\"\n\n\"Good God! what is the matter?\" cried he, with more feeling than politeness; then recollecting himself, \"I will not detain you a minute; but let me, or let the servant go after Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. You are not well enough; you cannot go yourself.\"\n\nElizabeth hesitated, but her knees trembled under her and she felt how little would be gained by her attempting to pursue them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Calling back the servant, therefore, she commissioned him, though in so breathless an accent as made her almost unintelligible, to fetch his master and mistress home instantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his quitting the room she sat down, unable to support herself, and looking so miserably ill, that it was impossible for Darcy to leave her, or to refrain from saying, in a tone of gentleness and commiseration, \"Let me call your maid. Is there nothing you could take to give you present relief? A glass of wine; shall I get you one? You are very ill.\"\n\n\"No, I thank you,\" she replied, endeavouring to recover herself. \"There is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well; I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from Longbourn.\"\n\nShe burst into tears as she alluded to it, and for a few minutes could not speak another word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Darcy, in wretched suspense, could only say something indistinctly of his concern, and observe her in compassionate silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length she spoke again. \"I have just had a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from anyone. My younger sister has left all her friends—has eloped; has thrown herself into the power of—of Mr. Wickham. They are gone off together from Brighton. You know him too well to doubt the rest. She has no money, no connections, nothing that can tempt him to—she is lost for ever.\"\n\nDarcy was fixed in astonishment. \"When I consider,\" she added in a yet more agitated voice, \"that I might have prevented it! I, who knew what he was. Had I but explained some part of it only—some part of what I learnt, to my own family! Had his character been known, this could not have happened. But it is all—all too late now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am grieved indeed,\" cried Darcy; \"grieved—shocked. But is it certain—absolutely certain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes! They left Brighton together on Sunday night, and were traced almost to London, but not beyond; they are certainly not gone to Scotland.\"\n\n\"And what has been done, what has been attempted, to recover her?\"\n\n\"My father is gone to London, and Jane has written to beg my uncle's immediate assistance; and we shall be off, I hope, in half-an-hour. But nothing can be done—I know very well that nothing can be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are they even to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. It is every way horrible!\"\n\nDarcy shook his head in silent acquiescence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When my eyes were opened to his real character—Oh! had I known what I ought, what I dared to do! But I knew not—I was afraid of doing too much. Wretched, wretched mistake!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Darcy made no answer. He seemed scarcely to hear her, and was walking up and down the room in earnest meditation, his brow contracted, his air gloomy. Elizabeth soon observed, and instantly understood it. Her power was sinking; everything must sink under such a proof of family weakness, such an assurance of the deepest disgrace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could neither wonder nor condemn, but the belief of his self-conquest brought nothing consolatory to her bosom, afforded no palliation of her distress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was, on the contrary, exactly calculated to make her understand her own wishes; and never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him, as now, when all love must be vain.\n\nBut self, though it would intrude, could not engross her. Lydia—the humiliation, the misery she was bringing on them all, soon swallowed up every private care; and covering her face with her handkerchief, Elizabeth was soon lost to everything else; and, after a pause of several minutes, was only recalled to a sense of her situation by the voice of her companion, who, in a manner which, though it spoke compassion, spoke likewise restraint, said, \"I am afraid you have been long desiring my absence, nor have I anything to plead in excuse of my stay, but real, though unavailing concern. Would to Heaven that anything could be either said or done on my part that might offer consolation to such distress! But I will not torment you with vain wishes, which may seem purposely to ask for your thanks. This unfortunate affair will, I fear, prevent my sister's having the pleasure of seeing you at Pemberley to-day.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. Be so kind as to apologise for us to Miss Darcy. Say that urgent business calls us home immediately. Conceal the unhappy truth as long as it is possible, I know it cannot be long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He readily assured her of his secrecy; again expressed his sorrow for her distress, wished it a happier conclusion than there was at present reason to hope, and leaving his compliments for her relations, with only one serious, parting look, went away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he quitted the room, Elizabeth felt how improbable it was that they should ever see each other again on such terms of cordiality as had marked their several meetings in Derbyshire; and as she threw a retrospective glance over the whole of their acquaintance, so full of contradictions and varieties, sighed at the perverseness of those feelings which would now have promoted its continuance, and would formerly have rejoiced in its termination.\n\nIf gratitude and esteem are good foundations of affection, Elizabeth's change of sentiment will be neither improbable nor faulty. But if otherwise—if regard springing from such sources is unreasonable or unnatural, in comparison of what is so often described as arising on a first interview with its object, and even before two words have been exchanged, nothing can be said in her defence, except that she had given somewhat of a trial to the latter method in her partiality for Wickham, and that its ill success might, perhaps, authorise her to seek the other less interesting mode of attachment. Be that as it may, she saw him go with regret; and in this early example of what Lydia's infamy must produce, found additional anguish as she reflected on that wretched business." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never, since reading Jane's second letter, had she entertained a hope of Wickham's meaning to marry her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one but Jane, she thought, could flatter herself with such an expectation. Surprise was the least of her feelings on this development. While the contents of the first letter remained in her mind, she was all surprise—all astonishment that Wickham should marry a girl whom it was impossible he could marry for money; and how Lydia could ever have attached him had appeared incomprehensible. But now it was all too natural." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For such an attachment as this she might have sufficient charms; and though she did not suppose Lydia to be deliberately engaging in an elopement without the intention of marriage, she had no difficulty in believing that neither her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had never perceived, while the regiment was in Hertfordshire, that Lydia had any partiality for him; but she was convinced that Lydia wanted only encouragement to attach herself to anybody. Sometimes one officer, sometimes another, had been her favourite, as their attentions raised them in her opinion. Her affections had continually been fluctuating but never without an object. The mischief of neglect and mistaken indulgence towards such a girl—oh!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "how acutely did she now feel it!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was wild to be at home—to hear, to see, to be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her, in a family so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable of exertion, and requiring constant attendance; and though almost persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the utmost importance, and till he entered the room her impatience was severe. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had hurried back in alarm, supposing by the servant's account that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying them instantly on that head, she eagerly communicated the cause of their summons, reading the two letters aloud, and dwelling on the postscript of the last with trembling energy.— Though Lydia had never been a favourite with them, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner could not but be deeply afflicted. Not Lydia only, but all were concerned in it; and after the first exclamations of surprise and horror, Mr. Gardiner promised every assistance in his power. Elizabeth, though expecting no less, thanked him with tears of gratitude; and all three being actuated by one spirit, everything relating to their journey was speedily settled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were to be off as soon as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what is to be done about Pemberley?\" cried Mrs. Gardiner. \"John told us Mr. Darcy was here when you sent for us; was it so?\"\n\n\"Yes; and I told him we should not be able to keep our engagement. That is all settled.\"\n\n\"What is all settled?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Jane Austen.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of Jane Austen.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a Jane Austen sorta thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have been thinking it over again, Elizabeth,\" said her uncle, as they drove from the town; \"and really, upon serious consideration, I am much more inclined than I was to judge as your eldest sister does on the matter. It appears to me so very unlikely that any young man should form such a design against a girl who is by no means unprotected or friendless, and who was actually staying in his colonel's family, that I am strongly inclined to hope the best. Could he expect that her friends would not step forward? Could he expect to be noticed again by the regiment, after such an affront to Colonel Forster? His temptation is not adequate to the risk!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you really think so?\" cried Elizabeth, brightening up for a moment.\n\n\"Upon my word,\" said Mrs. Gardiner, \"I begin to be of your uncle's opinion. It is really too great a violation of decency, honour, and interest, for him to be guilty of. I cannot think so very ill of Wickham. Can you yourself, Lizzy, so wholly give him up, as to believe him capable of it?\"\n\n\"Not, perhaps, of neglecting his own interest; but of every other neglect I can believe him capable. If, indeed, it should be so! But I dare not hope it. Why should they not go on to Scotland if that had been the case?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the first place,\" replied Mr. Gardiner, \"there is no absolute proof that they are not gone to Scotland.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! but their removing from the chaise into a hackney coach is such a presumption! And, besides, no traces of them were to be found on the Barnet road.\"\n\n\"Well, then—supposing them to be in London. They may be there, though for the purpose of concealment, for no more exceptional purpose. It is not likely that money should be very abundant on either side; and it might strike them that they could be more economically, though less expeditiously, married in London than in Scotland.\"\n\n\"But why all this secrecy? Why any fear of detection? Why must their marriage be private? Oh, no, no—this is not likely. His most particular friend, you see by Jane's account, was persuaded of his never intending to marry her. Wickham will never marry a woman without some money. He cannot afford it. And what claims has Lydia—what attraction has she beyond youth, health, and good humour that could make him, for her sake, forego every chance of benefiting himself by marrying well? As to what restraint the apprehensions of disgrace in the corps might throw on a dishonourable elopement with her, I am not able to judge; for I know nothing of the effects that such a step might produce. But as to your other objection, I am afraid it will hardly hold good. Lydia has no brothers to step forward; and he might imagine, from my father's behaviour, from his indolence and the little attention he has ever seemed to give to what was going forward in his family, that he would do as little, and think as little about it, as any father could do, in such a matter.\"\n\n\"But can you think that Lydia is so lost to everything but love of him as to consent to live with him on any terms other than marriage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It does seem, and it is most shocking indeed,\" replied Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes, \"that a sister's sense of decency and virtue in such a point should admit of doubt. But, really, I know not what to say. Perhaps I am not doing her justice. But she is very young; she has never been taught to think on serious subjects; and for the last half-year, nay, for a twelvemonth—she has been given up to nothing but amusement and vanity. She has been allowed to dispose of her time in the most idle and frivolous manner, and to adopt any opinions that came in her way. Since the ——shire were first quartered in Meryton, nothing but love, flirtation, and officers have been in her head. She has been doing everything in her power by thinking and talking on the subject, to give greater—what shall I call it? susceptibility to her feelings; which are naturally lively enough. And we all know that Wickham has every charm of person and address that can captivate a woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you see that Jane,\" said her aunt, \"does not think so very ill of Wickham as to believe him capable of the attempt.\"\n\n\"Of whom does Jane ever think ill? And who is there, whatever might be their former conduct, that she would think capable of such an attempt, till it were proved against them? But Jane knows, as well as I do, what Wickham really is. We both know that he has been profligate in every sense of the word; that he has neither integrity nor honour; that he is as false and deceitful as he is insinuating.\"\n\n\"And do you really know all this?\" cried Mrs. Gardiner, whose curiosity as to the mode of her intelligence was all alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do indeed,\" replied Elizabeth, colouring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told you, the other day, of his infamous behaviour to Mr. Darcy; and you yourself, when last at Longbourn, heard in what manner he spoke of the man who had behaved with such forbearance and liberality towards him. And there are other circumstances which I am not at liberty—which it is not worth while to relate; but his lies about the whole Pemberley family are endless. From what he said of Miss Darcy I was thoroughly prepared to see a proud, reserved, disagreeable girl. Yet he knew to the contrary himself. He must know that she was as amiable and unpretending as we have found her.\"\n\n\"But does Lydia know nothing of this? can she be ignorant of what you and Jane seem so well to understand?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes!—that, that is the worst of all. Till I was in Kent, and saw so much both of Mr. Darcy and his relation Colonel Fitzwilliam, I was ignorant of the truth myself. And when I returned home, the ——shire was to leave Meryton in a week or fortnight's time. As that was the case, neither Jane, to whom I related the whole, nor I, thought it necessary to make our knowledge public; for of what use could it apparently be to any one, that the good opinion which all the neighbourhood had of him should then be overthrown? And even when it was settled that Lydia should go with Mrs. Forster, the necessity of opening her eyes to his character never occurred to me. That she could be in any danger from the deception never entered my head. That such a consequence as this could ensue, you may easily believe, was far enough from my thoughts.\"\n\n\"When they all removed to Brighton, therefore, you had no reason, I suppose, to believe them fond of each other?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not the slightest. I can remember no symptom of affection on either side; and had anything of the kind been perceptible, you must be aware that ours is not a family on which it could be thrown away. When first he entered the corps, she was ready enough to admire him; but so we all were. Every girl in or near Meryton was out of her senses about him for the first two months; but he never distinguished her by any particular attention; and, consequently, after a moderate period of extravagant and wild admiration, her fancy for him gave way, and others of the regiment, who treated her with more distinction, again became her favourites.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It may be easily believed, that however little of novelty could be added to their fears, hopes, and conjectures, on this interesting subject, by its repeated discussion, no other could detain them from it long, during the whole of the journey. From Elizabeth's thoughts it was never absent. Fixed there by the keenest of all anguish, self-reproach, she could find no interval of ease or forgetfulness.\n\nThey travelled as expeditiously as possible, and, sleeping one night on the road, reached Longbourn by dinner time the next day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a comfort to Elizabeth to consider that Jane could not have been wearied by long expectations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little Gardiners, attracted by the sight of a chaise, were standing on the steps of the house as they entered the paddock; and, when the carriage drove up to the door, the joyful surprise that lighted up their faces, and displayed itself over their whole bodies, in a variety of capers and frisks, was the first pleasing earnest of their welcome.\n\nElizabeth jumped out; and, after giving each of them a hasty kiss, hurried into the vestibule, where Jane, who came running down from her mother's apartment, immediately met her.\n\nElizabeth, as she affectionately embraced her, whilst tears filled the eyes of both, lost not a moment in asking whether anything had been heard of the fugitives.\n\n\"Not yet,\" replied Jane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But now that my dear uncle is come, I hope everything will be well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is my father in town?\"\n\n\"Yes, he went on Tuesday, as I wrote you word.\"\n\n\"And have you heard from him often?\"\n\n\"We have heard only twice. He wrote me a few lines on Wednesday to say that he had arrived in safety, and to give me his directions, which I particularly begged him to do. He merely added that he should not write again till he had something of importance to mention.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And my mother—how is she? How are you all?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My mother is tolerably well, I trust; though her spirits are greatly shaken. She is up stairs and will have great satisfaction in seeing you all. She does not yet leave her dressing-room. Mary and Kitty, thank Heaven, are quite well.\"\n\n\"But you—how are you?\" cried Elizabeth. \"You look pale. How much you must have gone through!\"\n\nHer sister, however, assured her of her being perfectly well; and their conversation, which had been passing while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were engaged with their children, was now put an end to by the approach of the whole party." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane ran to her uncle and aunt, and welcomed and thanked them both, with alternate smiles and tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they were all in the drawing-room, the questions which Elizabeth had already asked were of course repeated by the others, and they soon found that Jane had no intelligence to give. The sanguine hope of good, however, which the benevolence of her heart suggested had not yet deserted her; she still expected that it would all end well, and that every morning would bring some letter, either from Lydia or her father, to explain their proceedings, and, perhaps, announce their marriage.\n\nMrs. Bennet, to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few minutes' conversation together, received them exactly as might be expected; with tears and lamentations of regret, invectives against the villainous conduct of Wickham, and complaints of her own sufferings and ill-usage; blaming everybody but the person to whose ill-judging indulgence the errors of her daughter must principally be owing.\n\n\"If I had been able,\" said she, \"to carry my point in going to Brighton, with all my family, this would not have happened; but poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Why did the Forsters ever let her go out of their sight? I am sure there was some great neglect or other on their side, for she is not the kind of girl to do such a thing if she had been well looked after. I always thought they were very unfit to have the charge of her; but I was overruled, as I always am. Poor dear child! And now here's Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight Wickham, wherever he meets him and then he will be killed, and what is to become of us all? The Collinses will turn us out before he is cold in his grave, and if you are not kind to us, brother, I do not know what we shall do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all exclaimed against such terrific ideas; and Mr. Gardiner, after general assurances of his affection for her and all her family, told her that he meant to be in London the very next day, and would assist Mr. Bennet in every endeavour for recovering Lydia." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do not give way to useless alarm,\" added he; \"though it is right to be prepared for the worst, there is no occasion to look on it as certain. It is not quite a week since they left Brighton. In a few days more we may gain some news of them; and till we know that they are not married, and have no design of marrying, do not let us give the matter over as lost. As soon as I get to town I shall go to my brother, and make him come home with me to Gracechurch Street; and then we may consult together as to what is to be done.\"\n\n\"Oh! my dear brother,\" replied Mrs. Bennet, \"that is exactly what I could most wish for. And now do, when you get to town, find them out, wherever they may be; and if they are not married already, make them marry. And as for wedding clothes, do not let them wait for that, but tell Lydia she shall have as much money as she chooses to buy them, after they are married. And, above all, keep Mr. Bennet from fighting. Tell him what a dreadful state I am in, that I am frighted out of my wits—and have such tremblings, such flutterings, all over me—such spasms in my side and pains in my head, and such beatings at heart, that I can get no rest by night nor by day. And tell my dear Lydia not to give any directions about her clothes till she has seen me, for she does not know which are the best warehouses. Oh, brother, how kind you are! I know you will contrive it all.\"\n\nBut Mr. Gardiner, though he assured her again of his earnest endeavours in the cause, could not avoid recommending moderation to her, as well in her hopes as her fear; and after talking with her in this manner till dinner was on the table, they all left her to vent all her feelings on the housekeeper, who attended in the absence of her daughters.\n\nThough her brother and sister were persuaded that there was no real occasion for such a seclusion from the family, they did not attempt to oppose it, for they knew that she had not prudence enough to hold her tongue before the servants, while they waited at table, and judged it better that one only of the household, and the one whom they could most trust should comprehend all her fears and solicitude on the subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the dining-room they were soon joined by Mary and Kitty, who had been too busily engaged in their separate apartments to make their appearance before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One came from her books, and the other from her toilette. The faces of both, however, were tolerably calm; and no change was visible in either, except that the loss of her favourite sister, or the anger which she had herself incurred in this business, had given more of fretfulness than usual to the accents of Kitty. As for Mary, she was mistress enough of herself to whisper to Elizabeth, with a countenance of grave reflection, soon after they were seated at table:\n\n\"This is a most unfortunate affair, and will probably be much talked of. But we must stem the tide of malice, and pour into the wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly consolation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, perceiving in Elizabeth no inclination of replying, she added, \"Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia, we may draw from it this useful lesson: that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable; that one false step involves her in endless ruin; that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful; and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth lifted up her eyes in amazement, but was too much oppressed to make any reply. Mary, however, continued to console herself with such kind of moral extractions from the evil before them.\n\nIn the afternoon, the two elder Miss Bennets were able to be for half-an-hour by themselves; and Elizabeth instantly availed herself of the opportunity of making any inquiries, which Jane was equally eager to satisfy. After joining in general lamentations over the dreadful sequel of this event, which Elizabeth considered as all but certain, and Miss Bennet could not assert to be wholly impossible, the former continued the subject, by saying, \"But tell me all and everything about it which I have not already heard. Give me further particulars. What did Colonel Forster say? Had they no apprehension of anything before the elopement took place? They must have seen them together for ever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Colonel Forster did own that he had often suspected some partiality, especially on Lydia's side, but nothing to give him any alarm. I am so grieved for him! His behaviour was attentive and kind to the utmost. He was coming to us, in order to assure us of his concern, before he had any idea of their not being gone to Scotland: when that apprehension first got abroad, it hastened his journey.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And was Denny convinced that Wickham would not marry? Did he know of their intending to go off? Had Colonel Forster seen Denny himself?\"\n\n\"Yes; but, when questioned by him, Denny denied knowing anything of their plans, and would not give his real opinion about it. He did not repeat his persuasion of their not marrying—and from that, I am inclined to hope, he might have been misunderstood before.\"\n\n\"And till Colonel Forster came himself, not one of you entertained a doubt, I suppose, of their being really married?\"\n\n\"How was it possible that such an idea should enter our brains? I felt a little uneasy—a little fearful of my sister's happiness with him in marriage, because I knew that his conduct had not been always quite right. My father and mother knew nothing of that; they only felt how imprudent a match it must be. Kitty then owned, with a very natural triumph on knowing more than the rest of us, that in Lydia's last letter she had prepared her for such a step. She had known, it seems, of their being in love with each other, many weeks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But not before they went to Brighton?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I believe not.\"\n\n\"And did Colonel Forster appear to think well of Wickham himself? Does he know his real character?\"\n\n\"I must confess that he did not speak so well of Wickham as he formerly did. He believed him to be imprudent and extravagant. And since this sad affair has taken place, it is said that he left Meryton greatly in debt; but I hope this may be false.\"\n\n\"Oh, Jane, had we been less secret, had we told what we knew of him, this could not have happened!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps it would have been better,\" replied her sister." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But to expose the former faults of any person without knowing what their present feelings were, seemed unjustifiable. We acted with the best intentions.\"\n\n\"Could Colonel Forster repeat the particulars of Lydia's note to his wife?\"\n\n\"He brought it with him for us to see.\"\n\nJane then took it from her pocket-book, and gave it to Elizabeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These were the contents:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"MY DEAR HARRIET,\"\n\n\"You will laugh when you know where I am gone, and I cannot help laughing myself at your surprise to-morrow morning, as soon as I am missed. I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess with who, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love, and he is an angel. I should never be happy without him, so think it no harm to be off. You need not send them word at Longbourn of my going, if you do not like it, for it will make the surprise the greater, when I write to them and sign my name 'Lydia Wickham.' What a good joke it will be! I can hardly write for laughing. Pray make my excuses to Pratt for not keeping my engagement, and dancing with him to-night. Tell him I hope he will excuse me when he knows all; and tell him I will dance with him at the next ball we meet, with great pleasure. I shall send for my clothes when I get to Longbourn; but I wish you would tell Sally to mend a great slit in my worked muslin gown before they are packed up. Good-bye. Give my love to Colonel Forster. I hope you will drink to our good journey.\"\n\n\"Your affectionate friend,\"\n\n\"LYDIA BENNET.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh! thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "cried Elizabeth when she had finished it. \"What a letter is this, to be written at such a moment! But at least it shows that she was serious on the subject of their journey. Whatever he might afterwards persuade her to, it was not on her side a scheme of infamy. My poor father! how he must have felt it!\"\n\n\"I never saw anyone so shocked. He could not speak a word for full ten minutes. My mother was taken ill immediately, and the whole house in such confusion!\"\n\n\"Oh! Jane,\" cried Elizabeth, \"was there a servant belonging to it who did not know the whole story before the end of the day?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not know. I hope there was. But to be guarded at such a time is very difficult. My mother was in hysterics, and though I endeavoured to give her every assistance in my power, I am afraid I did not do so much as I might have done! But the horror of what might possibly happen almost took from me my faculties.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your attendance upon her has been too much for you. You do not look well. Oh that I had been with you! you have had every care and anxiety upon yourself alone.\"\n\n\"Mary and Kitty have been very kind, and would have shared in every fatigue, I am sure; but I did not think it right for either of them. Kitty is slight and delicate; and Mary studies so much, that her hours of repose should not be broken in on. My aunt Phillips came to Longbourn on Tuesday, after my father went away; and was so good as to stay till Thursday with me. She was of great use and comfort to us all. And Lady Lucas has been very kind; she walked here on Wednesday morning to condole with us, and offered her services, or any of her daughters', if they should be of use to us.\"\n\n\"She had better have stayed at home,\" cried Elizabeth; \"perhaps she meant well, but, under such a misfortune as this, one cannot see too little of one's neighbours. Assistance is impossible; condolence insufferable. Let them triumph over us at a distance, and be satisfied.\"\n\nShe then proceeded to inquire into the measures which her father had intended to pursue, while in town, for the recovery of his daughter.\n\n\"He meant I believe,\" replied Jane, \"to go to Epsom, the place where they last changed horses, see the postilions and try if anything could be made out from them. His principal object must be to discover the number of the hackney coach which took them from Clapham. It had come with a fare from London; and as he thought that the circumstance of a gentleman and lady's removing from one carriage into another might be remarked he meant to make inquiries at Clapham. If he could anyhow discover at what house the coachman had before set down his fare, he determined to make inquiries there, and hoped it might not be impossible to find out the stand and number of the coach. I do not know of any other designs that he had formed; but he was in such a hurry to be gone, and his spirits so greatly discomposed, that I had difficulty in finding out even so much as this.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The whole party were in hopes of a letter from Mr. Bennet the next morning, but the post came in without bringing a single line from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His family knew him to be, on all common occasions, a most negligent and dilatory correspondent; but at such a time they had hoped for exertion. They were forced to conclude that he had no pleasing intelligence to send; but even of that they would have been glad to be certain. Mr. Gardiner had waited only for the letters before he set off.\n\nWhen he was gone, they were certain at least of receiving constant information of what was going on, and their uncle promised, at parting, to prevail on Mr. Bennet to return to Longbourn, as soon as he could, to the great consolation of his sister, who considered it as the only security for her husband's not being killed in a duel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner and the children were to remain in Hertfordshire a few days longer, as the former thought her presence might be serviceable to her nieces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shared in their attendance on Mrs. Bennet, and was a great comfort to them in their hours of freedom. Their other aunt also visited them frequently, and always, as she said, with the design of cheering and heartening them up—though, as she never came without reporting some fresh instance of Wickham's extravagance or irregularity, she seldom went away without leaving them more dispirited than she found them.\n\nAll Meryton seemed striving to blacken the man who, but three months before, had been almost an angel of light. He was declared to be in debt to every tradesman in the place, and his intrigues, all honoured with the title of seduction, had been extended into every tradesman's family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everybody declared that he was the wickedest young man in the world; and everybody began to find out that they had always distrusted the appearance of his goodness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, though she did not credit above half of what was said, believed enough to make her former assurance of her sister's ruin more certain; and even Jane, who believed still less of it, became almost hopeless, more especially as the time was now come when, if they had gone to Scotland, which she had never before entirely despaired of, they must in all probability have gained some news of them.\n\nMr. Gardiner left Longbourn on Sunday; on Tuesday his wife received a letter from him; it told them that, on his arrival, he had immediately found out his brother, and persuaded him to come to Gracechurch Street; that Mr. Bennet had been to Epsom and Clapham, before his arrival, but without gaining any satisfactory information; and that he was now determined to inquire at all the principal hotels in town, as Mr. Bennet thought it possible they might have gone to one of them, on their first coming to London, before they procured lodgings. Mr. Gardiner himself did not expect any success from this measure, but as his brother was eager in it, he meant to assist him in pursuing it. He added that Mr. Bennet seemed wholly disinclined at present to leave London and promised to write again very soon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was also a postscript to this effect:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have written to Colonel Forster to desire him to find out, if possible, from some of the young man's intimates in the regiment, whether Wickham has any relations or connections who would be likely to know in what part of town he has now concealed himself. If there were anyone that one could apply to with a probability of gaining such a clue as that, it might be of essential consequence. At present we have nothing to guide us. Colonel Forster will, I dare say, do everything in his power to satisfy us on this head. But, on second thoughts, perhaps, Lizzy could tell us what relations he has now living, better than any other person.\"\n\nElizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence this deference to her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give any information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment deserved. She had never heard of his having had any relations, except a father and mother, both of whom had been dead many years. It was possible, however, that some of his companions in the ——shire might be able to give more information; and though she was not very sanguine in expecting it, the application was a something to look forward to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every day at Longbourn was now a day of anxiety; but the most anxious part of each was when the post was expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The arrival of letters was the grand object of every morning's impatience. Through letters, whatever of good or bad was to be told would be communicated, and every succeeding day was expected to bring some news of importance.\n\nBut before they heard again from Mr. Gardiner, a letter arrived for their father, from a different quarter, from Mr. Collins; which, as Jane had received directions to open all that came for him in his absence, she accordingly read; and Elizabeth, who knew what curiosities his letters always were, looked over her, and read it likewise. It was as follows:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"MY DEAR SIR,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I feel myself called upon, by our relationship, and my situation in life, to condole with you on the grievous affliction you are now suffering under, of which we were yesterday informed by a letter from Hertfordshire. Be assured, my dear sir, that Mrs. Collins and myself sincerely sympathise with you and all your respectable family, in your present distress, which must be of the bitterest kind, because proceeding from a cause which no time can remove. No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune—or that may comfort you, under a circumstance that must be of all others the most afflicting to a parent's mind. The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this. And it is the more to be lamented, because there is reason to suppose as my dear Charlotte informs me, that this licentiousness of behaviour in your daughter has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence; though, at the same time, for the consolation of yourself and Mrs. Bennet, I am inclined to think that her own disposition must be naturally bad, or she could not be guilty of such an enormity, at so early an age. Howsoever that may be, you are grievously to be pitied; in which opinion I am not only joined by Mrs. Collins, but likewise by Lady Catherine and her daughter, to whom I have related the affair. They agree with me in apprehending that this false step in one daughter will be injurious to the fortunes of all the others; for who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family? And this consideration leads me moreover to reflect, with augmented satisfaction, on a certain event of last November; for had it been otherwise, I must have been involved in all your sorrow and disgrace. Let me then advise you, dear sir, to console yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offense.\"\n\n\"I am, dear sir, etc., etc.\"\n\nMr. Gardiner did not write again till he had received an answer from Colonel Forster; and then he had nothing of a pleasant nature to send. It was not known that Wickham had a single relationship with whom he kept up any connection, and it was certain that he had no near one living." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His former acquaintances had been numerous; but since he had been in the militia, it did not appear that he was on terms of particular friendship with any of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no one, therefore, who could be pointed out as likely to give any news of him. And in the wretched state of his own finances, there was a very powerful motive for secrecy, in addition to his fear of discovery by Lydia's relations, for it had just transpired that he had left gaming debts behind him to a very considerable amount. Colonel Forster believed that more than a thousand pounds would be necessary to clear his expenses at Brighton. He owed a good deal in town, but his debts of honour were still more formidable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Gardiner did not attempt to conceal these particulars from the Longbourn family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jane heard them with horror. \"A gamester!\" she cried. \"This is wholly unexpected. I had not an idea of it.\"\n\nMr. Gardiner added in his letter, that they might expect to see their father at home on the following day, which was Saturday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rendered spiritless by the ill-success of all their endeavours, he had yielded to his brother-in-law's entreaty that he would return to his family, and leave it to him to do whatever occasion might suggest to be advisable for continuing their pursuit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Mrs. Bennet was told of this, she did not express so much satisfaction as her children expected, considering what her anxiety for his life had been before.\n\n\"What, is he coming home, and without poor Lydia?\" she cried. \"Sure he will not leave London before he has found them. Who is to fight Wickham, and make him marry her, if he comes away?\"\n\nAs Mrs. Gardiner began to wish to be at home, it was settled that she and the children should go to London, at the same time that Mr. Bennet came from it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The coach, therefore, took them the first stage of their journey, and brought its master back to Longbourn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Gardiner went away in all the perplexity about Elizabeth and her Derbyshire friend that had attended her from that part of the world. His name had never been voluntarily mentioned before them by her niece; and the kind of half-expectation which Mrs. Gardiner had formed, of their being followed by a letter from him, had ended in nothing. Elizabeth had received none since her return that could come from Pemberley.\n\nThe present unhappy state of the family rendered any other excuse for the lowness of her spirits unnecessary; nothing, therefore, could be fairly conjectured from that, though Elizabeth, who was by this time tolerably well acquainted with her own feelings, was perfectly aware that, had she known nothing of Darcy, she could have borne the dread of Lydia's infamy somewhat better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would have spared her, she thought, one sleepless night out of two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Mr. Bennet arrived, he had all the appearance of his usual philosophic composure. He said as little as he had ever been in the habit of saying; made no mention of the business that had taken him away, and it was some time before his daughters had courage to speak of it.\n\nIt was not till the afternoon, when he had joined them at tea, that Elizabeth ventured to introduce the subject; and then, on her briefly expressing her sorrow for what he must have endured, he replied, \"Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it.\"\n\n\"You must not be too severe upon yourself,\" replied Elizabeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You may well warn me against such an evil. Human nature is so prone to fall into it! No, Lizzy, let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you suppose them to be in London?\"\n\n\"Yes; where else can they be so well concealed?\"\n\n\"And Lydia used to want to go to London,\" added Kitty.\n\n\"She is happy then,\" said her father drily; \"and her residence there will probably be of some duration.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then after a short silence he continued:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lizzy, I bear you no ill-will for being justified in your advice to me last May, which, considering the event, shows some greatness of mind.\"\n\nThey were interrupted by Miss Bennet, who came to fetch her mother's tea.\n\n\"This is a parade,\" he cried, \"which does one good; it gives such an elegance to misfortune! Another day I will do the same; I will sit in my library, in my nightcap and powdering gown, and give as much trouble as I can; or, perhaps, I may defer it till Kitty runs away.\"\n\n\"I am not going to run away, papa,\" said Kitty fretfully." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfour sentences\n\nStyle:\nJane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two days after Mr. Bennet's return, as Jane and Elizabeth were walking together in the shrubbery behind the house, they saw the housekeeper coming towards them, and, concluding that she came to call them to their mother, went forward to meet her; but, instead of the expected summons, when they approached her, she said to Miss Bennet, \"I beg your pardon, madam, for interrupting you, but I was in hopes you might have got some good news from town, so I took the liberty of coming to ask.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean, Hill? We have heard nothing from town.\"\n\n\"Dear madam,\" cried Mrs. Hill, in great astonishment, \"don't you know there is an express come for master from Mr. Gardiner? He has been here this half-hour, and master has had a letter.\"\n\nAway ran the girls, too eager to get in to have time for speech. They ran through the vestibule into the breakfast-room; from thence to the library; their father was in neither; and they were on the point of seeking him up stairs with their mother, when they were met by the butler, who said:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you are looking for my master, ma'am, he is walking towards the little copse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Upon this information, they instantly passed through the hall once more, and ran across the lawn after their father, who was deliberately pursuing his way towards a small wood on one side of the paddock.\n\nJane, who was not so light nor so much in the habit of running as Elizabeth, soon lagged behind, while her sister, panting for breath, came up with him, and eagerly cried out:\n\n\"Oh, papa, what news—what news? Have you heard from my uncle?\"\n\n\"Yes I have had a letter from him by express.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, and what news does it bring—good or bad?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is there of good to be expected?\" said he, taking the letter from his pocket. \"But perhaps you would like to read it.\"\n\nElizabeth impatiently caught it from his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane now came up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Read it aloud,\" said their father, \"for I hardly know myself what it is about.\"\n\n\"Gracechurch Street, Monday, August 2.\n\n\"MY DEAR BROTHER,\"\n\n\"At last I am able to send you some tidings of my niece, and such as, upon the whole, I hope it will give you satisfaction. Soon after you left me on Saturday, I was fortunate enough to find out in what part of London they were. The particulars I reserve till we meet; it is enough to know they are discovered. I have seen them both—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then it is as I always hoped,\" cried Jane; \"they are married!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth read on:\n\n\"I have seen them both. They are not married, nor can I find there was any intention of being so; but if you are willing to perform the engagements which I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it will not be long before they are. All that is required of you is, to assure to your daughter, by settlement, her equal share of the five thousand pounds secured among your children after the decease of yourself and my sister; and, moreover, to enter into an engagement of allowing her, during your life, one hundred pounds per annum. These are conditions which, considering everything, I had no hesitation in complying with, as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I shall send this by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer. You will easily comprehend, from these particulars, that Mr. Wickham's circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be. The world has been deceived in that respect; and I am happy to say there will be some little money, even when all his debts are discharged, to settle on my niece, in addition to her own fortune. If, as I conclude will be the case, you send me full powers to act in your name throughout the whole of this business, I will immediately give directions to Haggerston for preparing a proper settlement. There will not be the smallest occasion for your coming to town again; therefore stay quiet at Longbourn, and depend on my diligence and care. Send back your answer as fast as you can, and be careful to write explicitly. We have judged it best that my niece should be married from this house, of which I hope you will approve. She comes to us to-day. I shall write again as soon as anything more is determined on. Yours, etc.,\"\n\n\"EDW. GARDINER.\"\n\n\"Is it possible?\" cried Elizabeth, when she had finished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can it be possible that he will marry her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wickham is not so undeserving, then, as we thought him,\" said her sister. \"My dear father, I congratulate you.\"\n\n\"And have you answered the letter?\" cried Elizabeth.\n\n\"No; but it must be done soon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most earnestly did she then entreat him to lose no more time before he wrote." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! my dear father,\" she cried, \"come back and write immediately. Consider how important every moment is in such a case.\"\n\n\"Let me write for you,\" said Jane, \"if you dislike the trouble yourself.\"\n\n\"I dislike it very much,\" he replied; \"but it must be done.\"\n\nAnd so saying, he turned back with them, and walked towards the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And may I ask—\" said Elizabeth; \"but the terms, I suppose, must be complied with.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Complied with! I am only ashamed of his asking so little.\"\n\n\"And they must marry! Yet he is such a man!\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, they must marry. There is nothing else to be done. But there are two things that I want very much to know; one is, how much money your uncle has laid down to bring it about; and the other, how am I ever to pay him.\"\n\n\"Money! My uncle!\" cried Jane, \"what do you mean, sir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean, that no man in his senses would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year during my life, and fifty after I am gone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is very true,\" said Elizabeth; \"though it had not occurred to me before. His debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! Oh! it must be my uncle's doings! Generous, good man, I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could not do all this.\"\n\n\"No,\" said her father; \"Wickham's a fool if he takes her with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of him, in the very beginning of our relationship.\"\n\n\"Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be repaid?\"\n\nMr. Bennet made no answer, and each of them, deep in thought, continued silent till they reached the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their father then went on to the library to write, and the girls walked into the breakfast-room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And they are really to be married!\" cried Elizabeth, as soon as they were by themselves. \"How strange this is! And for this we are to be thankful. That they should marry, small as is their chance of happiness, and wretched as is his character, we are forced to rejoice. Oh, Lydia!\"\n\n\"I comfort myself with thinking,\" replied Jane, \"that he certainly would not marry Lydia if he had not a real regard for her. Though our kind uncle has done something towards clearing him, I cannot believe that ten thousand pounds, or anything like it, has been advanced. He has children of his own, and may have more. How could he spare half ten thousand pounds?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he were ever able to learn what Wickham's debts have been,\" said Elizabeth, \"and how much is settled on his side on our sister, we shall exactly know what Mr. Gardiner has done for them, because Wickham has not sixpence of his own. The kindness of my uncle and aunt can never be requited. Their taking her home, and affording her their personal protection and countenance, is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of gratitude cannot enough acknowledge. By this time she is actually with them! If such goodness does not make her miserable now, she will never deserve to be happy! What a meeting for her, when she first sees my aunt!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side,\" said Jane: \"I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His consenting to marry her is a proof, I will believe, that he is come to a right way of thinking. Their mutual affection will steady them; and I flatter myself they will settle so quietly, and live in so rational a manner, as may in time make their past imprudence forgotten.\"\n\n\"Their conduct has been such,\" replied Elizabeth, \"as neither you, nor I, nor anybody can ever forget. It is useless to talk of it.\"\n\nIt now occurred to the girls that their mother was in all likelihood perfectly ignorant of what had happened. They went to the library, therefore, and asked their father whether he would not wish them to make it known to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was writing and, without raising his head, coolly replied:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just as you please.\"\n\n\"May we take my uncle's letter to read to her?\"\n\n\"Take whatever you like, and get away.\"\n\nElizabeth took the letter from his writing-table, and they went up stairs together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mary and Kitty were both with Mrs. Bennet: one communication would, therefore, do for all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a slight preparation for good news, the letter was read aloud. Mrs. Bennet could hardly contain herself. As soon as Jane had read Mr. Gardiner's hope of Lydia's being soon married, her joy burst forth, and every following sentence added to its exuberance. She was now in an irritation as violent from delight, as she had ever been fidgety from alarm and vexation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To know that her daughter would be married was enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was disturbed by no fear for her felicity, nor humbled by any remembrance of her misconduct.\n\n\"My dear, dear Lydia!\" she cried. \"This is delightful indeed! She will be married! I shall see her again! She will be married at sixteen! My good, kind brother! I knew how it would be. I knew he would manage everything! How I long to see her! and to see dear Wickham too! But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I will write to my sister Gardiner about them directly. Lizzy, my dear, run down to your father, and ask him how much he will give her. Stay, stay, I will go myself. Ring the bell, Kitty, for Hill. I will put on my things in a moment. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry we shall be together when we meet!\"\n\nHer eldest daughter endeavoured to give some relief to the violence of these transports, by leading her thoughts to the obligations which Mr. Gardiner's behaviour laid them all under." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For we must attribute this happy conclusion,\" she added, \"in a great measure to his kindness. We are persuaded that he has pledged himself to assist Mr. Wickham with money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" cried her mother, \"it is all very right; who should do it but her own uncle? If he had not had a family of his own, I and my children must have had all his money, you know; and it is the first time we have ever had anything from him, except a few presents. Well! I am so happy! In a short time I shall have a daughter married. Mrs. Wickham! How well it sounds! And she was only sixteen last June. My dear Jane, I am in such a flutter, that I am sure I can't write; so I will dictate, and you write for me. We will settle with your father about the money afterwards; but the things should be ordered immediately.\"\n\nShe was then proceeding to all the particulars of calico, muslin, and cambric, and would shortly have dictated some very plentiful orders, had not Jane, though with some difficulty, persuaded her to wait till her father was at leisure to be consulted. One day's delay, she observed, would be of small importance; and her mother was too happy to be quite so obstinate as usual. Other schemes, too, came into her head." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nJane Austen" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Bennet had very often wished before this period of his life that, instead of spending his whole income, he had laid by an annual sum for the better provision of his children, and of his wife, if she survived him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He now wished it more than ever. Had he done his duty in that respect, Lydia need not have been indebted to her uncle for whatever of honour or credit could now be purchased for her. The satisfaction of prevailing on one of the most worthless young men in Great Britain to be her husband might then have rested in its proper place.\n\nHe was seriously concerned that a cause of so little advantage to anyone should be forwarded at the sole expense of his brother-in-law, and he was determined, if possible, to find out the extent of his assistance, and to discharge the obligation as soon as he could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When first Mr. Bennet had married, economy was held to be perfectly useless, for, of course, they were to have a son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The son was to join in cutting off the entail, as soon as he should be of age, and the widow and younger children would by that means be provided for. Five daughters successively entered the world, but yet the son was to come; and Mrs. Bennet, for many years after Lydia's birth, had been certain that he would. This event had at last been despaired of, but it was then too late to be saving. Mrs. Bennet had no turn for economy, and her husband's love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their income." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mrs. Bennet and the children." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But in what proportions it should be divided amongst the latter depended on the will of the parents. This was one point, with regard to Lydia, at least, which was now to be settled, and Mr. Bennet could have no hesitation in acceding to the proposal before him. In terms of grateful acknowledgment for the kindness of his brother, though expressed most concisely, he then delivered on paper his perfect approbation of all that was done, and his willingness to fulfil the engagements that had been made for him. He had never before supposed that, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his daughter, it would be done with so little inconvenience to himself as by the present arrangement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser by the hundred that was to be paid them; for, what with her board and pocket allowance, and the continual presents in money which passed to her through her mother's hands, Lydia's expenses had been very little within that sum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side, too, was another very welcome surprise; for his wish at present was to have as little trouble in the business as possible. When the first transports of rage which had produced his activity in seeking her were over, he naturally returned to all his former indolence. His letter was soon dispatched; for, though dilatory in undertaking business, he was quick in its execution. He begged to know further particulars of what he was indebted to his brother, but was too angry with Lydia to send any message to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The good news spread quickly through the house, and with proportionate speed through the neighbourhood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was borne in the latter with decent philosophy. To be sure, it would have been more for the advantage of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been secluded from the world, in some distant farmhouse. But there was much to be talked of in marrying her; and the good-natured wishes for her well-doing which had proceeded before from all the spiteful old ladies in Meryton lost but a little of their spirit in this change of circumstances, because with such an husband her misery was considered certain.\n\nIt was a fortnight since Mrs. Bennet had been downstairs; but on this happy day she again took her seat at the head of her table, and in spirits oppressively high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No sentiment of shame gave a damp to her triumph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The marriage of a daughter, which had been the first object of her wishes since Jane was sixteen, was now on the point of accomplishment, and her thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine muslins, new carriages, and servants. She was busily searching through the neighbourhood for a proper situation for her daughter, and, without knowing or considering what their income might be, rejected many as deficient in size and importance.\n\n\"Haye Park might do,\" said she, \"if the Gouldings could quit it—or the great house at Stoke, if the drawing-room were larger; but Ashworth is too far off! I could not bear to have her ten miles from me; and as for Pulvis Lodge, the attics are dreadful.\"\n\nHer husband allowed her to talk on without interruption while the servants remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when they had withdrawn, he said to her: \"Mrs. Bennet, before you take any or all of these houses for your son and daughter, let us come to a right understanding. Into one house in this neighbourhood they shall never have admittance. I will not encourage the impudence of either, by receiving them at Longbourn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A long dispute followed this declaration; but Mr. Bennet was firm. It soon led to another; and Mrs. Bennet found, with amazement and horror, that her husband would not advance a guinea to buy clothes for his daughter. He protested that she should receive from him no mark of affection whatever on the occasion. Mrs. Bennet could hardly comprehend it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That his anger could be carried to such a point of inconceivable resentment as to refuse his daughter a privilege without which her marriage would scarcely seem valid, exceeded all she could believe possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was more alive to the disgrace which her want of new clothes must reflect on her daughter's nuptials, than to any sense of shame at her eloping and living with Wickham a fortnight before they took place.\n\nElizabeth was now most heartily sorry that she had, from the distress of the moment, been led to make Mr. Darcy acquainted with their fears for her sister; for since her marriage would so shortly give the proper termination to the elopement, they might hope to conceal its unfavourable beginning from all those who were not immediately on the spot.\n\nShe had no fear of its spreading farther through his means. There were few people on whose secrecy she would have more confidently depended; but, at the same time, there was no one whose knowledge of a sister's frailty would have mortified her so much—not, however, from any fear of disadvantage from it individually to herself, for, at any rate, there seemed a gulf impassable between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had Lydia's marriage been concluded on the most honourable terms, it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy would connect himself with a family where, to every other objection, would now be added an alliance and relationship of the nearest kind with a man whom he so justly scorned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From such a connection she could not wonder that he would shrink. The wish of procuring her regard, which she had assured herself of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not in rational expectation survive such a blow as this. She was humbled, she was grieved; she repented, though she hardly knew of what. She became jealous of his esteem, when she could no longer hope to be benefited by it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet.\n\nWhat a triumph for him, as she often thought, could he know that the proposals which she had proudly spurned only four months ago, would now have been most gladly and gratefully received! He was as generous, she doubted not, as the most generous of his sex; but while he was mortal, there must be a triumph.\n\nShe began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved; and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.\n\nBut no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what connubial felicity really was. An union of a different tendency, and precluding the possibility of the other, was soon to be formed in their family.\n\nHow Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet's acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurance of his eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family; and concluded with entreaties that the subject might never be mentioned to him again. The principal purport of his letter was to inform them that Mr. Wickham had resolved on quitting the militia.\n\n\"It was greatly my wish that he should do so,\" he added, \"as soon as his marriage was fixed on. And I think you will agree with me, in considering the removal from that corps as highly advisable, both on his account and my niece's. It is Mr. Wickham's intention to go into the regulars; and among his former friends, there are still some who are able and willing to assist him in the army. He has the promise of an ensigncy in General ——'s regiment, now quartered in the North. It is an advantage to have it so far from this part of the kingdom. He promises fairly; and I hope among different people, where they may each have a character to preserve, they will both be more prudent. I have written to Colonel Forster, to inform him of our present arrangements, and to request that he will satisfy the various creditors of Mr. Wickham in and near Brighton, with assurances of speedy payment, for which I have pledged myself. And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying similar assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I shall subjoin a list according to his information? He has given in all his debts; I hope at least he has not deceived us. Haggerston has our directions, and all will be completed in a week. They will then join his regiment, unless they are first invited to Longbourn; and I understand from Mrs. Gardiner, that my niece is very desirous of seeing you all before she leaves the South. She is well, and begs to be dutifully remembered to you and her mother.—Yours, etc.,\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"E. GARDINER.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bennet and his daughters saw all the advantages of Wickham's removal from the ——shire as clearly as Mr. Gardiner could do. But Mrs. Bennet was not so well pleased with it. Lydia's being settled in the North, just when she had expected most pleasure and pride in her company, for she had by no means given up her plan of their residing in Hertfordshire, was a severe disappointment; and, besides, it was such a pity that Lydia should be taken from a regiment where she was acquainted with everybody, and had so many favourites.\n\n\"She is so fond of Mrs. Forster,\" said she, \"it will be quite shocking to send her away! And there are several of the young men, too, that she likes very much. The officers may not be so pleasant in General ——'s regiment.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nJane Austen" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their sister's wedding day arrived; and Jane and Elizabeth felt for her probably more than she felt for herself. The carriage was sent to meet them at ——, and they were to return in it by dinner-time. Their arrival was dreaded by the elder Miss Bennets, and Jane more especially, who gave Lydia the feelings which would have attended herself, had she been the culprit, and was wretched in the thought of what her sister must endure.\n\nThey came. The family were assembled in the breakfast room to receive them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Smiles decked the face of Mrs. Bennet as the carriage drove up to the door; her husband looked impenetrably grave; her daughters, alarmed, anxious, uneasy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lydia's voice was heard in the vestibule; the door was thrown open, and she ran into the room. Her mother stepped forwards, embraced her, and welcomed her with rapture; gave her hand, with an affectionate smile, to Wickham, who followed his lady; and wished them both joy with an alacrity which shewed no doubt of their happiness.\n\nTheir reception from Mr. Bennet, to whom they then turned, was not quite so cordial. His countenance rather gained in austerity; and he scarcely opened his lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The easy assurance of the young couple, indeed, was enough to provoke him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth was disgusted, and even Miss Bennet was shocked. Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless. She turned from sister to sister, demanding their congratulations; and when at length they all sat down, looked eagerly round the room, took notice of some little alteration in it, and observed, with a laugh, that it was a great while since she had been there.\n\nWickham was not at all more distressed than herself, but his manners were always so pleasing, that had his character and his marriage been exactly what they ought, his smiles and his easy address, while he claimed their relationship, would have delighted them all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth had not before believed him quite equal to such assurance; but she sat down, resolving within herself to draw no limits in future to the impudence of an impudent man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She blushed, and Jane blushed; but the cheeks of the two who caused their confusion suffered no variation of colour.\n\nThere was no want of discourse. The bride and her mother could neither of them talk fast enough; and Wickham, who happened to sit near Elizabeth, began inquiring after his acquaintance in that neighbourhood, with a good humoured ease which she felt very unable to equal in her replies. They seemed each of them to have the happiest memories in the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing of the past was recollected with pain; and Lydia led voluntarily to subjects which her sisters would not have alluded to for the world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only think of its being three months,\" she cried, \"since I went away; it seems but a fortnight I declare; and yet there have been things enough happened in the time. Good gracious! when I went away, I am sure I had no more idea of being married till I came back again! though I thought it would be very good fun if I was.\"\n\nHer father lifted up his eyes. Jane was distressed. Elizabeth looked expressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw anything of which she chose to be insensible, gaily continued, \"Oh! mamma, do the people hereabouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not; and we overtook William Goulding in his curricle, so I was determined he should know it, and so I let down the side-glass next to him, and took off my glove, and let my hand just rest upon the window frame, so that he might see the ring, and then I bowed and smiled like anything.\"\n\nElizabeth could bear it no longer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She got up, and ran out of the room; and returned no more, till she heard them passing through the hall to the dining parlour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She then joined them soon enough to see Lydia, with anxious parade, walk up to her mother's right hand, and hear her say to her eldest sister, \"Ah! Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman.\"\n\nIt was not to be supposed that time would give Lydia that embarrassment from which she had been so wholly free at first. Her ease and good spirits increased. She longed to see Mrs. Phillips, the Lucases, and all their other neighbours, and to hear herself called \"Mrs. Wickham\" by each of them; and in the mean time, she went after dinner to show her ring, and boast of being married, to Mrs. Hill and the two housemaids." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, mamma,\" said she, when they were all returned to the breakfast room, \"and what do you think of my husband? Is not he a charming man? I am sure my sisters must all envy me. I only hope they may have half my good luck. They must all go to Brighton. That is the place to get husbands. What a pity it is, mamma, we did not all go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very true; and if I had my will, we should. But my dear Lydia, I don't at all like your going such a way off. Must it be so?\"\n\n\"Oh, lord! yes;—there is nothing in that. I shall like it of all things. You and papa, and my sisters, must come down and see us. We shall be at Newcastle all the winter, and I dare say there will be some balls, and I will take care to get good partners for them all.\"\n\n\"I should like it beyond anything!\" said her mother.\n\n\"And then when you go away, you may leave one or two of my sisters behind you; and I dare say I shall get husbands for them before the winter is over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thank you for my share of the favour,\" said Elizabeth; \"but I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their visitors were not to remain above ten days with them. Mr. Wickham had received his commission before he left London, and he was to join his regiment at the end of a fortnight.\n\nNo one but Mrs. Bennet regretted that their stay would be so short; and she made the most of the time by visiting about with her daughter, and having very frequent parties at home. These parties were acceptable to all; to avoid a family circle was even more desirable to such as did think, than such as did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wickham's affection for Lydia was just what Elizabeth had expected to find it; not equal to Lydia's for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had scarcely needed her present observation to be satisfied, from the reason of things, that their elopement had been brought on by the strength of her love, rather than by his; and she would have wondered why, without violently caring for her, he chose to elope with her at all, had she not felt certain that his flight was rendered necessary by distress of circumstances; and if that were the case, he was not the young man to resist an opportunity of having a companion.\n\nLydia was exceedingly fond of him. He was her dear Wickham on every occasion; no one was to be put in competition with him. He did every thing best in the world; and she was sure he would kill more birds on the first of September, than any body else in the country." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One morning, soon after their arrival, as she was sitting with her two elder sisters, she said to Elizabeth:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lizzy, I never gave you an account of my wedding, I believe. You were not by, when I told mamma and the others all about it. Are not you curious to hear how it was managed?\"\n\n\"No really,\" replied Elizabeth; \"I think there cannot be too little said on the subject.\"\n\n\"La! You are so strange! But I must tell you how it went off. We were married, you know, at St. Clement's, because Wickham's lodgings were in that parish. And it was settled that we should all be there by eleven o'clock. My uncle and aunt and I were to go together; and the others were to meet us at the church. Well, Monday morning came, and I was in such a fuss! I was so afraid, you know, that something would happen to put it off, and then I should have gone quite distracted. And there was my aunt, all the time I was dressing, preaching and talking away just as if she was reading a sermon. However, I did not hear above one word in ten, for I was thinking, you may suppose, of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat.\"\n\n\"Well, and so we breakfasted at ten as usual; I thought it would never be over; for, by the bye, you are to understand, that my uncle and aunt were horrid unpleasant all the time I was with them. If you'll believe me, I did not once put my foot out of doors, though I was there a fortnight. Not one party, or scheme, or anything. To be sure London was rather thin, but, however, the Little Theatre was open. Well, and so just as the carriage came to the door, my uncle was called away upon business to that horrid man Mr. Stone. And then, you know, when once they get together, there is no end of it. Well, I was so frightened I did not know what to do, for my uncle was to give me away; and if we were beyond the hour, we could not be married all day. But, luckily, he came back again in ten minutes' time, and then we all set out. However, I recollected afterwards that if he had been prevented going, the wedding need not be put off, for Mr. Darcy might have done as well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Darcy!\" repeated Elizabeth, in utter amazement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes!—he was to come there with Wickham, you know. But gracious me! I quite forgot! I ought not to have said a word about it. I promised them so faithfully! What will Wickham say? It was to be such a secret!\"\n\n\"If it was to be secret,\" said Jane, \"say not another word on the subject. You may depend upon my seeking no further.\"\n\n\"Oh! certainly,\" said Elizabeth, though burning with curiosity; \"we will ask you no questions.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" said Lydia, \"for if you did, I should certainly tell you all, and then Wickham would be angry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On such encouragement to ask, Elizabeth was forced to put it out of her power, by running away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But to live in ignorance on such a point was impossible; or at least it was impossible not to try for information. Mr. Darcy had been at her sister's wedding. It was exactly a scene, and exactly among people, where he had apparently least to do, and least temptation to go. Conjectures as to the meaning of it, rapid and wild, hurried into her brain; but she was satisfied with none." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth had the satisfaction of receiving an answer to her letter as soon as she possibly could. She was no sooner in possession of it than, hurrying into the little copse, where she was least likely to be interrupted, she sat down on one of the benches and prepared to be happy; for the length of the letter convinced her that it did not contain a denial.\n\n\"Gracechurch street, Sept. 6.\n\n\"MY DEAR NIECE,\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole morning to answering it, as I foresee that a little writing will not comprise what I have to tell you. I must confess myself surprised by your application; I did not expect it from you. Don't think me angry, however, for I only mean to let you know that I had not imagined such inquiries to be necessary on your side. If you do not choose to understand me, forgive my impertinence. Your uncle is as much surprised as I am—and nothing but the belief of your being a party concerned would have allowed him to act as he has done. But if you are really innocent and ignorant, I must be more explicit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On the very day of my coming home from Longbourn, your uncle had a most unexpected visitor. Mr. Darcy called, and was shut up with him several hours. It was all over before I arrived; so my curiosity was not so dreadfully racked as yours seems to have been. He came to tell Mr. Gardiner that he had found out where your sister and Mr. Wickham were, and that he had seen and talked with them both; Wickham repeatedly, Lydia once. From what I can collect, he left Derbyshire only one day after ourselves, and came to town with the resolution of hunting for them. The motive professed was his conviction of its being owing to himself that Wickham's worthlessness had not been so well known as to make it impossible for any young woman of character to love or confide in him. He generously imputed the whole to his mistaken pride, and confessed that he had before thought it beneath him to lay his private actions open to the world. His character was to speak for itself. He called it, therefore, his duty to step forward, and endeavour to remedy an evil which had been brought on by himself. If he had another motive, I am sure it would never disgrace him. He had been some days in town, before he was able to discover them; but he had something to direct his search, which was more than we had; and the consciousness of this was another reason for his resolving to follow us.\"\n\n\"There is a lady, it seems, a Mrs. Younge, who was some time ago governess to Miss Darcy, and was dismissed from her charge on some cause of disapprobation, though he did not say what. She then took a large house in Edward-street, and has since maintained herself by letting lodgings. This Mrs. Younge was, he knew, intimately acquainted with Wickham; and he went to her for intelligence of him as soon as he got to town. But it was two or three days before he could get from her what he wanted. She would not betray her trust, I suppose, without bribery and corruption, for she really did know where her friend was to be found. Wickham indeed had gone to her on their first arrival in London, and had she been able to receive them into her house, they would have taken up their abode with her. At length, however, our kind friend procured the wished-for direction. They were in —— street. He saw Wickham, and afterwards insisted on seeing Lydia. His first object with her, he acknowledged, had been to persuade her to quit her present disgraceful situation, and return to her friends as soon as they could be prevailed on to receive her, offering his assistance, as far as it would go. But he found Lydia absolutely resolved on remaining where she was. She cared for none of her friends; she wanted no help of his; she would not hear of leaving Wickham. She was sure they should be married some time or other, and it did not much signify when. Since such were her feelings, it only remained, he thought, to secure and expedite a marriage, which, in his very first conversation with Wickham, he easily learnt had never been his design. He confessed himself obliged to leave the regiment, on account of some debts of honour, which were very pressing; and scrupled not to lay all the ill-consequences of Lydia's flight on her own folly alone. He meant to resign his commission immediately; and as to his future situation, he could conjecture very little about it. He must go somewhere, but he did not know where, and he knew he should have nothing to live on.\"\n\n\"Mr. Darcy asked him why he had not married your sister at once. Though Mr. Bennet was not imagined to be very rich, he would have been able to do something for him, and his situation must have been benefited by marriage. But he found, in reply to this question, that Wickham still cherished the hope of more effectually making his fortune by marriage in some other country. Under such circumstances, however, he was not likely to be proof against the temptation of immediate relief.\"\n\n\"They met several times, for there was much to be discussed. Wickham of course wanted more than he could get; but at length was reduced to be reasonable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Every thing being settled between them, Mr. Darcy's next step was to make your uncle acquainted with it, and he first called in Gracechurch street the evening before I came home. But Mr. Gardiner could not be seen, and Mr. Darcy found, on further inquiry, that your father was still with him, but would quit town the next morning. He did not judge your father to be a person whom he could so properly consult as your uncle, and therefore readily postponed seeing him till after the departure of the former. He did not leave his name, and till the next day it was only known that a gentleman had called on business.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On Saturday he came again. Your father was gone, your uncle at home, and, as I said before, they had a great deal of talk together.\"\n\n\"They met again on Sunday, and then I saw him too. It was not all settled before Monday: as soon as it was, the express was sent off to Longbourn. But our visitor was very obstinate. I fancy, Lizzy, that obstinacy is the real defect of his character, after all. He has been accused of many faults at different times, but this is the true one. Nothing was to be done that he did not do himself; though I am sure (and I do not speak it to be thanked, therefore say nothing about it), your uncle would most readily have settled the whole.\"\n\n\"They battled it together for a long time, which was more than either the gentleman or lady concerned in it deserved. But at last your uncle was forced to yield, and instead of being allowed to be of use to his niece, was forced to put up with only having the probable credit of it, which went sorely against the grain; and I really believe your letter this morning gave him great pleasure, because it required an explanation that would rob him of his borrowed feathers, and give the praise where it was due. But, Lizzy, this must go no farther than yourself, or Jane at most.\"\n\n\"You know pretty well, I suppose, what has been done for the young people. His debts are to be paid, amounting, I believe, to considerably more than a thousand pounds, another thousand in addition to her own settled upon her, and his commission purchased. The reason why all this was to be done by him alone, was such as I have given above. It was owing to him, to his reserve and want of proper consideration, that Wickham's character had been so misunderstood, and consequently that he had been received and noticed as he was. Perhaps there was some truth in this; though I doubt whether his reserve, or anybody's reserve, can be answerable for the event. But in spite of all this fine talking, my dear Lizzy, you may rest perfectly assured that your uncle would never have yielded, if we had not given him credit for another interest in the affair.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When all this was resolved on, he returned again to his friends, who were still staying at Pemberley; but it was agreed that he should be in London once more when the wedding took place, and all money matters were then to receive the last finish.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe I have now told you every thing. It is a relation which you tell me is to give you great surprise; I hope at least it will not afford you any displeasure. Lydia came to us; and Wickham had constant admission to the house. He was exactly what he had been, when I knew him in Hertfordshire; but I would not tell you how little I was satisfied with her behaviour while she staid with us, if I had not perceived, by Jane's letter last Wednesday, that her conduct on coming home was exactly of a piece with it, and therefore what I now tell you can give you no fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the most serious manner, representing to her all the wickedness of what she had done, and all the unhappiness she had brought on her family. If she heard me, it was by good luck, for I am sure she did not listen. I was sometimes quite provoked, but then I recollected my dear Elizabeth and Jane, and for their sakes had patience with her.\"\n\n\"Mr. Darcy was punctual in his return, and as Lydia informed you, attended the wedding. He dined with us the next day, and was to leave town again on Wednesday or Thursday. Will you be very angry with me, my dear Lizzy, if I take this opportunity of saying (what I was never bold enough to say before) how much I like him. His behaviour to us has, in every respect, been as pleasing as when we were in Derbyshire. His understanding and opinions all please me; he wants nothing but a little more liveliness, and that, if he marry prudently, his wife may teach him. I thought him very sly;—he hardly ever mentioned your name. But slyness seems the fashion.\"\n\n\"Pray forgive me if I have been very presuming, or at least do not punish me so far as to exclude me from P. I shall never be quite happy till I have been all round the park. A low phaeton, with a nice little pair of ponies, would be the very thing.\"\n\n\"But I must write no more. The children have been wanting me this half hour.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yours, very sincerely,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"M. GARDINER.\"\n\nThe contents of this letter threw Elizabeth into a flutter of spirits, in which it was difficult to determine whether pleasure or pain bore the greatest share. The vague and unsettled suspicions which uncertainty had produced of what Mr. Darcy might have been doing to forward her sister's match, which she had feared to encourage as an exertion of goodness too great to be probable, and at the same time dreaded to be just, from the pain of obligation, were proved beyond their greatest extent to be true! He had followed them purposely to town, he had taken on himself all the trouble and mortification attendant on such a research; in which supplication had been necessary to a woman whom he must abominate and despise, and where he was reduced to meet, frequently meet, reason with, persuade, and finally bribe, the man whom he always most wished to avoid, and whose very name it was punishment to him to pronounce." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had done all this for a girl whom he could neither regard nor esteem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her. But it was a hope shortly checked by other considerations, and she soon felt that even her vanity was insufficient, when required to depend on his affection for her—for a woman who had already refused him—as able to overcome a sentiment so natural as abhorrence against relationship with Wickham. Brother-in-law of Wickham! Every kind of pride must revolt from the connection. He had, to be sure, done much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was ashamed to think how much." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he had given a reason for his interference, which asked no extraordinary stretch of belief. It was reasonable that he should feel he had been wrong; he had liberality, and he had the means of exercising it; and though she would not place herself as his principal inducement, she could, perhaps, believe that remaining partiality for her might assist his endeavours in a cause where her peace of mind must be materially concerned. It was painful, exceedingly painful, to know that they were under obligations to a person who could never receive a return. They owed the restoration of Lydia, her character, every thing, to him. Oh!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "how heartily did she grieve over every ungracious sensation she had ever encouraged, every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For herself she was humbled; but she was proud of him. Proud that in a cause of compassion and honour, he had been able to get the better of himself. She read over her aunt's commendation of him again and again. It was hardly enough; but it pleased her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was even sensible of some pleasure, though mixed with regret, on finding how steadfastly both she and her uncle had been persuaded that affection and confidence subsisted between Mr. Darcy and herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was roused from her seat, and her reflections, by some one's approach; and before she could strike into another path, she was overtaken by Wickham.\n\n\"I am afraid I interrupt your solitary ramble, my dear sister?\" said he, as he joined her.\n\n\"You certainly do,\" she replied with a smile; \"but it does not follow that the interruption must be unwelcome.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I should be sorry indeed, if it were. We were always good friends; and now we are better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True. Are the others coming out?\"\n\n\"I do not know. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia are going in the carriage to Meryton. And so, my dear sister, I find, from our uncle and aunt, that you have actually seen Pemberley.\"\n\nShe replied in the affirmative.\n\n\"I almost envy you the pleasure, and yet I believe it would be too much for me, or else I could take it in my way to Newcastle. And you saw the old housekeeper, I suppose? Poor Reynolds, she was always very fond of me. But of course she did not mention my name to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, she did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what did she say?\"\n\n\"That you were gone into the army, and she was afraid had—not turned out well. At such a distance as that, you know, things are strangely misrepresented.\"\n\n\"Certainly,\" he replied, biting his lips. Elizabeth hoped she had silenced him; but he soon afterwards said:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was surprised to see Darcy in town last month. We passed each other several times. I wonder what he can be doing there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps preparing for his marriage with Miss de Bourgh,\" said Elizabeth. \"It must be something particular, to take him there at this time of year.\"\n\n\"Undoubtedly. Did you see him while you were at Lambton? I thought I understood from the Gardiners that you had.\"\n\n\"Yes; he introduced us to his sister.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And do you like her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very much.\"\n\n\"I have heard, indeed, that she is uncommonly improved within this year or two. When I last saw her, she was not very promising. I am very glad you liked her. I hope she will turn out well.\"\n\n\"I dare say she will; she has got over the most trying age.\"\n\n\"Did you go by the village of Kympton?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not recollect that we did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mention it, because it is the living which I ought to have had. A most delightful place!—Excellent Parsonage House! It would have suited me in every respect.\"\n\n\"How should you have liked making sermons?\"\n\n\"Exceedingly well. I should have considered it as part of my duty, and the exertion would soon have been nothing. One ought not to repine;—but, to be sure, it would have been such a thing for me! The quiet, the retirement of such a life would have answered all my ideas of happiness! But it was not to be. Did you ever hear Darcy mention the circumstance, when you were in Kent?\"\n\n\"I have heard from authority, which I thought as good, that it was left you conditionally only, and at the will of the present patron.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have. Yes, there was something in that; I told you so from the first, you may remember.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did hear, too, that there was a time, when sermon-making was not so palatable to you as it seems to be at present; that you actually declared your resolution of never taking orders, and that the business had been compromised accordingly.\"\n\n\"You did! and it was not wholly without foundation. You may remember what I told you on that point, when first we talked of it.\"\n\nThey were now almost at the door of the house, for she had walked fast to get rid of him; and unwilling, for her sister's sake, to provoke him, she only said in reply, with a good-humoured smile:\n\n\"Come, Mr. Wickham, we are brother and sister, you know. Do not let us quarrel about the past. In future, I hope we shall be always of one mind.\"\n\nShe held out her hand; he kissed it with affectionate gallantry, though he hardly knew how to look, and they entered the house." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Wickham was so perfectly satisfied with this conversation that he never again distressed himself, or provoked his dear sister Elizabeth, by introducing the subject of it; and she was pleased to find that she had said enough to keep him quiet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day of his and Lydia's departure soon came, and Mrs. Bennet was forced to submit to a separation, which, as her husband by no means entered into her scheme of their all going to Newcastle, was likely to continue at least a twelvemonth.\n\n\"Oh! my dear Lydia,\" she cried, \"when shall we meet again?\"\n\n\"Oh, lord! I don't know. Not these two or three years, perhaps.\"\n\n\"Write to me very often, my dear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As often as I can. But you know married women have never much time for writing. My sisters may write to me. They will have nothing else to do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Wickham's adieus were much more affectionate than his wife's. He smiled, looked handsome, and said many pretty things.\n\n\"He is as fine a fellow,\" said Mr. Bennet, as soon as they were out of the house, \"as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and makes love to us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.\"\n\nThe loss of her daughter made Mrs. Bennet very dull for several days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I often think,\" said she, \"that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's friends. One seems so forlorn without them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the consequence, you see, Madam, of marrying a daughter,\" said Elizabeth. \"It must make you better satisfied that your other four are single.\"\n\n\"It is no such thing. Lydia does not leave me because she is married, but only because her husband's regiment happens to be so far off. If that had been nearer, she would not have gone so soon.\"\n\nBut the spiritless condition which this event threw her into was shortly relieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of hope, by an article of news which then began to be in circulation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The housekeeper at Netherfield had received orders to prepare for the arrival of her master, who was coming down in a day or two, to shoot there for several weeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet was quite in the fidgets. She looked at Jane, and smiled and shook her head by turns.\n\n\"Well, well, and so Mr. Bingley is coming down, sister,\" (for Mrs. Phillips first brought her the news). \"Well, so much the better. Not that I care about it, though. He is nothing to us, you know, and I am sure I never want to see him again. But, however, he is very welcome to come to Netherfield, if he likes it. And who knows what may happen? But that is nothing to us. You know, sister, we agreed long ago never to mention a word about it. And so, is it quite certain he is coming?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You may depend on it,\" replied the other, \"for Mrs. Nicholls was in Meryton last night; I saw her passing by, and went out myself on purpose to know the truth of it; and she told me that it was certain true. He comes down on Thursday at the latest, very likely on Wednesday. She was going to the butcher's, she told me, on purpose to order in some meat on Wednesday, and she has got three couple of ducks just fit to be killed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Bennet had not been able to hear of his coming without changing colour. It was many months since she had mentioned his name to Elizabeth; but now, as soon as they were alone together, she said:\n\n\"I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the present report; and I know I appeared distressed. But don't imagine it was from any silly cause. I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I should be looked at. I do assure you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain. I am glad of one thing, that he comes alone; because we shall see the less of him. Not that I am afraid of myself, but I dread other people's remarks.\"\n\nElizabeth did not know what to make of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had she not seen him in Derbyshire, she might have supposed him capable of coming there with no other view than what was acknowledged; but she still thought him partial to Jane, and she wavered as to the greater probability of his coming there with his friend's permission, or being bold enough to come without it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yet it is hard,\" she sometimes thought, \"that this poor man cannot come to a house which he has legally hired, without raising all this speculation! I will leave him to himself.\"\n\nIn spite of what her sister declared, and really believed to be her feelings in the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth could easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it. They were more disturbed, more unequal, than she had often seen them.\n\nThe subject which had been so warmly canvassed between their parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was now brought forward again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As soon as ever Mr. Bingley comes, my dear,\" said Mrs. Bennet, \"you will wait on him of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no. You forced me into visiting him last year, and promised, if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool's errand again.\"\n\nHis wife represented to him how absolutely necessary such an attention would be from all the neighbouring gentlemen, on his returning to Netherfield.\n\n\"'Tis an etiquette I despise,\" said he. \"If he wants our society, let him seek it. He knows where we live. I will not spend my hours in running after my neighbours every time they go away and come back again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, all I know is, that it will be abominably rude if you do not wait on him. But, however, that shan't prevent my asking him to dine here, I am determined. We must have Mrs. Long and the Gouldings soon. That will make thirteen with ourselves, so there will be just room at table for him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Consoled by this resolution, she was the better able to bear her husband's incivility; though it was very mortifying to know that her neighbours might all see Mr. Bingley, in consequence of it, before they did. As the day of his arrival drew near,—\n\n\"I begin to be sorry that he comes at all,\" said Jane to her sister. \"It would be nothing; I could see him with perfect indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear it thus perpetually talked of. My mother means well; but she does not know, no one can know, how much I suffer from what she says. Happy shall I be, when his stay at Netherfield is over!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I could say anything to comfort you,\" replied Elizabeth; \"but it is wholly out of my power. You must feel it; and the usual satisfaction of preaching patience to a sufferer is denied me, because you have always so much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bingley arrived. Mrs. Bennet, through the assistance of servants, contrived to have the earliest tidings of it, that the period of anxiety and fretfulness on her side might be as long as it could. She counted the days that must intervene before their invitation could be sent; hopeless of seeing him before. But on the third morning after his arrival in Hertfordshire, she saw him, from her dressing-room window, enter the paddock and ride towards the house.\n\nHer daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane resolutely kept her place at the table; but Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went to the window—she looked,—she saw Mr. Darcy with him, and sat down again by her sister." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is a gentleman with him, mamma,\" said Kitty; \"who can it be?\"\n\n\"Some acquaintance or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure I do not know.\"\n\n\"La!\" replied Kitty, \"it looks just like that man that used to be with him before. Mr. what's-his-name. That tall, proud man.\"\n\n\"Good gracious! Mr. Darcy!—and so it does, I vow. Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley's will always be welcome here, to be sure; but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane looked at Elizabeth with surprise and concern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knew but little of their meeting in Derbyshire, and therefore felt for the awkwardness which must attend her sister, in seeing him almost for the first time after receiving his explanatory letter. Both sisters were uncomfortable enough. Each felt for the other, and of course for themselves; and their mother talked on, of her dislike of Mr. Darcy, and her resolution to be civil to him only as Mr. Bingley's friend, without being heard by either of them. But Elizabeth had sources of uneasiness which could not be suspected by Jane, to whom she had never yet had courage to shew Mrs. Gardiner's letter, or to relate her own change of sentiment towards him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Jane, he could be only a man whose proposals she had refused, and whose merit she had undervalued; but to her own more extensive information, he was the person to whom the whole family were indebted for the first of benefits, and whom she regarded herself with an interest, if not quite so tender, at least as reasonable and just as what Jane felt for Bingley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her astonishment at his coming—at his coming to Netherfield, to Longbourn, and voluntarily seeking her again, was almost equal to what she had known on first witnessing his altered behaviour in Derbyshire.\n\nThe colour which had been driven from her face, returned for half a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added lustre to her eyes, as she thought for that space of time that his affection and wishes must still be unshaken. But she would not be secure.\n\n\"Let me first see how he behaves,\" said she; \"it will then be early enough for expectation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sat intently at work, striving to be composed, and without daring to lift up her eyes, till anxious curiosity carried them to the face of her sister as the servant was approaching the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jane looked a little paler than usual, but more sedate than Elizabeth had expected. On the gentlemen's appearing, her colour increased; yet she received them with tolerable ease, and with a propriety of behaviour equally free from any symptom of resentment or any unnecessary complaisance.\n\nElizabeth said as little to either as civility would allow, and sat down again to her work, with an eagerness which it did not often command. She had ventured only one glance at Darcy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked serious, as usual; and, she thought, more as he had been used to look in Hertfordshire, than as she had seen him at Pemberley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But, perhaps he could not in her mother's presence be what he was before her uncle and aunt. It was a painful, but not an improbable, conjecture.\n\nBingley, she had likewise seen for an instant, and in that short period saw him looking both pleased and embarrassed. He was received by Mrs. Bennet with a degree of civility which made her two daughters ashamed, especially when contrasted with the cold and ceremonious politeness of her curtsey and address to his friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, particularly, who knew that her mother owed to the latter the preservation of her favourite daughter from irremediable infamy, was hurt and distressed to a most painful degree by a distinction so ill applied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Darcy, after inquiring of her how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did, a question which she could not answer without confusion, said scarcely anything. He was not seated by her; perhaps that was the reason of his silence; but it had not been so in Derbyshire. There he had talked to her friends, when he could not to herself. But now several minutes elapsed without bringing the sound of his voice; and when occasionally, unable to resist the impulse of curiosity, she raised her eyes to his face, she as often found him looking at Jane as at herself, and frequently on no object but the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More thoughtfulness and less anxiety to please, than when they last met, were plainly expressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was disappointed, and angry with herself for being so.\n\n\"Could I expect it to be otherwise!\" said she. \"Yet why did he come?\"\n\nShe was in no humour for conversation with anyone but himself; and to him she had hardly courage to speak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She inquired after his sister, but could do no more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is a long time, Mr. Bingley, since you went away,\" said Mrs. Bennet.\n\nHe readily agreed to it.\n\n\"I began to be afraid you would never come back again. People did say you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas; but, however, I hope it is not true. A great many changes have happened in the neighbourhood, since you went away. Miss Lucas is married and settled. And one of my own daughters. I suppose you have heard of it; indeed, you must have seen it in the papers. It was in The Times and The Courier, I know; though it was not put in as it ought to be. It was only said, 'Lately, George Wickham, Esq. to Miss Lydia Bennet,' without there being a syllable said of her father, or the place where she lived, or anything. It was my brother Gardiner's drawing up too, and I wonder how he came to make such an awkward business of it. Did you see it?\"\n\nBingley replied that he did, and made his congratulations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth dared not lift up her eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How Mr. Darcy looked, therefore, she could not tell.\n\n\"It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daughter well married,\" continued her mother, \"but at the same time, Mr. Bingley, it is very hard to have her taken such a way from me. They are gone down to Newcastle, a place quite northward, it seems, and there they are to stay I do not know how long. His regiment is there; for I suppose you have heard of his leaving the ——shire, and of his being gone into the regulars. Thank Heaven! he has some friends, though perhaps not so many as he deserves.\"\n\nElizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in such misery of shame, that she could hardly keep her seat. It drew from her, however, the exertion of speaking, which nothing else had so effectually done before; and she asked Bingley whether he meant to make any stay in the country at present." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few weeks, he believed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley,\" said her mother, \"I beg you will come here, and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet's manor. I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you, and will save all the best of the covies for you.\"\n\nElizabeth's misery increased, at such unnecessary, such officious attention! Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago, every thing, she was persuaded, would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion. At that instant, she felt that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful confusion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The first wish of my heart,\" said she to herself, \"is never more to be in company with either of them. Their society can afford no pleasure that will atone for such wretchedness as this! Let me never see either one or the other again!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer no compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from observing how much the beauty of her sister re-kindled the admiration of her former lover. When first he came in, he had spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed to be giving her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she had been last year; as good natured, and as unaffected, though not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no difference should be perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded that she talked as much as ever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But her mind was so busily engaged, that she did not always know when she was silent." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful of her intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to dine at Longbourn in a few days time.\n\n\"You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley,\" she added, \"for when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did not come back and keep your engagement.\"\n\nBingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said something of his concern at having been prevented by business. They then went away.\n\nMrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to recover her spirits; or in other words, to dwell without interruption on those subjects that must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy's behaviour astonished and vexed her.\n\n\"Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,\" said she, \"did he come at all?\"\n\nShe could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and aunt, when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, why come hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent? Teasing, teasing, man! I will think no more about him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the approach of her sister, who joined her with a cheerful look, which showed her better satisfied with their visitors, than Elizabeth.\n\n\"Now,\" said she, \"that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance.\"\n\n\"Yes, very indifferent indeed,\" said Elizabeth, laughingly. \"Oh, Jane, take care.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak, as to be in danger now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.\"\n\nThey did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and Mrs. Bennet, in the meanwhile, was giving way to all the happy schemes, which the good humour and common politeness of Bingley, in half an hour's visit, had revived.\n\nOn Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Longbourn; and the two who were most anxiously expected, to the credit of their punctuality as sportsmen, were in very good time. When they repaired to the dining-room, Elizabeth eagerly watched to see whether Bingley would take the place, which, in all their former parties, had belonged to him, by her sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her prudent mother, occupied by the same ideas, forbore to invite him to sit by herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On entering the room, he seemed to hesitate; but Jane happened to look round, and happened to smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her.\n\nElizabeth, with a triumphant sensation, looked towards his friend. He bore it with noble indifference, and she would have imagined that Bingley had received his sanction to be happy, had she not seen his eyes likewise turned towards Mr. Darcy, with an expression of half-laughing alarm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His behaviour to her sister was such, during dinner time, as showed an admiration of her, which, though more guarded than formerly, persuaded Elizabeth, that if left wholly to himself, Jane's happiness, and his own, would be speedily secured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though she dared not depend upon the consequence, she yet received pleasure from observing his behaviour. It gave her all the animation that her spirits could boast; for she was in no cheerful humour. Mr. Darcy was almost as far from her as the table could divide them. He was on one side of her mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knew how little such a situation would give pleasure to either, or make either appear to advantage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was not near enough to hear any of their discourse, but she could see how seldom they spoke to each other, and how formal and cold was their manner whenever they did. Her mother's ungraciousness, made the sense of what they owed him more painful to Elizabeth's mind; and she would, at times, have given anything to be privileged to tell him that his kindness was neither unknown nor unfelt by the whole of the family.\n\nShe was in hopes that the evening would afford some opportunity of bringing them together; that the whole of the visit would not pass away without enabling them to enter into something more of conversation than the mere ceremonious salutation attending his entrance. Anxious and uneasy, the period which passed in the drawing-room, before the gentlemen came, was wearisome and dull to a degree that almost made her uncivil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked forward to their entrance as the point on which all her chance of pleasure for the evening must depend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he does not come to me, then,\" said she, \"I shall give him up for ever.\"\n\nThe gentlemen came; and she thought he looked as if he would have answered her hopes; but, alas! the ladies had crowded round the table, where Miss Bennet was making tea, and Elizabeth pouring out the coffee, in so close a confederacy that there was not a single vacancy near her which would admit of a chair. And on the gentlemen's approaching, one of the girls moved closer to her than ever, and said, in a whisper:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The men shan't come and part us, I am determined. We want none of them; do we?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed him with her eyes, envied everyone to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enough to help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged against herself for being so silly!\n\n\"A man who has once been refused! How could I ever be foolish enough to expect a renewal of his love? Is there one among the sex, who would not protest against such a weakness as a second proposal to the same woman? There is no indignity so abhorrent to their feelings!\"\n\nShe was a little revived, however, by his bringing back his coffee cup himself; and she seized the opportunity of saying:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is your sister at Pemberley still?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, she will remain there till Christmas.\"\n\n\"And quite alone? Have all her friends left her?\"\n\n\"Mrs. Annesley is with her. The others have been gone on to Scarborough, these three weeks.\"\n\nShe could think of nothing more to say; but if he wished to converse with her, he might have better success." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood by her, however, for some minutes, in silence; and, at last, on the young lady's whispering to Elizabeth again, he walked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the tea-things were removed, and the card-tables placed, the ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him, when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to her mother's rapacity for whist players, and in a few moments after seated with the rest of the party. She now lost every expectation of pleasure. They were confined for the evening at different tables, and she had nothing to hope, but that his eyes were so often turned towards her side of the room, as to make him play as unsuccessfully as herself.\n\nMrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to supper; but their carriage was unluckily ordered before any of the others, and she had no opportunity of detaining them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well girls,\" said she, as soon as they were left to themselves, \"What say you to the day? I think every thing has passed off uncommonly well, I assure you. The dinner was as well dressed as any I ever saw. The venison was roasted to a turn—and everybody said they never saw so fat a haunch. The soup was fifty times better than what we had at the Lucases' last week; and even Mr. Darcy acknowledged, that the partridges were remarkably well done; and I suppose he has two or three French cooks at least. And, my dear Jane, I never saw you look in greater beauty. Mrs. Long said so too, for I asked her whether you did not. And what do you think she said besides? 'Ah! Mrs. Bennet, we shall have her at Netherfield at last.' She did indeed. I do think Mrs. Long is as good a creature as ever lived—and her nieces are very pretty behaved girls, and not at all handsome: I like them prodigiously.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs. Bennet, in short, was in very great spirits; she had seen enough of Bingley's behaviour to Jane, to be convinced that she would get him at last; and her expectations of advantage to her family, when in a happy humour, were so far beyond reason, that she was quite disappointed at not seeing him there again the next day, to make his proposals.\n\n\"It has been a very agreeable day,\" said Miss Bennet to Elizabeth. \"The party seemed so well selected, so suitable one with the other. I hope we may often meet again.\"\n\nElizabeth smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lizzy, you must not do so. You must not suspect me. It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learnt to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man, without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from what his manners now are, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally pleasing, than any other man.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are very cruel,\" said her sister, \"you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it every moment.\"\n\n\"How hard it is in some cases to be believed!\"\n\n\"And how impossible in others!\"\n\n\"But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I acknowledge?\"\n\n\"That is a question which I hardly know how to answer. We all love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your confidante.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few days after this visit, Mr. Bingley called again, and alone. His friend had left him that morning for London, but was to return home in ten days time. He sat with them above an hour, and was in remarkably good spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to dine with them; but, with many expressions of concern, he confessed himself engaged elsewhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next time you call,\" said she, \"I hope we shall be more lucky.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He should be particularly happy at any time, etc. etc. ; and if she would give him leave, would take an early opportunity of waiting on them.\n\n\"Can you come to-morrow?\"\n\nYes, he had no engagement at all for to-morrow; and her invitation was accepted with alacrity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came, and in such very good time that the ladies were none of them dressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In ran Mrs. Bennet to her daughter's room, in her dressing gown, and with her hair half finished, crying out:\n\n\"My dear Jane, make haste and hurry down. He is come—Mr. Bingley is come. He is, indeed. Make haste, make haste. Here, Sarah, come to Miss Bennet this moment, and help her on with her gown. Never mind Miss Lizzy's hair.\"\n\n\"We will be down as soon as we can,\" said Jane; \"but I dare say Kitty is forwarder than either of us, for she went up stairs half an hour ago.\"\n\n\"Oh! hang Kitty! what has she to do with it? Come be quick, be quick! Where is your sash, my dear?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when her mother was gone, Jane would not be prevailed on to go down without one of her sisters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The same anxiety to get them by themselves was visible again in the evening. After tea, Mr. Bennet retired to the library, as was his custom, and Mary went up stairs to her instrument. Two obstacles of the five being thus removed, Mrs. Bennet sat looking and winking at Elizabeth and Catherine for a considerable time, without making any impression on them. Elizabeth would not observe her; and when at last Kitty did, she very innocently said, \"What is the matter mamma? What do you keep winking at me for? What am I to do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing child, nothing. I did not wink at you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She then sat still five minutes longer; but unable to waste such a precious occasion, she suddenly got up, and saying to Kitty, \"Come here, my love, I want to speak to you,\" took her out of the room. Jane instantly gave a look at Elizabeth which spoke her distress at such premeditation, and her entreaty that she would not give in to it. In a few minutes, Mrs. Bennet half-opened the door and called out:\n\n\"Lizzy, my dear, I want to speak with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was forced to go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We may as well leave them by themselves you know;\" said her mother, as soon as she was in the hall. \"Kitty and I are going up stairs to sit in my dressing-room.\"\n\nElizabeth made no attempt to reason with her mother, but remained quietly in the hall, till she and Kitty were out of sight, then returned into the drawing-room.\n\nMrs. Bennet's schemes for this day were ineffectual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bingley was every thing that was charming, except the professed lover of her daughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His ease and cheerfulness rendered him a most agreeable addition to their evening party; and he bore with the ill-judged officiousness of the mother, and heard all her silly remarks with a forbearance and command of countenance particularly grateful to the daughter.\n\nHe scarcely needed an invitation to stay supper; and before he went away, an engagement was formed, chiefly through his own and Mrs. Bennet's means, for his coming next morning to shoot with her husband.\n\nAfter this day, Jane said no more of her indifference. Not a word passed between the sisters concerning Bingley; but Elizabeth went to bed in the happy belief that all must speedily be concluded, unless Mr. Darcy returned within the stated time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seriously, however, she felt tolerably persuaded that all this must have taken place with that gentleman's concurrence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bingley was punctual to his appointment; and he and Mr. Bennet spent the morning together, as had been agreed on. The latter was much more agreeable than his companion expected. There was nothing of presumption or folly in Bingley that could provoke his ridicule, or disgust him into silence; and he was more communicative, and less eccentric, than the other had ever seen him. Bingley of course returned with him to dinner; and in the evening Mrs. Bennet's invention was again at work to get every body away from him and her daughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, who had a letter to write, went into the breakfast room for that purpose soon after tea; for as the others were all going to sit down to cards, she could not be wanted to counteract her mother's schemes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But on returning to the drawing-room, when her letter was finished, she saw, to her infinite surprise, there was reason to fear that her mother had been too ingenious for her. On opening the door, she perceived her sister and Bingley standing together over the hearth, as if engaged in earnest conversation; and had this led to no suspicion, the faces of both, as they hastily turned round and moved away from each other, would have told it all. Their situation was awkward enough; but hers she thought was still worse. Not a syllable was uttered by either; and Elizabeth was on the point of going away again, when Bingley, who as well as the other had sat down, suddenly rose, and whispering a few words to her sister, ran out of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane could have no reserves from Elizabeth, where confidence would give pleasure; and instantly embracing her, acknowledged, with the liveliest emotion, that she was the happiest creature in the world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Tis too much!\" she added, \"by far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! why is not everybody as happy?\"\n\nElizabeth's congratulations were given with a sincerity, a warmth, a delight, which words could but poorly express. Every sentence of kindness was a fresh source of happiness to Jane. But she would not allow herself to stay with her sister, or say half that remained to be said for the present." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must go instantly to my mother;\" she cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would not on any account trifle with her affectionate solicitude; or allow her to hear it from anyone but myself. He is gone to my father already. Oh! Lizzy, to know that what I have to relate will give such pleasure to all my dear family! how shall I bear so much happiness!\"\n\nShe then hastened away to her mother, who had purposely broken up the card party, and was sitting up stairs with Kitty.\n\nElizabeth, who was left by herself, now smiled at the rapidity and ease with which an affair was finally settled, that had given them so many previous months of suspense and vexation.\n\n\"And this,\" said she, \"is the end of all his friend's anxious circumspection! of all his sister's falsehood and contrivance! the happiest, wisest, most reasonable end!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a few minutes she was joined by Bingley, whose conference with her father had been short and to the purpose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is your sister?\" said he hastily, as he opened the door.\n\n\"With my mother up stairs. She will be down in a moment, I dare say.\"\n\nHe then shut the door, and, coming up to her, claimed the good wishes and affection of a sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth honestly and heartily expressed her delight in the prospect of their relationship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They shook hands with great cordiality; and then, till her sister came down, she had to listen to all he had to say of his own happiness, and of Jane's perfections; and in spite of his being a lover, Elizabeth really believed all his expectations of felicity to be rationally founded, because they had for basis the excellent understanding, and super-excellent disposition of Jane, and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and himself.\n\nIt was an evening of no common delight to them all; the satisfaction of Miss Bennet's mind gave a glow of such sweet animation to her face, as made her look handsomer than ever. Kitty simpered and smiled, and hoped her turn was coming soon. Mrs. Bennet could not give her consent or speak her approbation in terms warm enough to satisfy her feelings, though she talked to Bingley of nothing else for half an hour; and when Mr. Bennet joined them at supper, his voice and manner plainly showed how really happy he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not a word, however, passed his lips in allusion to it, till their visitor took his leave for the night; but as soon as he was gone, he turned to his daughter, and said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jane, I congratulate you. You will be a very happy woman.\"\n\nJane went to him instantly, kissed him, and thanked him for his goodness.\n\n\"You are a good girl;\" he replied, \"and I have great pleasure in thinking you will be so happily settled. I have not a doubt of your doing very well together. Your tempers are by no means unlike. You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you will always exceed your income.\"\n\n\"I hope not so. Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters would be unpardonable in me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Exceed their income! My dear Mr. Bennet,\" cried his wife, \"what are you talking of? Why, he has four or five thousand a year, and very likely more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then addressing her daughter, \"Oh! my dear, dear Jane, I am so happy! I am sure I shan't get a wink of sleep all night. I knew how it would be. I always said it must be so, at last. I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing! I remember, as soon as ever I saw him, when he first came into Hertfordshire last year, I thought how likely it was that you should come together. Oh! he is the handsomest young man that ever was seen!\"\n\nWickham, Lydia, were all forgotten. Jane was beyond competition her favourite child. At that moment, she cared for no other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her younger sisters soon began to make interest with her for objects of happiness which she might in future be able to dispense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mary petitioned for the use of the library at Netherfield; and Kitty begged very hard for a few balls there every winter.\n\nBingley, from this time, was of course a daily visitor at Longbourn; coming frequently before breakfast, and always remaining till after supper; unless when some barbarous neighbour, who could not be enough detested, had given him an invitation to dinner which he thought himself obliged to accept.\n\nElizabeth had now but little time for conversation with her sister; for while he was present, Jane had no attention to bestow on anyone else; but she found herself considerably useful to both of them in those hours of separation that must sometimes occur. In the absence of Jane, he always attached himself to Elizabeth, for the pleasure of talking of her; and when Bingley was gone, Jane constantly sought the same means of relief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has made me so happy,\" said she, one evening, \"by telling me that he was totally ignorant of my being in town last spring! I had not believed it possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suspected as much,\" replied Elizabeth. \"But how did he account for it?\"\n\n\"It must have been his sister's doing. They were certainly no friends to his acquaintance with me, which I cannot wonder at, since he might have chosen so much more advantageously in many respects. But when they see, as I trust they will, that their brother is happy with me, they will learn to be contented, and we shall be on good terms again; though we can never be what we once were to each other.\"\n\n\"That is the most unforgiving speech,\" said Elizabeth, \"that I ever heard you utter. Good girl! It would vex me, indeed, to see you again the dupe of Miss Bingley's pretended regard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you believe it, Lizzy, that when he went to town last November, he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of my being indifferent would have prevented his coming down again!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He made a little mistake to be sure; but it is to the credit of his modesty.\"\n\nThis naturally introduced a panegyric from Jane on his diffidence, and the little value he put on his own good qualities. Elizabeth was pleased to find that he had not betrayed the interference of his friend; for, though Jane had the most generous and forgiving heart in the world, she knew it was a circumstance which must prejudice her against him.\n\n\"I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Jane Austen would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One morning, about a week after Bingley's engagement with Jane had been formed, as he and the females of the family were sitting together in the dining-room, their attention was suddenly drawn to the window, by the sound of a carriage; and they perceived a chaise and four driving up the lawn. It was too early in the morning for visitors, and besides, the equipage did not answer to that of any of their neighbours. The horses were post; and neither the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded it, were familiar to them. As it was certain, however, that somebody was coming, Bingley instantly prevailed on Miss Bennet to avoid the confinement of such an intrusion, and walk away with him into the shrubbery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They both set off, and the conjectures of the remaining three continued, though with little satisfaction, till the door was thrown open and their visitor entered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Lady Catherine de Bourgh.\n\nThey were of course all intending to be surprised; but their astonishment was beyond their expectation; and on the part of Mrs. Bennet and Kitty, though she was perfectly unknown to them, even inferior to what Elizabeth felt.\n\nShe entered the room with an air more than usually ungracious, made no other reply to Elizabeth's salutation than a slight inclination of the head, and sat down without saying a word. Elizabeth had mentioned her name to her mother on her ladyship's entrance, though no request of introduction had been made." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Bennet, all amazement, though flattered by having a guest of such high importance, received her with the utmost politeness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After sitting for a moment in silence, she said very stiffly to Elizabeth,\n\n\"I hope you are well, Miss Bennet. That lady, I suppose, is your mother.\"\n\nElizabeth replied very concisely that she was.\n\n\"And that I suppose is one of your sisters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, madam,\" said Mrs. Bennet, delighted to speak to Lady Catherine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is my youngest girl but one. My youngest of all is lately married, and my eldest is somewhere about the grounds, walking with a young man who, I believe, will soon become a part of the family.\"\n\n\"You have a very small park here,\" returned Lady Catherine after a short silence.\n\n\"It is nothing in comparison of Rosings, my lady, I dare say; but I assure you it is much larger than Sir William Lucas's.\"\n\n\"This must be a most inconvenient sitting room for the evening, in summer; the windows are full west.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Bennet assured her that they never sat there after dinner, and then added:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I take the liberty of asking your ladyship whether you left Mr. and Mrs. Collins well.\"\n\n\"Yes, very well. I saw them the night before last.\"\n\nElizabeth now expected that she would produce a letter for her from Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable motive for her calling. But no letter appeared, and she was completely puzzled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely, declined eating anything; and then, rising up, said to Elizabeth," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you will favour me with your company.\"\n\n\"Go, my dear,\" cried her mother, \"and show her ladyship about the different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage.\"\n\nElizabeth obeyed, and running into her own room for her parasol, attended her noble guest downstairs. As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the dining-parlour and drawing-room, and pronouncing them, after a short survey, to be decent looking rooms, walked on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her carriage remained at the door, and Elizabeth saw that her waiting-woman was in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They proceeded in silence along the gravel walk that led to the copse; Elizabeth was determined to make no effort for conversation with a woman who was now more than usually insolent and disagreeable.\n\n\"How could I ever think her like her nephew?\" said she, as she looked in her face.\n\nAs soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth looked with unaffected astonishment.\n\n\"Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I have not been at all able to account for the honour of seeing you here.\"\n\n\"Miss Bennet,\" replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, \"you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in a cause of such moment as this, I shall certainly not depart from it. A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago. I was told that not only your sister was on the point of being most advantageously married, but that you, that Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would, in all likelihood, be soon afterwards united to my nephew, my own nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you.\"\n\n\"If you believed it impossible to be true,\" said Elizabeth, colouring with astonishment and disdain, \"I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What could your ladyship propose by it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your coming to Longbourn, to see me and my family,\" said Elizabeth coolly, \"will be rather a confirmation of it; if, indeed, such a report is in existence.\"\n\n\"If! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not been industriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?\"\n\n\"I never heard that it was.\"\n\n\"And can you likewise declare, that there is no foundation for it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied. Has he, has my nephew, made you an offer of marriage?\"\n\n\"Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible.\"\n\n\"It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of his reason. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn him in.\"\n\n\"If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this. I am almost the nearest relation he has in the world, and am entitled to know all his dearest concerns.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you are not entitled to know mine; nor will such behaviour as this, ever induce me to be explicit.\"\n\n\"Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?\"\n\n\"Only this; that if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose he will make an offer to me.\"\n\nLady Catherine hesitated for a moment, and then replied:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of hers. While in their cradles, we planned the union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished in their marriage, to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? To his tacit engagement with Miss de Bourgh? Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy? Have you not heard me say that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and I had heard it before. But what is that to me? If there is no other objection to my marrying your nephew, I shall certainly not be kept from it by knowing that his mother and aunt wished him to marry Miss de Bourgh. You both did as much as you could in planning the marriage. Its completion depended on others. If Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? And if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?\"\n\n\"Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you wilfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us.\"\n\n\"These are heavy misfortunes,\" replied Elizabeth. \"But the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation, that she could, upon the whole, have no cause to repine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring? Is nothing due to me on that score? Let us sit down. You are to understand, Miss Bennet, that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose; nor will I be dissuaded from it. I have not been used to submit to any person's whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That will make your ladyship's situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me.\"\n\n\"I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended, on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father's, from respectable, honourable, and ancient—though untitled—families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses; and what is to divide them? The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.\"\n\n\"In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal.\"\n\n\"True. You are a gentleman's daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whatever my connections may be,\" said Elizabeth, \"if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me once for all, are you engaged to him?\"\n\nThough Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose of obliging Lady Catherine, have answered this question, she could not but say, after a moment's deliberation:\n\n\"I am not.\"\n\nLady Catherine seemed pleased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And will you promise me, never to enter into such an engagement?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will make no promise of the kind.\"\n\n\"Miss Bennet I am shocked and astonished. I expected to find a more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away till you have given me the assurance I require.\"\n\n\"And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise make their marriage at all more probable? Supposing him to be attached to me, would my refusing to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have widely mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. How far your nephew might approve of your interference in his affairs, I cannot tell; but you have certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no farther on the subject.\"\n\n\"Not so hasty, if you please. I have by no means done. To all the objections I have already urged, I have still another to add. I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all; that the young man's marrying her was a patched-up business, at the expence of your father and uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew's sister? Is her husband, is the son of his late father's steward, to be his brother? Heaven and earth!—of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can now have nothing further to say,\" she resentfully answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have insulted me in every possible method. I must beg to return to the house.\"\n\nAnd she rose as she spoke. Lady Catherine rose also, and they turned back. Her ladyship was highly incensed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. You know my sentiments.\"\n\n\"You are then resolved to have him?\"\n\n\"I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.\"\n\n\"It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me. You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude. You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Neither duty, nor honour, nor gratitude,\" replied Elizabeth, \"have any possible claim on me, in the present instance. No principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Mr. Darcy. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the indignation of the world, if the former were excited by his marrying me, it would not give me one moment's concern—and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable; but, depend upon it, I will carry my point.\"\n\nIn this manner Lady Catherine talked on, till they were at the door of the carriage, when, turning hastily round, she added, \"I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.\"\n\nElizabeth made no answer; and without attempting to persuade her ladyship to return into the house, walked quietly into it herself. She heard the carriage drive away as she proceeded up stairs." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The discomposure of spirits which this extraordinary visit threw Elizabeth into, could not be easily overcome; nor could she, for many hours, learn to think of it less than incessantly. Lady Catherine, it appeared, had actually taken the trouble of this journey from Rosings, for the sole purpose of breaking off her supposed engagement with Mr. Darcy. It was a rational scheme, to be sure! but from what the report of their engagement could originate, Elizabeth was at a loss to imagine; till she recollected that his being the intimate friend of Bingley, and her being the sister of Jane, was enough, at a time when the expectation of one wedding made everybody eager for another, to supply the idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had not herself forgotten to feel that the marriage of her sister must bring them more frequently together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And her neighbours at Lucas Lodge, therefore (for through their communication with the Collinses, the report, she concluded, had reached Lady Catherine), had only set that down as almost certain and immediate, which she had looked forward to as possible at some future time.\n\nIn revolving Lady Catherine's expressions, however, she could not help feeling some uneasiness as to the possible consequence of her persisting in this interference. From what she had said of her resolution to prevent their marriage, it occurred to Elizabeth that she must meditate an application to her nephew; and how he might take a similar representation of the evils attached to a connection with her, she dared not pronounce. She knew not the exact degree of his affection for his aunt, or his dependence on her judgment, but it was natural to suppose that he thought much higher of her ladyship than she could do; and it was certain that, in enumerating the miseries of a marriage with one, whose immediate connections were so unequal to his own, his aunt would address him on his weakest side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his notions of dignity, he would probably feel that the arguments, which to Elizabeth had appeared weak and ridiculous, contained much good sense and solid reasoning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he had been wavering before as to what he should do, which had often seemed likely, the advice and entreaty of so near a relation might settle every doubt, and determine him at once to be as happy as dignity unblemished could make him. In that case he would return no more. Lady Catherine might see him in her way through town; and his engagement to Bingley of coming again to Netherfield must give way.\n\n\"If, therefore, an excuse for not keeping his promise should come to his friend within a few days,\" she added, \"I shall know how to understand it. I shall then give over every expectation, every wish of his constancy. If he is satisfied with only regretting me, when he might have obtained my affections and hand, I shall soon cease to regret him at all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The surprise of the rest of the family, on hearing who their visitor had been, was very great; but they obligingly satisfied it, with the same kind of supposition which had appeased Mrs. Bennet's curiosity; and Elizabeth was spared from much teasing on the subject." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next morning, as she was going downstairs, she was met by her father, who came out of his library with a letter in his hand.\n\n\"Lizzy,\" said he, \"I was going to look for you; come into my room.\"\n\nShe followed him thither; and her curiosity to know what he had to tell her was heightened by the supposition of its being in some manner connected with the letter he held. It suddenly struck her that it might be from Lady Catherine; and she anticipated with dismay all the consequent explanations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She followed her father to the fire place, and they both sat down. He then said," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have received a letter this morning that has astonished me exceedingly. As it principally concerns yourself, you ought to know its contents. I did not know before, that I had two daughters on the brink of matrimony. Let me congratulate you on a very important conquest.\"\n\nThe colour now rushed into Elizabeth's cheeks in the instantaneous conviction of its being a letter from the nephew, instead of the aunt; and she was undetermined whether most to be pleased that he explained himself at all, or offended that his letter was not rather addressed to herself; when her father continued:\n\n\"You look conscious. Young ladies have great penetration in such matters as these; but I think I may defy even your sagacity, to discover the name of your admirer. This letter is from Mr. Collins.\"\n\n\"From Mr. Collins! and what can he have to say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something very much to the purpose of course." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He begins with congratulations on the approaching nuptials of my eldest daughter, of which, it seems, he has been told by some of the good-natured, gossiping Lucases. I shall not sport with your impatience, by reading what he says on that point. What relates to yourself, is as follows: 'Having thus offered you the sincere congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, let me now add a short hint on the subject of another; of which we have been advertised by the same authority. Your daughter Elizabeth, it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet, after her elder sister has resigned it, and the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most illustrious personages in this land.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you possibly guess, Lizzy, who is meant by this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'This young gentleman is blessed, in a peculiar way, with every thing the heart of mortal can most desire,—splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage. Yet in spite of all these temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of what evils you may incur by a precipitate closure with this gentleman's proposals, which, of course, you will be inclined to take immediate advantage of.'\n\n\"Have you any idea, Lizzy, who this gentleman is? But now it comes out:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'My motive for cautioning you is as follows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We have reason to imagine that his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye.'\n\n\"Mr. Darcy, you see, is the man! Now, Lizzy, I think I have surprised you. Could he, or the Lucases, have pitched on any man within the circle of our acquaintance, whose name would have given the lie more effectually to what they related? Mr. Darcy, who never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, and who probably never looked at you in his life! It is admirable!\"\n\nElizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry, but could only force one most reluctant smile. Never had his wit been directed in a manner so little agreeable to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you not diverted?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! yes. Pray read on.\"\n\n\"'After mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to her ladyship last night, she immediately, with her usual condescension, expressed what she felt on the occasion; when it became apparent, that on the score of some family objections on the part of my cousin, she would never give her consent to what she termed so disgraceful a match. I thought it my duty to give the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin, that she and her noble admirer may be aware of what they are about, and not run hastily into a marriage which has not been properly sanctioned.' Mr. Collins moreover adds, 'I am truly rejoiced that my cousin Lydia's sad business has been so well hushed up, and am only concerned that their living together before the marriage took place should be so generally known. I must not, however, neglect the duties of my station, or refrain from declaring my amazement at hearing that you received the young couple into your house as soon as they were married. It was an encouragement of vice; and had I been the rector of Longbourn, I should very strenuously have opposed it. You ought certainly to forgive them, as a Christian, but never to admit them in your sight, or allow their names to be mentioned in your hearing.' That is his notion of Christian forgiveness! The rest of his letter is only about his dear Charlotte's situation, and his expectation of a young olive-branch. But, Lizzy, you look as if you did not enjoy it. You are not going to be missish, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report. For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?\"\n\n\"Oh!\" cried Elizabeth, \"I am excessively diverted. But it is so strange!\"\n\n\"Yes—that is what makes it amusing. Had they fixed on any other man it would have been nothing; but his perfect indifference, and your pointed dislike, make it so delightfully absurd! Much as I abominate writing, I would not give up Mr. Collins's correspondence for any consideration. Nay, when I read a letter of his, I cannot help giving him the preference even over Wickham, much as I value the impudence and hypocrisy of my son-in-law. And pray, Lizzy, what said Lady Catherine about this report? Did she call to refuse her consent?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of Jane Austen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of receiving any such letter of excuse from his friend, as Elizabeth half expected Mr. Bingley to do, he was able to bring Darcy with him to Longbourn before many days had passed after Lady Catherine's visit. The gentlemen arrived early; and, before Mrs. Bennet had time to tell him of their having seen his aunt, of which her daughter sat in momentary dread, Bingley, who wanted to be alone with Jane, proposed their all walking out. It was agreed to. Mrs. Bennet was not in the habit of walking; Mary could never spare time; but the remaining five set off together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bingley and Jane, however, soon allowed the others to outstrip them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They lagged behind, while Elizabeth, Kitty, and Darcy were to entertain each other. Very little was said by either; Kitty was too much afraid of him to talk; Elizabeth was secretly forming a desperate resolution; and perhaps he might be doing the same.\n\nThey walked towards the Lucases, because Kitty wished to call upon Maria; and as Elizabeth saw no occasion for making it a general concern, when Kitty left them she went boldly on with him alone. Now was the moment for her resolution to be executed, and, while her courage was high, she immediately said:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be wounding yours. I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known it, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel it. Were it known to the rest of my family, I should not have merely my own gratitude to express.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,\" replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise and emotion, \"that you have ever been informed of what may, in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not think Mrs. Gardiner was so little to be trusted.\"\n\n\"You must not blame my aunt. Lydia's thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that you had been concerned in the matter; and, of course, I could not rest till I knew the particulars. Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering them.\"\n\n\"If you will thank me,\" he replied, \"let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.\"\n\nElizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a short pause, her companion added, \"You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.\n\nThey walked on, without knowing in what direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She soon learnt that they were indebted for their present good understanding to the efforts of his aunt, who did call on him in her return through London, and there relate her journey to Longbourn, its motive, and the substance of her conversation with Elizabeth; dwelling emphatically on every expression of the latter which, in her ladyship's apprehension, peculiarly denoted her perverseness and assurance; in the belief that such a relation must assist her endeavours to obtain that promise from her nephew which she had refused to give. But, unluckily for her ladyship, its effect had been exactly contrariwise.\n\n\"It taught me to hope,\" said he, \"as I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before. I knew enough of your disposition to be certain that, had you been absolutely, irrevocably decided against me, you would have acknowledged it to Lady Catherine, frankly and openly.\"\n\nElizabeth coloured and laughed as she replied, \"Yes, you know enough of my frankness to believe me capable of that. After abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have no scruple in abusing you to all your relations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did you say of me, that I did not deserve? For, though your accusations were ill-founded, formed on mistaken premises, my behaviour to you at the time had merited the severest reproof. It was unpardonable. I cannot think of it without abhorrence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening,\" said Elizabeth. \"The conduct of neither, if strictly examined, will be irreproachable; but since then, we have both, I hope, improved in civility.\"\n\n\"I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself. The recollection of what I then said, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it, is now, and has been many months, inexpressibly painful to me. Your reproof, so well applied, I shall never forget: 'had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.' Those were your words. You know not, you can scarcely conceive, how they have tortured me;—though it was some time, I confess, before I was reasonable enough to allow their justice.\"\n\n\"I was certainly very far from expecting them to make so strong an impression. I had not the smallest idea of their being ever felt in such a way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can easily believe it. You thought me then devoid of every proper feeling, I am sure you did. The turn of your countenance I shall never forget, as you said that I could not have addressed you in any possible way that would induce you to accept me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! do not repeat what I then said. These recollections will not do at all. I assure you that I have long been most heartily ashamed of it.\"\n\nDarcy mentioned his letter. \"Did it,\" said he, \"did it soon make you think better of me? Did you, on reading it, give any credit to its contents?\"\n\nShe explained what its effect on her had been, and how gradually all her former prejudices had been removed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew,\" said he, \"that what I wrote must give you pain, but it was necessary. I hope you have destroyed the letter. There was one part especially, the opening of it, which I should dread your having the power of reading again. I can remember some expressions which might justly make you hate me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The letter shall certainly be burnt, if you believe it essential to the preservation of my regard; but, though we have both reason to think my opinions not entirely unalterable, they are not, I hope, quite so easily changed as that implies.\"\n\n\"When I wrote that letter,\" replied Darcy, \"I believed myself perfectly calm and cool, but I am since convinced that it was written in a dreadful bitterness of spirit.\"\n\n\"The letter, perhaps, began in bitterness, but it did not end so. The adieu is charity itself. But think no more of the letter. The feelings of the person who wrote, and the person who received it, are now so widely different from what they were then, that every unpleasant circumstance attending it ought to be forgotten. You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.\"\n\n\"I cannot give you credit for any philosophy of the kind. Your retrospections must be so totally void of reproach, that the contentment arising from them is not of philosophy, but, what is much better, of innocence. But with me, it is not so. Painful recollections will intrude which cannot, which ought not, to be repelled. I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was right, but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit. Unfortunately an only son (for many years an only child), I was spoilt by my parents, who, though good themselves (my father, particularly, all that was benevolent and amiable), allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing; to care for none beyond my own family circle; to think meanly of all the rest of the world; to wish at least to think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was, from eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Had you then persuaded yourself that I should?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed I had. What will you think of my vanity? I believed you to be wishing, expecting my addresses.\"\n\n\"My manners must have been in fault, but not intentionally, I assure you. I never meant to deceive you, but my spirits might often lead me wrong. How you must have hated me after that evening?\"\n\n\"Hate you! I was angry perhaps at first, but my anger soon began to take a proper direction.\"\n\n\"I am almost afraid of asking what you thought of me, when we met at Pemberley. You blamed me for coming?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No indeed; I felt nothing but surprise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your surprise could not be greater than mine in being noticed by you. My conscience told me that I deserved no extraordinary politeness, and I confess that I did not expect to receive more than my due.\"\n\n\"My object then,\" replied Darcy, \"was to show you, by every civility in my power, that I was not so mean as to resent the past; and I hoped to obtain your forgiveness, to lessen your ill opinion, by letting you see that your reproofs had been attended to. How soon any other wishes introduced themselves I can hardly tell, but I believe in about half an hour after I had seen you.\"\n\nHe then told her of Georgiana's delight in her acquaintance, and of her disappointment at its sudden interruption; which naturally leading to the cause of that interruption, she soon learnt that his resolution of following her from Derbyshire in quest of her sister had been formed before he quitted the inn, and that his gravity and thoughtfulness there had arisen from no other struggles than what such a purpose must comprehend.\n\nShe expressed her gratitude again, but it was too painful a subject to each, to be dwelt on farther." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After walking several miles in a leisurely manner, and too busy to know anything about it, they found at last, on examining their watches, that it was time to be at home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could become of Mr. Bingley and Jane!\" was a wonder which introduced the discussion of their affairs. Darcy was delighted with their engagement; his friend had given him the earliest information of it.\n\n\"I must ask whether you were surprised?\" said Elizabeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not at all. When I went away, I felt that it would soon happen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is to say, you had given your permission. I guessed as much.\" And though he exclaimed at the term, she found that it had been pretty much the case.\n\n\"On the evening before my going to London,\" said he, \"I made a confession to him, which I believe I ought to have made long ago. I told him of all that had occurred to make my former interference in his affairs absurd and impertinent. His surprise was great. He had never had the slightest suspicion. I told him, moreover, that I believed myself mistaken in supposing, as I had done, that your sister was indifferent to him; and as I could easily perceive that his attachment to her was unabated, I felt no doubt of their happiness together.\"\n\nElizabeth could not help smiling at his easy manner of directing his friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you speak from your own observation,\" said she, \"when you told him that my sister loved him, or merely from my information last spring?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From the former. I had narrowly observed her during the two visits which I had lately made here; and I was convinced of her affection.\"\n\n\"And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried immediate conviction to him.\"\n\n\"It did. Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His diffidence had prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious a case, but his reliance on mine made every thing easy. I was obliged to confess one thing, which for a time, and not unjustly, offended him. I could not allow myself to conceal that your sister had been in town three months last winter, that I had known it, and purposely kept it from him. He was angry. But his anger, I am persuaded, lasted no longer than he remained in any doubt of your sister's sentiments. He has heartily forgiven me now.\"\n\nElizabeth longed to observe that Mr. Bingley had been a most delightful friend; so easily guided that his worth was invaluable; but she checked herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She remembered that he had yet to learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too early to begin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In anticipating the happiness of Bingley, which of course was to be inferior only to his own, he continued the conversation till they reached the house. In the hall they parted." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Jane Austen and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My dear Lizzy, where can you have been walking to?\" was a question which Elizabeth received from Jane as soon as she entered their room, and from all the others when they sat down to table. She had only to say in reply, that they had wandered about, till she was beyond her own knowledge. She coloured as she spoke; but neither that, nor anything else, awakened a suspicion of the truth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The evening passed quietly, unmarked by anything extraordinary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The acknowledged lovers talked and laughed, the unacknowledged were silent. Darcy was not of a disposition in which happiness overflows in mirth; and Elizabeth, agitated and confused, rather knew that she was happy than felt herself to be so; for, besides the immediate embarrassment, there were other evils before her. She anticipated what would be felt in the family when her situation became known; she was aware that no one liked him but Jane; and even feared that with the others it was a dislike which not all his fortune and consequence might do away.\n\nAt night she opened her heart to Jane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though suspicion was very far from Miss Bennet's general habits, she was absolutely incredulous here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are joking, Lizzy. This cannot be!—engaged to Mr. Darcy! No, no, you shall not deceive me. I know it to be impossible.\"\n\n\"This is a wretched beginning indeed! My sole dependence was on you; and I am sure nobody else will believe me, if you do not. Yet, indeed, I am in earnest. I speak nothing but the truth. He still loves me, and we are engaged.\"\n\nJane looked at her doubtingly. \"Oh, Lizzy! it cannot be. I know how much you dislike him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know nothing of the matter. That is all to be forgot. Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now. But in such cases as these, a good memory is unpardonable. This is the last time I shall ever remember it myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Bennet still looked all amazement. Elizabeth again, and more seriously assured her of its truth.\n\n\"Good Heaven! can it be really so! Yet now I must believe you,\" cried Jane. \"My dear, dear Lizzy, I would—I do congratulate you—but are you certain? forgive the question—are you quite certain that you can be happy with him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There can be no doubt of that. It is settled between us already, that we are to be the happiest couple in the world. But are you pleased, Jane? Shall you like to have such a brother?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very, very much. Nothing could give either Bingley or myself more delight. But we considered it, we talked of it as impossible. And do you really love him quite well enough? Oh, Lizzy! do anything rather than marry without affection. Are you quite sure that you feel what you ought to do?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes! You will only think I feel more than I ought to do, when I tell you all.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"Why, I must confess that I love him better than I do Bingley. I am afraid you will be angry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My dearest sister, now be serious. I want to talk very seriously. Let me know every thing that I am to know, without delay. Will you tell me how long you have loved him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.\"\n\nAnother entreaty that she would be serious, however, produced the desired effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by her solemn assurances of attachment. When convinced on that article, Miss Bennet had nothing further to wish.\n\n\"Now I am quite happy,\" said she, \"for you will be as happy as myself. I always had a value for him. Were it for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband, there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me. But Lizzy, you have been very sly, very reserved with me. How little did you tell me of what passed at Pemberley and Lambton! I owe all that I know of it to another, not to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been unwilling to mention Bingley; and the unsettled state of her own feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend. But now she would no longer conceal from her his share in Lydia's marriage. All was acknowledged, and half the night spent in conversation.\n\n\"Good gracious!\" cried Mrs. Bennet, as she stood at a window the next morning, \"if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not coming here again with our dear Bingley! What can he mean by being so tiresome as to be always coming here? I had no notion but he would go a-shooting, or something or other, and not disturb us with his company. What shall we do with him? Lizzy, you must walk out with him again, that he may not be in Bingley's way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a proposal; yet was really vexed that her mother should be always giving him such an epithet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as they entered, Bingley looked at her so expressively, and shook hands with such warmth, as left no doubt of his good information; and he soon afterwards said aloud, \"Mrs. Bennet, have you no more lanes hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose her way again to-day?\"\n\n\"I advise Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy, and Kitty,\" said Mrs. Bennet, \"to walk to Oakham Mount this morning. It is a nice long walk, and Mr. Darcy has never seen the view.\"\n\n\"It may do very well for the others,\" replied Mr. Bingley; \"but I am sure it will be too much for Kitty. Won't it, Kitty?\" Kitty owned that she had rather stay at home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Darcy professed a great curiosity to see the view from the Mount, and Elizabeth silently consented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she went up stairs to get ready, Mrs. Bennet followed her, saying:\n\n\"I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you should be forced to have that disagreeable man all to yourself. But I hope you will not mind it: it is all for Jane's sake, you know; and there is no occasion for talking to him, except just now and then. So, do not put yourself to inconvenience.\"\n\nDuring their walk, it was resolved that Mr. Bennet's consent should be asked in the course of the evening. Elizabeth reserved to herself the application for her mother's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could not determine how her mother would take it; sometimes doubting whether all his wealth and grandeur would be enough to overcome her abhorrence of the man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But whether she were violently set against the match, or violently delighted with it, it was certain that her manner would be equally ill adapted to do credit to her sense; and she could no more bear that Mr. Darcy should hear the first raptures of her joy, than the first vehemence of her disapprobation.\n\nIn the evening, soon after Mr. Bennet withdrew to the library, she saw Mr. Darcy rise also and follow him, and her agitation on seeing it was extreme. She did not fear her father's opposition, but he was going to be made unhappy; and that it should be through her means—that she, his favourite child, should be distressing him by her choice, should be filling him with fears and regrets in disposing of her—was a wretched reflection, and she sat in misery till Mr. Darcy appeared again, when, looking at him, she was a little relieved by his smile. In a few minutes he approached the table where she was sitting with Kitty; and, while pretending to admire her work said in a whisper, \"Go to your father, he wants you in the library.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was gone directly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her father was walking about the room, looking grave and anxious. \"Lizzy,\" said he, \"what are you doing? Are you out of your senses, to be accepting this man? Have not you always hated him?\"\n\nHow earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable, her expressions more moderate! It would have spared her from explanations and professions which it was exceedingly awkward to give; but they were now necessary, and she assured him, with some confusion, of her attachment to Mr. Darcy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or, in other words, you are determined to have him. He is rich, to be sure, and you may have more fine clothes and fine carriages than Jane. But will they make you happy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you any other objection,\" said Elizabeth, \"than your belief of my indifference?\"\n\n\"None at all. We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.\"\n\n\"I do, I do like him,\" she replied, with tears in her eyes, \"I love him. Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. You do not know what he really is; then pray do not pain me by speaking of him in such terms.\"\n\n\"Lizzy,\" said her father, \"I have given him my consent. He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything, which he condescended to ask. I now give it to you, if you are resolved on having him. But let me advise you to think better of it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband; unless you looked up to him as a superior. Your lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. You could scarcely escape discredit and misery. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life. You know not what you are about.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth, still more affected, was earnest and solemn in her reply; and at length, by repeated assurances that Mr. Darcy was really the object of her choice, by explaining the gradual change which her estimation of him had undergone, relating her absolute certainty that his affection was not the work of a day, but had stood the test of many months' suspense, and enumerating with energy all his good qualities, she did conquer her father's incredulity, and reconcile him to the match." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, my dear,\" said he, when she ceased speaking, \"I have no more to say. If this be the case, he deserves you. I could not have parted with you, my Lizzy, to anyone less worthy.\"\n\nTo complete the favourable impression, she then told him what Mr. Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He heard her with astonishment.\n\n\"This is an evening of wonders, indeed! And so, Darcy did every thing; made up the match, gave the money, paid the fellow's debts, and got him his commission! So much the better. It will save me a world of trouble and economy. Had it been your uncle's doing, I must and would have paid him; but these violent young lovers carry every thing their own way. I shall offer to pay him to-morrow; he will rant and storm about his love for you, and there will be an end of the matter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He then recollected her embarrassment a few days before, on his reading Mr. Collins's letter; and after laughing at her some time, allowed her at last to go—saying, as she quitted the room, \"If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, send them in, for I am quite at leisure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth's mind was now relieved from a very heavy weight; and, after half an hour's quiet reflection in her own room, she was able to join the others with tolerable composure. Every thing was too recent for gaiety, but the evening passed tranquilly away; there was no longer anything material to be dreaded, and the comfort of ease and familiarity would come in time.\n\nWhen her mother went up to her dressing-room at night, she followed her, and made the important communication. Its effect was most extraordinary; for on first hearing it, Mrs. Bennet sat quite still, and unable to utter a syllable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor was it under many, many minutes that she could comprehend what she heard; though not in general backward to credit what was for the advantage of her family, or that came in the shape of a lover to any of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She began at length to recover, to fidget about in her chair, get up, sit down again, wonder, and bless herself.\n\n\"Good gracious! Lord bless me! only think! dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true? Oh! my sweetest Lizzy! how rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! Jane's is nothing to it—nothing at all. I am so pleased—so happy. Such a charming man!—so handsome! so tall!—Oh, my dear Lizzy! pray apologise for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear Lizzy. A house in town! Every thing that is charming! Three daughters married! Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! What will become of me. I shall go distracted.\"\n\nThis was enough to prove that her approbation need not be doubted: and Elizabeth, rejoicing that such an effusion was heard only by herself, soon went away. But before she had been three minutes in her own room, her mother followed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My dearest child,\" she cried, \"I can think of nothing else! Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special licence. You must and shall be married by a special licence. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may have it to-morrow.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a sad omen of what her mother's behaviour to the gentleman himself might be; and Elizabeth found that, though in the certain possession of his warmest affection, and secure of her relations' consent, there was still something to be wished for. But the morrow passed off much better than she expected; for Mrs. Bennet luckily stood in such awe of her intended son-in-law that she ventured not to speak to him, unless it was in her power to offer him any attention, or mark her deference for his opinion.\n\nElizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking pains to get acquainted with him; and Mr. Bennet soon assured her that he was rising every hour in his esteem.\n\n\"I admire all my three sons-in-law highly,\" said he. \"Wickham, perhaps, is my favourite; but I think I shall like your husband quite as well as Jane's.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Jane Austen spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth's spirits soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted Mr. Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How could you begin?\" said she. \"I can comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place?\"\n\n\"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.\"\n\n\"My beauty you had early withstood, and as for my manners—my behaviour to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil, and I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain than not. Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For the liveliness of your mind, I did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may as well call it impertinence at once. It was very little less. The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention. You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking, and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so unlike them. Had you not been really amiable, you would have hated me for it; but in spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings were always noble and just; and in your heart, you thoroughly despised the persons who so assiduously courted you. There—I have saved you the trouble of accounting for it; and really, all things considered, I begin to think it perfectly reasonable. To be sure, you knew no actual good of me—but nobody thinks of that when they fall in love.\"\n\n\"Was there no good in your affectionate behaviour to Jane while she was ill at Netherfield?\"\n\n\"Dearest Jane! who could have done less for her? But make a virtue of it by all means. My good qualities are under your protection, and you are to exaggerate them as much as possible; and, in return, it belongs to me to find occasions for teasing and quarrelling with you as often as may be; and I shall begin directly by asking you what made you so unwilling to come to the point at last. What made you so shy of me, when you first called, and afterwards dined here? Why, especially, when you called, did you look as if you did not care about me?\"\n\n\"Because you were grave and silent, and gave me no encouragement.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I was embarrassed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And so was I.\"\n\n\"You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.\"\n\n\"A man who had felt less, might.\"\n\n\"How unlucky that you should have a reasonable answer to give, and that I should be so reasonable as to admit it! But I wonder how long you would have gone on, if you had been left to yourself. I wonder when you would have spoken, if I had not asked you! My resolution of thanking you for your kindness to Lydia had certainly great effect. Too much, I am afraid; for what becomes of the moral, if our comfort springs from a breach of promise? for I ought not to have mentioned the subject. This will never do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You need not distress yourself. The moral will be perfectly fair. Lady Catherine's unjustifiable endeavours to separate us were the means of removing all my doubts. I am not indebted for my present happiness to your eager desire of expressing your gratitude. I was not in a humour to wait for any opening of yours. My aunt's intelligence had given me hope, and I was determined at once to know every thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lady Catherine has been of infinite use, which ought to make her happy, for she loves to be of use. But tell me, what did you come down to Netherfield for? Was it merely to ride to Longbourn and be embarrassed? or had you intended any more serious consequence?\"\n\n\"My real purpose was to see you, and to judge, if I could, whether I might ever hope to make you love me. My avowed one, or what I avowed to myself, was to see whether your sister were still partial to Bingley, and if she were, to make the confession to him which I have since made.\"\n\n\"Shall you ever have courage to announce to Lady Catherine what is to befall her?\"\n\n\"I am more likely to want more time than courage, Elizabeth. But it ought to be done, and if you will give me a sheet of paper, it shall be done directly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady once did. But I have an aunt, too, who must not be longer neglected.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From an unwillingness to confess how much her intimacy with Mr. Darcy had been over-rated, Elizabeth had never yet answered Mrs. Gardiner's long letter; but now, having that to communicate which she knew would be most welcome, she was almost ashamed to find that her uncle and aunt had already lost three days of happiness, and immediately wrote as follows:\n\n\"I would have thanked you before, my dear aunt, as I ought to have done, for your long, kind, satisfactory, detail of particulars; but to say the truth, I was too cross to write. You supposed more than really existed. But now suppose as much as you choose; give a loose rein to your fancy, indulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford, and unless you believe me actually married, you cannot greatly err. You must write again very soon, and praise him a great deal more than you did in your last. I thank you, again and again, for not going to the Lakes. How could I be so silly as to wish it! Your idea of the ponies is delightful. We will go round the Park every day. I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare from me. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas. Yours, etc.\"\n\nMr. Darcy's letter to Lady Catherine was in a different style; and still different from either was what Mr. Bennet sent to Mr. Collins, in reply to his last.\n\n\"DEAR SIR,\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must trouble you once more for congratulations. Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine as well as you can. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yours sincerely, etc.\"\n\nMiss Bingley's congratulations to her brother, on his approaching marriage, were all that was affectionate and insincere. She wrote even to Jane on the occasion, to express her delight, and repeat all her former professions of regard. Jane was not deceived, but she was affected; and though feeling no reliance on her, could not help writing her a much kinder answer than she knew was deserved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving similar information, was as sincere as her brother's in sending it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four sides of paper were insufficient to contain all her delight, and all her earnest desire of being loved by her sister.\n\nBefore any answer could arrive from Mr. Collins, or any congratulations to Elizabeth from his wife, the Longbourn family heard that the Collinses were come themselves to Lucas Lodge. The reason of this sudden removal was soon evident. Lady Catherine had been rendered so exceedingly angry by the contents of her nephew's letter, that Charlotte, really rejoicing in the match, was anxious to get away till the storm was blown over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At such a moment, the arrival of her friend was a sincere pleasure to Elizabeth, though in the course of their meetings she must sometimes think the pleasure dearly bought, when she saw Mr. Darcy exposed to all the parading and obsequious civility of her husband." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bore it, however, with admirable calmness. He could even listen to Sir William Lucas, when he complimented him on carrying away the brightest jewel of the country, and expressed his hopes of their all meeting frequently at St. James's, with very decent composure. If he did shrug his shoulders, it was not till Sir William was out of sight.\n\nMrs. Phillips's vulgarity was another, and perhaps a greater, tax on his forbearance; and though Mrs. Phillips, as well as her sister, stood in too much awe of him to speak with the familiarity which Bingley's good humour encouraged, yet, whenever she did speak, she must be vulgar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor was her respect for him, though it made her more quiet, at all likely to make her more elegant." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately one sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth did all she could to shield him from the frequent notice of either, and was ever anxious to keep him to herself, and to those of her family with whom he might converse without mortification; and though the uncomfortable feelings arising from all this took from the season of courtship much of its pleasure, it added to the hope of the future; and she looked forward with delight to the time when they should be removed from society so little pleasing to either, to all the comfort and elegance of their family party at Pemberley." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters. With what delighted pride she afterwards visited Mrs. Bingley, and talked of Mrs. Darcy, may be guessed. I wish I could say, for the sake of her family, that the accomplishment of her earnest desire in the establishment of so many of her children produced so happy an effect as to make her a sensible, amiable, well-informed woman for the rest of her life; though perhaps it was lucky for her husband, who might not have relished domestic felicity in so unusual a form, that she still was occasionally nervous and invariably silly.\n\nMr. Bennet missed his second daughter exceedingly; his affection for her drew him oftener from home than anything else could do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He delighted in going to Pemberley, especially when he was least expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Bingley and Jane remained at Netherfield only a twelvemonth. So near a vicinity to her mother and Meryton relations was not desirable even to his easy temper, or her affectionate heart. The darling wish of his sisters was then gratified; he bought an estate in a neighbouring county to Derbyshire, and Jane and Elizabeth, in addition to every other source of happiness, were within thirty miles of each other.\n\nKitty, to her very material advantage, spent the chief of her time with her two elder sisters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In society so superior to what she had generally known, her improvement was great." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was not of so ungovernable a temper as Lydia; and, removed from the influence of Lydia's example, she became, by proper attention and management, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. From the further disadvantage of Lydia's society she was of course carefully kept, and though Mrs. Wickham frequently invited her to come and stay with her, with the promise of balls and young men, her father would never consent to her going.\n\nMary was the only daughter who remained at home; and she was necessarily drawn from the pursuit of accomplishments by Mrs. Bennet's being quite unable to sit alone. Mary was obliged to mix more with the world, but she could still moralize over every morning visit; and as she was no longer mortified by comparisons between her sisters' beauty and her own, it was suspected by her father that she submitted to the change without much reluctance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As for Wickham and Lydia, their characters suffered no revolution from the marriage of her sisters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bore with philosophy the conviction that Elizabeth must now become acquainted with whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood had before been unknown to her; and in spite of every thing, was not wholly without hope that Darcy might yet be prevailed on to make his fortune. The congratulatory letter which Elizabeth received from Lydia on her marriage, explained to her that, by his wife at least, if not by himself, such a hope was cherished. The letter was to this effect:\n\n\"MY DEAR LIZZY,\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich, and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yours, etc.\"\n\nAs it happened that Elizabeth had much rather not, she endeavoured in her answer to put an end to every entreaty and expectation of the kind. Such relief, however, as it was in her power to afford, by the practice of what might be called economy in her own private expences, she frequently sent them. It had always been evident to her that such an income as theirs, under the direction of two persons so extravagant in their wants, and heedless of the future, must be very insufficient to their support; and whenever they changed their quarters, either Jane or herself were sure of being applied to for some little assistance towards discharging their bills." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their manner of living, even when the restoration of peace dismissed them to a home, was unsettled in the extreme." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were always moving from place to place in quest of a cheap situation, and always spending more than they ought. His affection for her soon sunk into indifference; hers lasted a little longer; and in spite of her youth and her manners, she retained all the claims to reputation which her marriage had given her.\n\nThough Darcy could never receive him at Pemberley, yet, for Elizabeth's sake, he assisted him further in his profession. Lydia was occasionally a visitor there, when her husband was gone to enjoy himself in London or Bath; and with the Bingleys they both of them frequently staid so long, that even Bingley's good humour was overcome, and he proceeded so far as to talk of giving them a hint to be gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Bingley was very deeply mortified by Darcy's marriage; but as she thought it advisable to retain the right of visiting at Pemberley, she dropt all her resentment; was fonder than ever of Georgiana, almost as attentive to Darcy as heretofore, and paid off every arrear of civility to Elizabeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pemberley was now Georgiana's home; and the attachment of the sisters was exactly what Darcy had hoped to see. They were able to love each other even as well as they intended. Georgiana had the highest opinion in the world of Elizabeth; though at first she often listened with an astonishment bordering on alarm at her lively, sportive, manner of talking to her brother. He, who had always inspired in herself a respect which almost overcame her affection, she now saw the object of open pleasantry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mind received knowledge which had never before fallen in her way." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By Elizabeth's instructions, she began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband which a brother will not always allow in a sister more than ten years younger than himself.\n\nLady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her character in her reply to the letter which announced its arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. But at length, by Elizabeth's persuasion, he was prevailed on to overlook the offence, and seek a reconciliation; and, after a little further resistance on the part of his aunt, her resentment gave way, either to her affection for him, or her curiosity to see how his wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait on them at Pemberley, in spite of that pollution which its woods had received, not merely from the presence of such a mistress, but the visits of her uncle and aunt from the city.\n\nWith the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of William Golding." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon. Though he had taken off his school sweater and trailed it now from one hand, his grey shirt stuck to him and his hair was plastered to his forehead. All round him the long scar smashed into the jungle was a bath of heat. He was clambering heavily among the creepers and broken trunks when a bird, a vision of red and yellow, flashed upwards with a witch-like cry; and this cry was echoed by another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hi!\" it said. \"Wait a minute!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The undergrowth at the side of the scar was shaken and a multitude of raindrops fell pattering.\n\n\"Wait a minute,\" the voice said. \"I got caught up.\"\n\nThe fair boy stopped and jerked his stockings with an automatic gesture that made the jungle seem for a moment like the Home Counties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice spoke again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't hardly move with all these creeper things.\"\n\nThe owner of the voice came backing out of the undergrowth so that twigs scratched on a greasy wind-breaker. The naked crooks of his knees were plump, caught and scratched by thorns. He bent down, removed the thorns carefully, and turned round." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was shorter than the fair boy and very fat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He came forward, searching out safe lodgments for his feet, and then looked up through thick spectacles.\n\n\"Where's the man with the megaphone?\"\n\nThe fair boy shook his head.\n\n\"This is an island. At least I think it's an island. That's a reef out in the sea. Perhaps there aren't any grownups anywhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fat boy looked startled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'There was that pilot. But he wasn't in the passenger cabin, he was up in front.\"\n\nThe fair boy was peering at the reef through screwed-up eyes.\n\n\"All them other lads,\" the fat boy went on. \"Some of them must have got out. They must have, mustn't they?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fair boy began to pick his way as casually as possible toward the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to be offhand and not too obviously uninterested, but the fat boy hurried after him.\n\n\"Aren't there any grownups at all?\"\n\n\"I don't think so.\"\n\nThe fair boy said this solemnly; but then the delight of a realized ambition overcame him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the middle of the scar he stood on his head and grinned at the reversed fat boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No grownups!\"\n\nThe fat boy thought for a moment.\n\n\"That pilot.\"\n\nThe fair boy allowed his feet to come down and sat on the steamy earth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He must have flown off after he dropped us. He couldn't land here. Not in a plane with wheels.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We was attacked!\"\n\n\"He'll be back all right.\"\n\nThe fat boy shook his head.\n\n\"When we was coming down I looked through one of them windows. I saw the other part of the plane. There were flames coming out of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up and down the scar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And this is what the cabin done.\"\n\nThe fair boy reached out and touched the jagged end of a trunk. For a moment he looked interested.\n\n\"What happened to it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked. \"Where's it got to now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That storm dragged it out to sea. It wasn't half dangerous with all them tree trunks falling. There must have been some kids still in it.\"\n\nHe hesitated for a moment, then spoke again.\n\n\"What's your name?\"\n\n\"Ralph.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fat boy waited to be asked his name in turn but this proffer of acquaintance was not made; the fair boy called Ralph smiled vaguely, stood up, and began to make las way once more toward the lagoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fat boy hung steadily at his shoulder.\n\n\"I expect there's a lot more of us scattered about. You haven't seen any others, have you?\"\n\nRalph shook his head and increased his speed. Then he tripped over a branch and came down with a crash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fat boy stood by him, breathing hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My auntie told me not to run,\" he explained, \"on account of my asthma.\"\n\n\"Ass-mar?\"\n\n\"That's right. Can't catch me breath. I was the only boy in our school what had asthma,\" said the fat boy with a touch of pride. \"And I've been wearing specs since I was three.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took off his glasses and held them out to Ralph, blinking and smiling, and then started to wipe them against his grubby wind-breaker." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An expression of pain and inward concentration altered the pale contours of his face. He smeared the sweat from his cheeks and quickly adjusted the spectacles on his nose.\n\n\"Them fruit.\"\n\nHe glanced round the scar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Them fruit,\" he said, \"I expect—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put on his glasses, waded away from Ralph, and crouched down among the tangled foliage.\n\n\"Ill be out again in just a minute—\"\n\nRalph disentangled himself cautiously and stole away through the branches. In a few seconds the fat boy's grunts were behind him and he was hurrying toward the screen that still lay between him and the lagoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He climbed over a broken trunk and was out of the jungle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shore was fledged with palm trees. These stood or leaned or reclined against the light and their green feathers were a hundred feet up in the air. The ground beneath them was a bank covered with coarse grass, torn everywhere by the upheavals of fallen trees, scattered with decaying coconuts and palm saplings. Behind this was the darkness of the forest proper and the open space of the scar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph stood, one hand against a grey trunk, and screwed up his eyes against the shimmering water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Out there, perhaps a mile away, the white surf flinked on a coral reef, and beyond that the open sea was dark blue. Within the irregular arc of coral the lagoon was still as a mountain lake—blue of all shades and shadowy green and purple. The beach between the palm terrace and the water was a thin stick, endless apparently, for to Ralph's left the perspectives of palm and beach and water drew to a point at infinity; and always, almost visible, was the heat.\n\nHe jumped down from the terrace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sand was thick over his black shoes and the heat hit him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He became conscious of the weight of clothes, kicked his shoes off fiercely and ripped off each stocking with its elastic garter in a single movement Then he leapt back on the terrace, pulled off his shirt, and stood there among the skull-like coconuts with green shadows from the palms and the forest sliding over his skin. He undid the snake-clasp of his belt, lugged off his shorts and pants, and stood there naked, looking at the dazzling beach and the water.\n\nHe was old enough, twelve years and a few months, to have lost the prominent tummy of childhood; and not yet old enough for adolescence to have made him awkward. You could see now that he might make a boxer, as far as width and heaviness of shoulders went, but there was a mildness about his mouth and eyes that proclaimed no devil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He patted the palm trunk softly, and, forced at last to believe in the reality of the island, laughed delightedly again and stood on his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned neatly on to his feet, jumped down to the beach, knelt and swept a double armful of sand into a pile against his chest. Then he sat back and looked at the water with bright, excited eyes.\n\n\"Ralph—\"\n\nThe fat boy lowered himself over the terrace and sat down carefully, using the edge as a seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry I been such a time. Them fruit—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wiped his glasses and adjusted them on his button nose. The frame had made a deep, pink \"V\" on the bridge. He looked critically at Ralph's golden body and then down at his own clothes. He laid a hand on the end of a zipper that extended down his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My auntie—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he opened the zipper with decision and pulled the whole wind-breaker over his head.\n\n\"There!\"\n\nRalph looked at him sidelong and said nothing.\n\n\"I expect we'll want to know all their names,\" said the fat boy, \"and make a list. We ought to have a meeting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph did not take the hint so the fat boy was forced to continue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't care what they call me,\" he said confidentially, \"so long as they don't call me what they used to call me at school.'\n\nRalph was faintly interested.\n\n\"What was that?\"\n\nThe fat boy glanced over his shoulder, then leaned toward Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They used to call me 'Piggy.'\"\n\nRalph shrieked with laughter. He jumped up.\n\n\"Piggy! Piggy!\"\n\n\"Ralph—please!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy clasped his hands in apprehension." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said I didn't want—\"\n\n\"Piggy! Piggy!\"\n\nRalph danced out into the hot air of the beach and then returned as a fighter-plane, with wings swept back, and machine-gunned Piggy.\n\n\"Sche-aa-ow!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dived in the sand at Piggy's feet and lay there laughing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Piggy!\"\n\nPiggy grinned reluctantly, pleased despite himself at even this much recognition.\n\n\"So long as you don't tell the others—\"\n\nRalph giggled into the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The expression of pain and concentration returned to Piggy's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Half a sec'.\"\n\nHe hastened back into the forest. Ralph stood up and trotted along to the right.\n\nHere the beach was interrupted abruptly by the square motif of the landscape; a great platform of pink granite thrust up uncompromisingly through forest and terrace and sand and lagoon to make a raised jetty four feet high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The top of this was covered with a thin layer of soil and coarse grass and shaded with young palm trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was not enough soil for them to grow to any height and when they reached perhaps twenty feet they fell and dried, forming a criss-cross pattern of trunks, very convenient to sit on. The palms that still stood made a green roof, covered on the underside with a quivering tangle of reflections from the lagoon. Ralph hauled himself onto this platform, noted the coolness and shade, shut one eye, ana decided that the shadows on his body were really green. He picked his way to the seaward edge of the platform and stood looking down into the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was clear to the bottom and bright with the efflorescence of tropical weed and coral." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A school of tiny, glittering fish flicked hither and thither. Ralph spoke to himself, sounding the bass strings of delight.\n\n\"Whizzoh!\"\n\nBeyond the platform there was more enchantment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some act of God—a typhoon perhaps, or the storm that had accompanied his own arrival—had banked sand inside the lagoon so that there was a long, deep pool in the beach with a high ledge of pink granite at the further end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph had been deceived before now by the specious appearance of depth in a beach pool and he approached this one preparing to be disappointed. But the island ran true to form and the incredible pool, which clearly was only invaded by the sea at high tide, was so deep at one end as to be dark green. Ralph inspected the whole thirty yards carefully and then plunged in. The water was warmer than his blood and he might have been swimming in a huge bath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy appeared again, sat on the rocky ledge, and watched Ralph's green and white body enviously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can't half swim.\"\n\n\"Piggy.\"\n\nPiggy took off his shoes and socks, ranged them carefully on the ledge, and tested the water with one toe.\n\n\"It's hot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did you expect?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't expect nothing. My auntie—\"\n\n\"Sucks to your auntie!\"\n\nRalph did a surface dive and swam under water with his eyes open; the sandy edge of the pool loomed up like a hillside. He turned over, holding his nose, and a golden light danced and shattered just over his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy was looking determined and began to take off his shorts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Presently he was palely and fatly naked. He tiptoed down the sandy side of the pool, and sat there up to his neck in water smiling proudly at Ralph.\n\n\"Aren't you going to swim?\"\n\nPiggy shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't swim. I wasn't allowed. My asthma—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sucks to your ass-mar!\"\n\nPiggy bore this with a sort of humble patience.\n\n\"You can't half swim well.\"\n\nRalph paddled backwards down the slope, immersed his mouth and blew a jet of water into the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he lifted his chin and spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could swim when I was five. Daddy taught me. He's a commander in the Navy. When he gets leave hell come and rescue us. What's your father?\"\n\nPiggy flushed suddenly.\n\n\"My dad's dead,\" he said quickly, \"and my mum—\"\n\nHe took off his glasses and looked vainly for something with which to clean them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I used to live with my auntie. She kept a candy store. I used to get ever so many candies. As many as I liked. When'll your dad rescue us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Soon as he can.\"\n\nPiggy rose dripping from the water and stood naked, cleaning his glasses with a sock. The only sound that reached them now through the heat of the morning was the long, grinding roar of the breakers on the reef.\n\n\"How does he know we're here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph lolled in the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sleep enveloped him like the swathing mirages that were wrestling with the brilliance of the lagoon.\n\n\"How does he know we're here?\"\n\nBecause, thought Ralph, because, because. The roar from the reef became very distant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They'd tell him at the airport.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy shook his head, put on his flashing glasses and looked down at Ralph.\n\n\"Not them. Didn't you hear what the pilot said? About the atom bomb? They're all dead.\"\n\nRalph pulled himself out of the water, stood facing Piggy, and considered this unusual problem.\n\nPiggy persisted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This an island, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I climbed a rock,\" said Ralph slowly, \"and I think this is an island.\"\n\n\"They're all dead,\" said Piggy, \"an' this is an island. Nobody don't know we're here. Your dad don't know, nobody don t know—\"\n\nHis lips quivered and the spectacles were dimmed with mist.\n\n\"We may stay here till we die.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With that word the heat seemed to increase till it became a threatening weight and the lagoon attacked them with a blinding effulgence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get my clothes,\" muttered Ralph. \"Along there.\"\n\nHe trotted through the sand, enduring the sun's enmity, crossed the platform and found his scattered clothes. To put on a grey shirt once more was strangely pleasing. Then he climbed the edge of the platform and sat in the green shade on a convenient trunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy hauled himself up, carrying most of his clothes under his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he sat carefully on a fallen trunk near the little cliff that fronted the lagoon; and the tangled reflections quivered over him.\n\nPresently he spoke.\n\n\"We got to find the others. We got to do something.\"\n\nRalph said nothing. Here was a coral island." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Protected from the sun, ignoring Piggy's ill-omened talk, he dreamed pleasantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy insisted.\n\n\"How many of us are there?\"\n\nRalph came forward and stood by Piggy.\n\n\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here and there, little breezes crept over the polished waters beneath the haze of heat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When these breezes reached the platform the palm fronds would whisper, so that spots of blurred sunlight slid over their bodies or moved like bright, winged things in the shade.\n\nPiggy looked up at Ralph. All the shadows on Ralph's face were reversed; green above, bright below from the lagoon. A blur of sunlight was crawling across his hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We got to do something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph looked through him. Here at last was the imagined out never fully realized place leaping into real life. Ralph's lips parted in a delighted smile and Piggy, taking this smile to himself as a mark of recognition, laughed with pleasure.\n\n\"If ft really is an island—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph had stopped smiling and was pointing into the lagoon. Something creamy lay among the ferny weeds.\n\n\"A stone.\"\n\n\"No. A shell\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly Piggy was a-bubble with decorous excitement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"S'right. It's a shell! I seen one like that before. On someone's back wall A conch he called it. He used to blow it and then his mum would come. It's ever so valuable—\"\n\nNear to Ralph's elbow a palm sapling leaned out over the lagoon. Indeed, the weight was already pulling a lump from the poor soil and soon it would fall. He tore out the stem and began to poke about in the water, while the brilliant fish flicked away on this side and that. Piggy leaned dangerously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Careful! You'll break it—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shut up.\"\n\nRalph spoke absently. The shell was interesting and pretty and a worthy plaything; but the vivid phantoms of his day-dream still interposed between him and Piggy, who in this context was an irrelevance. The palm sapling, bending, pushed the shell across the weeds. Ralph used one hand as a fulcrum and pressed down with the other till the shell rose, dripping, and Piggy could make a grab." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the shell was no longer a thing seen but not to be touched, Ralph too became excited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy babbled: \"—a conch; ever so expensive. I bet if you wanted to buy one, you'd have to pay pounds and pounds and pounds—he had it on his garden wall, and my auntie—\"\n\nRalph took the shell from Piggy and a little water ran down his arm. In color the shell was deep cream, touched here and there with fading pink. Between the point, worn away into a little hole, and the pink lips of the mouth, lay eighteen inches of shell with a slight spiral twist and covered with a delicate, embossed pattern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph shook sand out of the deep tube." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—mooed like a cow,\" he said. \"He had some white stones too, an' a bird cage with a green parrot. He didn't blow the white stones, of course, an' he said—\"\n\nPiggy paused for breath and stroked the glistening thing that lay in Ralph's hands.\n\n\"Ralph!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph looked up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They'll come when they hear us—\"\n\nHe beamed at Ralph.\n\n\"That was what you meant, didn't you? That's why you got the conch out of the water?\"\n\nRalph pushed back his fair hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did your friend blow the conch?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He kind of spat,\" said Piggy. \"My auntie wouldn't let me blow on account of my asthma. He said you blew from down here.\" Piggy laid a hand on his jutting abdomen. \"You try, Ralph. You'll call the others.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Doubtfully, Ralph laid the small end of the shell against his mouth and blew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There came a rushing sound from its mouth but nothing more. Ralph wiped the salt water off his lips and tried again, but the shell remained silent.\n\n\"He kind of spat.\"\n\nRalph pursed his lips and squirted air into the shell, which emitted a low, farting noise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This amused both boys so much that Ralph went on squirting for some minutes, between bouts of laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He blew from down here.\"\n\nRalph grasped the idea and hit the shell with air from his diaphragm. Immediately the thing sounded. A deep, harsh note boomed under the palms, spread through the intricacies of the forest and echoed back from the pink granite of the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clouds of birds rose from the tree-tops, and something squealed and ran in the undergrowth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph took the shell away from his lips.\n\n\"Gosh!\"\n\nHis ordinary voice sounded like a whisper after the harsh note of the conch. He laid the conch against his lips, took a deep breath and blew once more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The note Doomed again: and then at his firmer pressure, the note, fluking up an octave, became a strident blare more penetrating than before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy was shouting something, his face pleased, his glasses flashing. The birds cried, small animals scuttered. Ralph's breath failed; the note dropped the octave, became a low wubber, was a rush of air.\n\nThe conch was silent, a gleaming tusk; Ralph's face was dark with breathlessness and the air over the island was full of bird-clamor and echoes ringing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I bet you can hear that for miles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph found his breath and blew a series of short blasts.\n\nPiggy exclaimed: \"There's one!\"\n\nA child had appeared among the palms, about a hundred yards along the beach. He was a boy of perhaps six years, sturdy and fair, his clothes torn, his face covered with a sticky mess of fruit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His trousers had been lowered for an obvious purpose and had only been pulled back half-way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He jumped off the palm terrace into the sand and his trousers fell about his ankles; he stepped out. of them and trotted to the platform. Piggy helped him up. Meanwhile Ralph continued to blow till voices shouted in the forest The small boy squatted in front of Ralph, looking up brightly and vertically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he received the reassurance of something purposeful being done he began to look satisfied, and his only clean digit, a pink thumb, slid into his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy leaned down to him.\n\n\"What's yer name?\"\n\n\"Johnny.\"\n\nPiggy muttered the name to himself and then shouted it to Ralph, who was not interested because he was still blowing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face was dark with the violent pleasure of making this stupendous noise, and his heart was making the stretched shirt shake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shouting in the forest was nearer.\n\nSigns of life were visible now on the beach. The sand, trembling beneath the heat haze, concealed many figures in its miles of length; boys were making their way toward the platform through the hot, dumb sand. Three small children, no older than Johnny, appeared from startlingly dose at hand where they had been gorging fruit in the forest A dark little boy, not much younger than Piggy, parted a tangle of undergrowth, walked on to the platform, and smiled cheerfully at everybody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More and more of them came." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking their cue from the innocent Johnny, they sat down on the fallen palm trunks and waited. Ralph continued to blow short, penetrating blasts. Piggy moved among the crowd, asking names and frowning to remember them. The children gave him the same simple obedience that they had given to the men with megaphones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some were naked and carrying their clothes; others half-naked, or more or less dressed, in school uniforms, grey, blue, fawn, jacketed or jerseyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were badges, mottoes even, stripes of color in stockings and pullovers. Their heads clustered above the trunks in the green shade; heads brown, fair, black, chestnut, sandy, mouse-colored; heads muttering, whispering, heads full of eyes that watched Ralph and speculated. Something was being done.\n\nThe children who came along the beach, singly or in twos, leapt into visibility when they crossed the line from heat haze to nearer sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here, the eye was first attracted to a black, bat-like creature that danced on the sand, and only later perceived the body above it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bat was the child's shadow, shrunk by the vertical sun to a patch between the hurrying feet. Even while he blew, Ralph noticed the last pair of bodies that reached the platform above a fluttering patch of Hack. The two boys, bullet-headed and with hair like tow, flung themselves down and lay grinning and panting at Ralph like dogs. They were twins, and the eye was shocked and incredulous at such cheery duplication." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They breathed together, they grinned together, they were chunky and vital." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They raised wet lips at Ralph, for they seemed provided with not quite enough skin, so that their profiles were blurred and their mouths pulled open. Piggy bent his flashing glasses to them and could be heard between the blasts, repeating their names.\n\n\"Sam, Eric, Sam, Eric.\"\n\nThen he got muddled; the twins shook their heads and pointed at each other and the crowd laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last Ralph ceased to blow and sat there, the conch trailing from one hand, his head bowed on his knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the echoes died away so did the laughter, and there was silence.\n\nWithin the diamond haze of the beach something dark was fumbling along. Ralph saw it first, and watched till the intentness of his gaze drew all eyes that way. Then the creature stepped from mirage on to clear sand, and they saw that the darkness was not all shadows but mostly clothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The creature was a party of boys, marching approximately in step in two parallel lines and dressed in strangely eccentric clothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shorts, shirts, and different garments they carried in their hands; but each boy wore a square black cap with a silver badge on it. Their bodies, from throat to ankle, were hidden by black cloaks which bore a long silver cross on the left breast and each neck was finished off with a hambone frill. The heat of the tropics, the descent, the search for food, and now this sweaty march along the blazing beach had given them the complexions of newly washed plums. The boy who controlled them was dressed in the same way though his cap badge was golden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When his party was about ten yards from the platform he shouted an order and they halted, gasping, sweating, swaying in the fierce light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy himself came forward, vaulted on to the platform with his cloak flying, and peered into what to him was almost complete darkness.\n\n\"Where's the man with the trumpet?\"\n\nRalph, sensing his sun-blindness, answered him.\n\n\"There's no man with a trumpet. Only me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boy came close and peered down at Ralph, screwing up his face as he did so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What he saw of the fair-haired boy with the creamy shell on his knees did not seem to satisfy him. He turned quickly, his black cloak circling.\n\n\"Isn't there a ship, then?\"\n\nInside the floating cloak he was tall, thin, and bony: and his hair was red beneath the black cap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Out of. this face stared two light blue eyes, frustrated now, and turning, or ready to turn, to anger.\n\n\"Isn't there a man here?\" Ralph spoke to his back.\n\n\"No. We're having a meeting. Come and join in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The group of cloaked boys began to scatter from close line." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tall boy shouted at them.\n\n\"Choir! Stand still!\"\n\nWearily obedient, the choir huddled into line and stood there swaying in the sun. None the less, some began to protest faintly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, Merridew. Please, Merridew... can't we?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then one of the boys flopped on his face in the sand and the line broke up. They heaved the fallen boy to the platform and let him be. Merridew, his eyes staring, made the best of a bad job.\n\n\"All right then. Sit down. Let him alone.\" \"But Merridew.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's always throwing a faint,\" said Merridew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He did in Gib. ; and Addis; and at matins over the precentor.\"\n\nThis last piece of shop brought sniggers from the choir, who perched like black birds on the criss-cross trunks and examined Ralph with interest. Piggy asked no names. He was intimidated by this uniformed superiority and the offhand authority in Merridew's voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shrank to the other side of Ralph and busied himself with his glasses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Merridew turned to Ralph.\n\n\"Aren't there any grownups?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\nMerridew sat down on a trunk and looked round the circle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then well have to look after ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Secure on the other side of Ralph, Piggy spoke timidly.\n\n\"That's why Ralph made a meeting. So as we can decide what to do. We've heard names. That's Johnny. Those two—they're twins, Sam 'n Eric. Which is Eric—? You? No—you're Sam—\"\n\n\"I'm Sam—\"\n\n\"'n I'm Eric.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'd better all have names,\" said Ralph, \"so I'm Ralph.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We got most names,\" said Piggy. \"Got 'em just now.\"\n\n\"Kids' names,\" said Merridew. Why should I be Jack? I'm Merridew.\"\n\nRalph turned to him quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the voice of one who knew his own mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then,\" went on Piggy, \"that boy—I forget—\"\n\n\"You're talking too much,\" said Jack Merridew. \"Shut up, Fatty.\"\n\nLaughter arose.\n\n\"He s not Fatty,\" cried Ralph, \"his real name's Piggy!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Piggy!\" \"Piggy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Piggy!\"\n\nA storm of laughter arose and even the tiniest child joined in. For the moment the boys were a closed circuit of sympathy with Piggy outside: he went very pink, bowed his head and cleaned his glasses again.\n\nFinally the laughter died away and the naming continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was Maurice, next in size among the choir boys to Jack, but broad and grinning all the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a slight, furtive boy whom no one knew, who kept to himself with an inner intensity of avoidance and secrecy. He muttered that his name was Roger and was silent again. Bill, Robert, Harold, Henry; the choir boy who had fainted sat up against a palm trunk, smiled pallidly at Ralph and said that his name was Simon.\n\nJack spoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've got to decide about being rescued.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a buzz. One of the small boys, Henry, said that he wanted to go home.\n\n\"Shut up,\" said Ralph absently. He lifted the conch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A chief! A chief!\"\n\n\"I ought to be chief,\" said Jack with simple arrogance, \"because I'm chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp.\"\n\nAnother buzz.\n\n\"Well then,\" said Jack, \"I—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hesitated. The dark boy, Roger, stirred at last and spoke up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's have a vote.\"\n\n\"Yes!\"\n\n\"Vote for chief!\"\n\n\"Let's vote—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This toy of voting was almost as pleasing as the conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack started to protest but the clamor changed from the general wish for a chief to an election by acclaim of Ralph himself. None of the boys could have found good reason for this; what intelligence had been shown was traceable to Piggy while the most obvious leader was Jack. But there was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out: there was his size, and attractive appearance; and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch. The being that had blown that, had sat waiting for them on the platform with the delicate thing balanced on his knees, was set apart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Him with the shell.\" \"Ralph! Ralph!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let him be chief with the trumpet-thing.\"\n\nRalph raised a hand for silence.\n\n\"All right. Who wants Jack for chief?\"\n\nWith dreary obedience the choir raised their hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who wants me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every hand outside the choir except Piggy's was raised immediately. Then Piggy, too, raised his hand grudgingly into the air. Ralph counted. \"I'm chief then.\" The circle of boys broke into applause." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even the choir applauded; and the freckles on Jack's face disappeared under a blush of mortification." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started up, then changed his mind and sat down again while the air rang. Ralph looked at him, eager to offer something.\n\n\"The choir belongs to you, of course.\"\n\n\"They could be the army—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or hunters—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They could be—\"\n\nThe suffusion drained away from Jack's face. Ralph waved again for silence.\n\n\"Jack's in charge of the choir. They can be—what do you want them to be?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hunters.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack and Ralph smiled at each other with shy liking. The rest began to talk eagerly.\n\nJack stood up.\n\n\"All right, choir. Take off your togs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As if released from class, the choir boys stood up, chattered, piled their black cloaks on the grass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack laid his on the trunk by Ralph. His grey shorts were sticking to him with sweat. Ralph glanced at them admiringly, and when Jack saw his glance he explained.\n\n\"I tried to get over that hill to see if there was water all round. But your shell called us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph smiled and held up the conch for silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, everybody. I've got to have time to think things out I can't decide what to do straight off. If this isn't an island we might be rescued straight away. So we've got to decide if this is an island. Everybody must stay round here and wait and not go away. Three of us—if we take more we'd get all mixed, and lose each other—three of us will go on an expedition and find out. I'll go, and Jack, and, and....\"\n\nHe looked round the circle of eager faces. There was no lack of boys to choose from.\n\n\"And Simon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boys round Simon giggled, and he stood up, laughing a little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that the pallor of his faint was over, he was a skinny, vivid little boy, with a glance coming up from under a hut of straight hair that hung down, black and coarse.\n\nHe nodded at Ralph.\n\n\"I'll come.\"\n\n\"And I—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack snatched from behind him a sizable sheath-knife and clouted it into a trunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The buzz rose and died away.\n\nPiggy stirred. \"I'll come.\"\n\nRalph turned to him. \"You're no good on a job like this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All the same—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't want you,\" said Jack, flatly.\n\n\"Three's enough.\"\n\nPiggy's glasses flashed.\n\n\"I was with him when he found the conch. I was with him before anyone else was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack and the others paid no attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a general dispersal. Ralph, Jack and Simon jumped off the platform and walked along the sand past the bathing pool. Piggy hung bumbling behind them.\n\n\"If Simon walks in the middle of us,\" said Ralph, \"then we could talk over his head.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three of them fell into step." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This meant that every now and then Simon had to do a double shuffle to eaten up with the others. Presently Ralph stopped and turned back to Piggy.\n\n\"Look.\"\n\nJack and Simon pretended to notice nothing. They walked on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't come.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy's glasses were misted again—this time with humiliation.\n\n\"You told 'em. After what I said.\"\n\nHis face flushed, his mouth trembled. \"After I said I didn't want—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What on earth are you talking about?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About being called Piggy. I said I didn't care as long as they didn't call me Piggy; an' I said not to tell and then you went an' said straight out—\"\n\nStillness descended on them. Ralph, looking with more understanding at Piggy, saw that he was hurt and crushed. He hovered between the two courses of apology or further insult." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better Piggy than Fatty,\" he said at last, with the directness of genuine leadership, \"and anyway, I'm sorry if you feel like that. Now go back, Piggy, and take names. That's your job. So long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and raced after the other two. Piggy stood and the rose of indignation faded slowly from his cheeks. He went back to the platform.\n\nThe three boys walked briskly on the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tide was low and there was a strip of weed-strewn beach that was almost as firm as a road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A land of glamour was spread over them and the scene and they were conscious of the glamour and made happy by it. They turned to each other, laughing excitedly, talking, not listening. The air was bright Ralph, faced by the task of translating all this into an explanation, stood on his head and fell over. When they had done laughing, Simon stroked Ralph's arm shyly; and they had to laugh again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on,\" said Jack presently, \"we're explorers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll go to the end of the island,\" said Ralph, \"and look round the corner.\"\n\n\"If it is an island—\"\n\nNow, toward the end of the afternoon, the mirages were settling a little. They found the end of the island, quite distinct, and not magicked out of shape or sense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a jumble of the usual squareness, with one great block sitting out in the lagoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sea birds were nesting there.\n\n\"Like icing,\" said Ralph, \"on a pink cake.'\n\n\"We shan't see round this corner,\" said Jack, \"because there isn't one. Only a slow curve—and you can see, the rocks get worse—\"\n\nRalph shaded his eyes and followed the jagged outline of the crags up toward the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This part of the beach was nearer the mountain than any other that they had seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll try climbing the mountain from here,\" he said. \"I should think this is the easiest way. There's less of that jungly stuff; and more pink rock. Come on.\"\n\nThe three boys began to scramble up. Some unknown force had wrenched and shattered these cubes so that they lay askew, often piled diminishingly on each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The most usual feature of the rock was a pink cliff surmounted by a skewed block; and that again surmounted, and that again, till the pinkness became a stack of balanced rock projecting through the looped fantasy of the forest creepers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where the pink cliffs rose out of the ground there were often narrow tracks winding upwards. They could edge along them, deep in the plant world, their faces to the rock.\n\n\"What made this track?\"\n\nJack paused, wiping the sweat from his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph stood by him, breathless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Men?\"\n\nJack shook his head.\n\n\"Animals.\"\n\nRalph peered into the darkness under the trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The forest minutely vibrated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on.\"\n\nThe difficulty was not the steep ascent round the shoulders of rock, but the occasional plunges through the undergrowth to get to the next path. Here the roots and stems of creepers were in such tangles that the boys had to thread through them like pliant needles. Their only guide, apart from the brown ground and occasional flashes of fight through the foliage, was the tendency of slope: whether this hole, laced as it was with the cables of creeper, stood higher than that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Somehow, they moved up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immured in these tangles, at perhaps their most difficult moment, Ralph turned with shining eyes to the others.\n\n\"Wacco.\"\n\n\"Wizard.\"\n\n\"Smashing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cause of their pleasure was not obvious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All three were hot, dirty and exhausted. Ralph was badly scratched. The creepers were as thick as their thighs and left little but tunnels for further penetration. Ralph shouted experimentally and they listened to the muted echoes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is real exploring,\" said Jack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I bet nobody's been here before.\"\n\n\"We ought to draw a map,\" said Ralph, \"only we haven't any paper.\"\n\n\"We could make scratches on bark,\" said Simon, \"and rub black stuff in.\"\n\nAgain came the solemn communion of shining eyes in the gloom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wacco.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wizard.\"\n\nThere was no place for standing on one's head. This time Ralph expressed the intensity of his emotion by pretending to Knock Simon down; and soon they were a happy, heaving pile in the under-dusk.\n\nWhen they had fallen apart Ralph spoke first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Got to get on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pink granite of the next cliff was further back from the creepers and trees so that they could trot up the path. This again led into more open forest so that they had a glimpse of the spread sea. With openness came the sun; it dried the sweat that had soaked their clothes in the dark, damp heat. At last the way to the top looked like a scramble over pink rock, with no more plunging through darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boys chose their way through defiles and over heaps of sharp stone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look! Look!\"\n\nHigh over this end of the island, the shattered rocks lifted up their stacks and chimneys. This one, against which Jack leaned, moved with a grating sound when they pushed.\n\n\"Come on—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not \"Come on\" to the top." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assault on the summit must wait while the three boys accepted this challenge. The rock was as large as a small motor car.\n\n\"Heave!\"\n\nSway back and forth, catch the rhythm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Heave!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Increase the swing of the pendulum, increase, increase, come up and bear against that point of furthest balance-increase—increase— \"Heave!\"\n\nThe great rock loitered, poised on one toe, decided not to return, moved through the air, fell, struck, turned over, leapt droning through the air and smashed a deep hole in the canopy of the forest. Echoes and birds flew, white and pink dust floated, the forest further down shook as with the passage of an enraged monster: and then the island was still.\n\n\"Wacco!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like a bomb!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whee-aa-oo!\"\n\nNot for five minutes could they drag themselves away from this triumph. But they left at last.\n\nThe way to the top was easy after that As they reached the last stretch Ralph stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Golly!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were on the lip of a circular hollow In the side or the mountain. This was filled with a blue flower, a rock plant of some sort, and the overflow hung down the vent and spilled lavishly among the canopy of the forest. The air was thick with butterflies, lifting, fluttering, settling.\n\nBeyond the hollow was the square top of the mountain and soon they were standing on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had guessed before that this was an island: clambering among the pink rocks, with the sea on either side, and the crystal heights of air, they had known by some instinct that the sea lay on every side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there seemed something more fitting in leaving the last word till they stood on the top, and could see a circular horizon of water.\n\nRalph turned to the others.\n\n\"This belongs to us.\"\n\nIt was roughly boat-shaped: humped near this end with behind them the jumbled descent to the shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On either side rocks, cliffs, treetops and a steep slope: forward there, the length of the boat, a tamer descent, tree-clad, with hints of pink: and then the jungly flat of the island, dense green, but drawn at the end to a pink tail There, where the island petered out in water, was another island; a rock, almost detached, standing like a fort, facing them across the green with one bold, pink bastion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boys surveyed all this, then looked out to sea. They were high up and the afternoon had advanced; the view was not robbed of sharpness by mirage.\n\n\"That's a reef. A coral reel. I've seen pictures like that.\"\n\nThe reef enclosed more than one side of the island, tying perhaps a mile out and parallel to what they now thought of as their beach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The coral was scribbled in the sea as though a giant had bent down to reproduce the shape of the island in a flowing chalk line but tired before he had finished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside was peacock water, rocks and weed showing as in an aquarium; outside was the dark blue of the sea. The tide was running so that long streaks of foam tailed away from the reef and for a moment they felt that the boat was moving steadily astern.\n\nJack pointed down.\n\n\"That s where we landed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond falls and cliffs there was a gash visible in the trees; there were the splintered trunks and then the drag, leaving only a fringe of palm between the scar and the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There, too, jutting into the lagoon, was the platform, with insect-like figures moving near it.\n\nRalph sketched a twining line from the bald spot on which they stood down a slope, a gully, through flowers, round and down to the rock where the scar started.\n\n\"That's the quickest way back.\"\n\nEyes shining, mouths open, triumphant, they savored the right of domination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were lifted up: were friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no village smoke, and no boats,\" said Ralph wisely. \"We'll make sure later; but I think it's uninhabited.\"\n\n\"We'll get food,\" cried Jack. \"Hunt. Catch things... until they fetch us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon looked at them both, saying nothing but nodding till his black hair flopped backwards and forwards: his face was glowing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph looked down the other way where there was no reef.\n\n\"Steeper,\" said Jack.\n\nRalph made a cupping gesture.\n\n\"That bit of forest down there... the mountain holds it up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every point of the mountain held up trees—flowers and trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the forest stirred, roared, flailed. The nearer acres of rock flowers fluttered and for half a minute the breeze blew cool on their faces.\n\nRalph spread his arms.\n\n\"All ours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They laughed and tumbled and shouted on the mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm hungry.\"\n\nWhen Simon mentioned his hunger the others became aware of theirs.\n\n\"Come on,\" said Ralph. \"We've found out what we wanted to know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They scrambled down a rock slope, dropped among flowers and made their way under the trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here they paused and examined the bushes round them curiously.\n\nSimon spoke first.\n\n\"Like candles. Candle bushes. Candle buds.\"\n\nThe bushes were dark evergreen and aromatic and the many buds were waxen green and folded up against the light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack slashed at one with his knife and the scent spilled over them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Candle buds.\"\n\n\"You couldn't light them,\" said Ralph. \"They just look like candles.\"\n\n\"Green candles,\" said Jack contemptuously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't eat them. Come on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were in the beginnings of the thick forest, plonking with weary feet on a track, when they heard the noises—squeakings—and the hard strike of hoofs on a path. As they pushed forward the squeaking increased till it became a frenzy. They found a piglet caught in a curtain of creepers, throwing itself at the elastic traces in all the madness of extreme terror. Its voice was thin, needle-sharp and insistent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three boys rushed forward and Jack drew his knife again with a flourish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He raised his arm in the air. There came a pause, a hiatus, the pig continued to scream and the creepers to jerk, and the blade continued to flash at the end of a bony arm. The pause was only long enough for them to understand what an enormity the downward stroke would be. Then the piglet tore loose from the creepers and scurried into the undergrowth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were left looking at each other and the place of terror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack's face was white under the freckles'. He noticed that he still held the knife aloft and brought his arm down replacing the blade in the sheath. Then they all three laughed ashamedly and began to climb back to the track.\n\n\"I was choosing a place,\" said Jack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was just waiting for a moment to decide where to stab him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You should stick a pig,\" said Ralph fiercely. \"They always talk about sticking a pig.\"\n\n\"You cut a pig's throat to let the blood out,\" said Jack, \"otherwise you can't eat the meat\"\n\n\"Why didn't you—?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They knew very well why he hadn't: because of the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh; because of the unbearable blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was going to,\" said Jack. He was ahead of them and they could not see his face. \"I was choosing a place. Next time—!\"\n\nHe snatched his knife out of the sheath and slammed it into a tree trunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next time there would be no mercy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked round fiercely, daring them to contradict. Then they broke out into the sunlight and for a while they were busy finding and devouring rood as they moved down the scar toward the platform and the meeting." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time Ralph finished blowing the conch the platform was crowded. There were differences between this meeting and the one held in the morning. The afternoon sun slanted in from the other side of the platform and most of the children, feeling too late the smart of sunburn, had put their clothes on. The choir, noticeably less of a group, had discarded their cloaks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph sat on a fallen trunk, his left side to the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his right were most of the choir; on his left the larger boys who had not known each other before the evacuation; before him small children squatted in the grass.\n\nSilence now. Ralph lifted the cream and pink shell to his knees and a sudden breeze scattered light over the platform. He was uncertain whether to stand up or remain sitting. He looked sideways to his left, toward the bathing pool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy was sitting near but giving no help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph cleared his throat.\n\n\"Well then.\"\n\nAll at once he found he could talk fluently and explain what he had to say. He passed a hand through his fair hair and spoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're on an island. We've been on the mountain top and seen water all round. We saw no houses, no smoke, no footprints, no boats, no people. We're on an uninhabited island with no other people on it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack broke in.\n\n\"All the same you need an army—for hunting. Hunting pigs—\"\n\n\"Yes. There are pigs on the island.\"\n\nAll three of them tried to convey the sense of the pink live thing struggling in the creepers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We saw—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Squealing—\"\n\n\"It broke away—\"\n\n\"Before I could kill it—but—next time!\"\n\nJack slammed his knife into a trunk and looked round challengingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The meeting settled down again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you see,\" said Ralph, \"we need hunters to get us meat. And another thing.\"\n\nHe lifted the shell on his knees and looked round the sun-slashed faces.\n\n\"There aren't any grownups. We shall have to look after ourselves.\"\n\nThe meeting hummed and was silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And another thing. We can't have everybody talking at once. Well have to have 'Hands up' like at school.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held the conch before his face and glanced round the mouth.\n\n\"Then I'll give him the conch.\"\n\n\"Conch?\"\n\n\"That's what this shell's called. I'll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he's speaking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look—\"\n\n\"And he won't be interrupted. Except by me.\"\n\nJack was on his feet.\n\n\"We'll have rules!\" he cried excitedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks 'em—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whee-oh!\"\n\n\"Wacco!\"\n\n\"Bong!\"\n\n\"Doink!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph felt the conch lifted from his lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Piggy was standing cradling the great cream shell and the shouting died down. Jack, left on his feet, looked uncertainly at Ralph who smiled and patted the log. Jack sat down. Piggy took off his glasses and blinked at the assembly while he wiped them on his shirt.\n\n\"You're hindering Ralph. You're not letting him get to the most important thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused effectively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who knows we're here? Eh?\"\n\n\"They knew at the airport\"\n\n\"The man with a trumpet-thing—\"\n\n\"My dad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy put on his glasses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody knows where we are,\" said Piggy. He was paler than before and breathless. \"Perhaps they knew where we was going to; and perhaps not. But they don't know where we are 'cos we never got there.\" He gaped at them for a moment, then swayed and sat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph took the conch from his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's what I was going to say,\" he went on, \"when you all, all...\" He gazed at their intent faces. \"The plane was shot down in flames. Nobody knows where we are. We may be here a long time.\"\n\nThe silence was so complete that they could hear the unevenness of Piggy's breathing. The sun slanted in and lay golden over half the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The breezes that on the lagoon had chased their tails like kittens were finding then-way across the platform and into the forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph pushed back the tangle of fair hair that hung on his forehead.\n\n\"So we may be here a long time.\"\n\nNobody said anything. He grinned suddenly.\n\n\"But this is a good island. We—Jack, Simon and me—we climbed the mountain. It's wizard. There's food and drink, and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rocks—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Blue flowers—\"\n\nPiggy, partly recovered, pointed to the conch in Ralph's hands, and Jack and Simon fell silent. Ralph went on.\n\n\"While we're waiting we can have a good time on this island.\"\n\nHe gesticulated widely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's like in a book.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once there was a clamor.\n\n\"Treasure Island—\"\n\n\"Swallows and Amazons—\"\n\n\"Coral Island—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph waved the conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is our island. It's a good island. Until the grownups come to fetch us we'll have fun.\"\n\nJack held out his hand for the conch.\n\nThere's pigs,\" he said. \"There's food; and bathing water in that little stream along there—and everything. Didn't anyone find anything else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He handed the conch back to Ralph and sat down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Apparently no one had found anything.\n\nThe older boys first noticed the child when he resisted. There was a group of little boys urging him forward and he did not want to go. He was a shrimp of a boy, about six years old, and one side of his face was blotted out by a mulberry-colored birthmark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood now, warped out of the perpendicular by the fierce light of publicity, and he bored into the coarse grass with one toe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was muttering and about to cry.\n\nThe other little boys, whispering but serious, pushed him toward Ralph.\n\n\"All right,\" said Ralph, \"come on then.\"\n\nThe small boy looked round in panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Speak up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The small boy held out his hands for the conch and the assembly shouted with laughter; at once 'he snatched back his hands and started to cry.\n\n\"Let him have the conch!\" shouted Piggy. \"Let him have it!\"\n\nAt last Ralph induced him to hold the shell but by then the blow of laughter had taken away the child's voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy knelt by him, one hand on the great shell, listening and interpreting to the assembly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He wants to know what you're going to do about the snake-thing.\"\n\nRalph laughed, and the other boys laughed with him. The small boy twisted further into himself.\n\n\"Tell us about the snake-thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now he says it was a beastie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Beastie?\"\n\n\"A snake-thing. Ever so big. He saw it\"\n\n\"Where?\"\n\n\"In the woods.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Either the wandering breezes or perhaps the decline of the sun allowed a little coolness to lie under the trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boys felt it and stirred restlessly.\n\n\"You couldn't have a beastie, a snake-thing, on an island this size,\" Ralph explained kindly. \"You only get them in big countries, like Africa, or India.\"\n\nMurmur; and the grave nodding of heads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says the beastie came in the dark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then he couldn't see it!\"\n\nLaughter and cheers.\n\n\"Did you hear that? Says he saw the thing in the dark—\"\n\n\"He still says he saw the beastie. It came and went away again an' came back and wanted to eat him—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was dreaming.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Laughing, Ralph looked for confirmation round the ring of faces. The older boys agreed; but here and there among the little ones was the doubt that required more than rational assurance.\n\n\"He must have had a nightmare. Stumbling about among all those creepers.\"\n\nMore grave nodding; they knew about nightmares." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says he saw the beastie, the snake-thing, and will it come back tonight?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But there isn't a beastie!\"\n\n\"He says in the morning it turned into them things like ropes in the trees and hung in the branches. He says will it come back tonight?\"\n\n\"But there isn't a beastie!\"\n\nThere was no laughter at all now and more grave watching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph pushed both hands through his hair and looked at the little boy in mixed amusement and exasperation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack seized the conch.\n\n\"Ralph's right of course. There isn't a snake-thing. But if there was a snake we'd hunt it and kill it. We're going to hunt pigs to get meat for everybody. And we'll look for the snake too—\"\n\n\"But there isn't a snake!\"\n\n\"We'll make sure when we go hunting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph was annoyed and, for the moment, defeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt himself facing something ungraspable. The eyes that looked so intently at him were without humor.\n\n\"But there isn't a beast!\"\n\nSomething he had not known was there rose in him and compelled him to make the point, loudly and again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I tell you there isn't a beast!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assembly was silent.\n\nRalph lifted the conch again and his good humor came back as he thought of what he had to say next.\n\n\"Now we come to the most important thing. I've been thinking. I was thinking while we were climbing the mountain.\" He flashed a conspiratorial grin at the other two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And on the beach just now. This is what I thought. We want to have fun. And we want to be rescued.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The passionate noise of agreement from the assembly hit him like a wave and he lost his thread. He thought again.\n\n\"We want to be rescued; and of course we shall be rescued.\"\n\nVoices babbled. The simple statement, unbacked by any proof but the weight of Ralph's new authority, brought light and happiness. He had to wave the conch before he could make them hear him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father's in the Navy. He said there aren't any unknown islands left. He says the Queen has a big room full of maps and all the islands in the world are drawn there. So the Queen's got a picture of this island.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again came the sounds of cheerfulness and better heart.\n\n\"And sooner or later a ship will put in here. It might even be Daddy's ship. So you see, sooner or later, we shall be rescued.\"\n\nHe paused, with the point made. The assembly was lifted toward safety by his words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They liked and now respected him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spontaneously they began to clap and presently the platform was loud with applause. Ralph flushed, looking sideways at Piggy's open admiration, and then the other way at Jack who was smirking and showing that he too knew how to clap.\n\nRalph waved the conch.\n\n\"Shut up! Wait! Listen!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went on in the silence, borne on his triumph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's another thing. We can help them to find us. If a ship comes near the island they may not notice us. So we must make smoke on top of the mountain. We must make a fire.\"\n\n\"A fire! Make a fire!\"\n\nAt once half the boys were on their feet. Jack clamored among them, the conch forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on! Follow me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The space under the palm trees was full of noise and movement. Ralph was on his feet too, shouting for quiet, but no one heard him. All at once the crowd swayed toward the island and was gone—following Jack. Even the tiny children went and did their best among the leaves and broken branches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph was left, holding the conch, with no one but Piggy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy's breathing was quite restored.\n\n\"Like kids!\" he said scornfully. \"Acting like a crowd of lads!\"\n\nRalph looked at him doubtfully and laid the conch on the tree trunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I bet it's gone tea-time,\" said Piggy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do they think they're going to do on that mountain?\"\n\nHe caressed the shell respectfully, then stopped and looked up.\n\n\"Ralph! Hey! Where you going?\"\n\nRalph was already clambering over the first smashed swathes of the scar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A long way ahead of him was crashing and laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy watched him in disgust.\n\n\"Like a crowd of lads—\"\n\nHe sighed, bent, and laced up his shoes. The noise of the errant assembly faded up the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, with the martyred expression of a parent who has to keep up with the senseless ebullience of the children, he picked up the conch, turned toward the forest, and began to pick his way over the tumbled scar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Below the other side of the mountain top was a platform of forest. Once more Ralph found himself making the cupping gesture.\n\n\"Down there we could get as much wood as we want.\"\n\nJack nodded and pulled at his underlip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Starting perhaps a hundred feet below them on the steeper side of the mountain, the patch might have been designed expressly for fuel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Trees, forced by the damp heat, found too little soil for full growth, fell early and decayed: creepers cradled them, and new saplings searched a way up.\n\nJack turned to die choir, who stood ready. Their black caps of maintenance were slid over one ear like berets.\n\n\"Well build a pile. Come on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They found the likeliest path down and began tugging at the dead wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the small boys who had reached the top came sliding too till everyone but Piggy was busy. Most of the wood was so rotten that when they pulled it broke up into a shower of fragments and woodlice and decay; but some trunks came out in one piece. The twins, Sam 'n Eric, were the first to get a likely fog but they could do nothing till Ralph, Jack, Simon, Roger and Maurice found room for a hand-hold. Then they inched the grotesque dead thing up the rock and toppled it over on top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each party of boys added a quota, less or more, and the pile grew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the return Ralph found himself alone on a limb with Jack and they grinned at each other, sharing this burden. Once more, amid the breeze, the shouting, the slanting sunlight on the high mountain, was shed that glamour, that strange invisible light of friendship, adventure, and content.\n\n\"Almost too heavy.\"\n\nJack grinned back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not for the two of us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together, joined in effort by the burden, they staggered up the last steep of the mountain. Together, they chanted One! Two! Three! and crashed the log on to the great pile. Then they stepped back, laughing with triumphant pleasure, so that immediately Ralph had to stand on his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Below them, boys were still laboring, though some of the small ones had lost interest and were searching this new forest for fruit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the twins, with unsuspected intelligence, came up the mountain with armfuls of dried leaves and dumped them against the pile. One by one, as they sensed that the pile was complete, the boys stopped going back for more and stood, with the pink, shattered top of the mountain around them. Breath came evenly by now, and sweat dried.\n\nRalph and Jack looked at each other while society paused about them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shameful knowledge grew in them and they did not know how to begin confession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph spoke first, crimson in the face.\n\n\"Will your?\"\n\nHe cleared his throat and went on.\n\n\"Will you light the fire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the absurd situation was open, Jack blushed too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to mutter vaguely.\n\n\"You rub two sticks. You rub—\"\n\nHe glanced at Ralph, who blurted out the last confession of incompetence. \"Has anyone got any matches?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You make a bow and spin the arrow,\" said Roger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rubbed his hands in mime. \"Psss. Psss.\"\n\nA little air was moving over the mountain. Piggy came with it, in shorts and shirt, laboring cautiously out of the forest with the evening sunlight gleaming from his glasses. He held the conch under his arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph shouted at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Piggy! Have you got any matches?\"\n\nThe other boys took up the cry till the mountain rang. Piggy shook his head and came to the pile.\n\n\"My! You've made a big heap, haven't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack pointed suddenly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His specs—use them as burning glasses!\"\n\nPiggy was surrounded before he could back away.\n\n\"Here—let me go!\" His voice rose to a shriek of terror as Jack snatched toe glasses off his face. \"Mind out! Give'em back! I can hardly see! You'll break the conch!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph elbowed him to one side and knelt by the pile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stand out of the light.\"\n\nThere was pushing and pulling and officious cries. Ralph moved the lenses back and forth, this way and that, till a glossy white image of the declining sun lay on a piece of rotten wood. Almost at once a thin trickle of smoke rose up and made him cough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack knelt too and blew gently, so that the smoke drifted away, thickening, and a tiny name appeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flame, nearly invisible at first in that bright sunlight, enveloped a small twig, grew, was enriched with color and reached up to a branch which exploded with a sharp crack. The flame flapped higher and the boys broke into a cheer.\n\n\"My specs!\" howled Piggy. \"Give me my specs!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph stood away from the pile and put the glasses into Piggy s groping hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice subsided to a mutter.\n\n\"Jus' blurs, that's all. Hardly see my hand—\"\n\nThe boys were dancing. The pile was so rotten, and now so tinder-dry, that whole limbs yielded passionately to the yellow flames that poured upwards and shook a great beard of flame twenty feet in the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For yards round the fire the heat was like a blow, and the breeze was a river of sparks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Trunks crumbled to white dust.\n\nRalph shouted.\n\n\"More wood! All of you get more wood!\"\n\nLife became a race with the fire and the boys scattered through the upper forest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To keep a clean flag of flame flying on the mountain was the immediate end and no one looked further." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even the smallest boys, unless fruit claimed them, brought little pieces of wood and threw them in. The air moved a little faster and became a light wind, so that leeward and windward side were clearly differentiated. On one side the air was cool, but on the other the fire thrust out a savage arm of heat that crinkled hair on the instant. Boys who felt the evening wind on their damp faces paused to enjoy the freshness of it and then found they were exhausted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They flung themselves down in the shadows that lay among die shattered rocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beard of flame diminished quickly; then the pile fell inwards with a soft, cindery sound, and sent a great tree of sparks upwards that leaned away and drifted downwind. The boys lay, panting like dogs.\n\nRalph raised his head off his forearms.\n\n\"That was no good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger spat efficiently into the hot dust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What d'you mean?\"\n\n\"There wasn't any smoke. Only flame.\"\n\nPiggy had settled himself in a space between two rocks, and sat with the conch on his knees.\n\n\"We haven't made a fire,\" he said, \"what's any use." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We couldn't keep a fire like that going, not if we tried.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A fat lot you tried,\" said Jack contemptuously. \"You just sat.\"\n\n\"We used his specs,\" said Simon, smearing a black cheek with his forearm. He helped that way.\"\n\n\"I got the conch,\" said Piggy indignantly. \"You let me speak!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The conch doesn't count on top of the mountain,\" said Jack, \"so you shut up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I got the conch in my hand.\"\n\n\"Put on green branches,\" said Maurice. \"That's the best way to make smoke.\"\n\n\"I got the conch—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack turned fiercely. \"You shut up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy wilted. Ralph took the conch from him and looked round the circle of boys.\n\n\"We've got to have special people for looking after the fire. Any day there may be a ship out there\"—he waved his arm at the taut wire of the horizon—\"and if we have a signal going they'll come and take us off. And another thing. We ought to have more rules. Where the conch is, that's a meeting. The same up here as down there.\"\n\nThey assented. Piggy opened his mouth to speak, caught Jack's eye and shut it again. Jack held out his hands for the conch and stood up, holding the delicate thing carefully in his sooty hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree with Ralph. We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything. So we've got to do the right things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to Ralph.\n\n\"Ralph, I'll split up the choir—my hunters, that is—into groups, and we'll be responsible for keeping the fire going—\"\n\nThis generosity brought a spatter of applause from the boys, so that Jack grinned at them, then waved the conch for silence.\n\n\"We'll let the fire burn out now. Who would see smoke at night-time, anyway? And we can start the fire again whenever we like. Altos, you can keep the fire going this week, and trebles the next—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assembly assented gravely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And we'll be responsible for keeping a lookout too. If we see a ship out there\"—they followed the direction of his bony arm with their eyes—\"we'll put green branches on. Then there'll be more smoke.\"\n\nThey gazed intently at the dense blue of the horizon, as if a little silhouette might appear there at any moment.\n\nThe sun in the west was a drop of burning gold that slid nearer and nearer the sill of the world. All at once they were aware of the evening as the end of light and warmth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger took the conch and looked round at them gloomily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been watching the sea. There hasn't been the trace of a ship. Perhaps we'll never be rescued.\"\n\nA murmur rose and swept away. Ralph took back the conch.\n\n\"I said before we'll be rescued sometime. We've just got to wait, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Daring, indignant, Piggy took the conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's what I said! I said about our meetings and things and then you said shut up—\"\n\nHis voice lifted into the whine of virtuous recrimination. They stirred and began to shout him down.\n\n\"You said you wanted a small fire and you been and built a pile like a hayrick. If I say anything,\" cried Piggy, with bitter realism, \"you say shut up; but if Jack or Maurice or Simon—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused in the tumult, standing, looking beyond them and down the unfriendly side of the mountain to the great patch where they had found dead wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he laughed so strangely that they were hushed, looking at the flash of his spectacles in astonishment. They followed his gaze to find the sour joke.\n\n\"You got your small fire all right.\"\n\nSmoke was rising here and there among the creepers that festooned the dead or dying trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they watched, a flash of fire appeared at the root of one wisp, and then the smoke thickened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Small flames stirred at the trunk of a tree and crawled away through leaves and brushwood, dividing and increasing. One paten touched a tree trunk and scrambled up like a bright squirrel. The smoke increased, sifted, rolled outwards. The squirrel leapt on the wings of the wind and clung to another standing tree, eating downwards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beneath the dark canopy of leaves and smoke the fire laid hold on the forest and began to gnaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Acres of black and yellow smoke rolled steadily toward the sea. At the sight of the flames and the irresistible course of the fire, the boys broke into shrill, excited cheering. The flames, as though they were a kind of wild life, crept as a jaguar creeps on its belly toward a line of birch-like saplings that fledged an outcrop of the pink rock. They flapped at the first of the trees, and the branches grew a brief foliage of fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The heart of flame leapt nimbly across the gap between the trees and then went swinging and flaring along the whole row of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beneath the capering boys a quarter of a mile square of forest was savage with smoke and flame. The separate noises of the fire merged into a drum-roll that seemed to shake the mountain.\n\n\"You got your small fire all right\"\n\nStartled, Ralph realized that the boys were falling still and silent, feeling the beginnings of awe at the power set free below them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The knowledge and the awe made him savage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, shut up!\"\n\n\"I got the conch,\" said Piggy, in a hurt voice. \"I got a right to speak.\"\n\nThey looked at him with eyes that lacked interest in what they saw, and cocked ears at the drum-roll of the fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy glanced nervously into hell and cradled the conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We got to let that burn out now. And that was our firewood.\"\n\nHe licked his lips.\n\nThere ain't nothing we can do. We ought to be more careful. I'm scared—\"\n\nJack dragged his eyes away from the fire. You're always scared. Yah—Fatty!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got the conch,\" said Piggy bleakly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to Ralph. \"I got the conch, ain't I Ralph?\"\n\nUnwillingly Ralph turned away from the splendid, awful sight \"What's that?\"\n\n\"The conch. I got a right to speak.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins giggled together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We wanted smoke—\"\n\n\"Now look—!\"\n\nA pall stretched for miles away from the island. All the boys except Piggy started to giggle; presently they were shrieking with laughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy lost his temper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I got the conch! Just you listen! The first thing we ought to have made was shelters down there by the beach. It wasn't half cold down there in the night. But the first time Ralph says 'fire' you goes howling and screaming up this here mountain. Like a pack of kids!\"\n\nBy now they were listening to the tirade.\n\n\"How can you expect to be rescued if you don't put first things first and act proper?\"\n\nHe took off his glasses and made as if to put down the conch; but the sudden motion toward it of most of the older boys changed his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tucked the shell under his arm, and crouched back on a rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then when you get here you build a bonfire that isn't no use. Now you been and set the whole island on fire. Won't we look funny if the whole island burns up? Cooked fruit, that's what we'll have to eat, and roast pork. And that's nothing to laugh at! You said Ralph was chief and you don't give him time to think. Then when he says something you rush off, like, like—\"\n\nHe paused for breath, and the fire growled at them.\n\n\"And that's not all. Them kids. The little 'uns. Who took any notice of 'em? Who knows how many we got?\"\n\nRalph took a sudden step forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you to. I told you to get a list of names!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How could I,\" cried Piggy indignantly, \"all by myself? They waited for two minutes, then they fell in the sea; they went into the forest; they just scattered everywhere. How was I to know which was which?\"\n\nRalph licked pale lips.\n\nThen you don't know how many of us there ought to be?\"\n\n\"How could I with them little 'uns running round like insects? Then when you three came back, as soon as you said make a fire, they all ran away, and I never had a chance—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's enough!\" said Ralph sharply, and snatched back the conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you didn't you didn't.\"\n\n\"—then you come up here an' pinch my specs—\"\n\nJack turned on him.\n\n\"You shut up!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—and them little 'uns was wandering about down there where the fire is. How d'you know they aren't still there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy stood up and pointed to the smoke and flames. A murmur rose among the boys and died away. Something strange was happening to Piggy, for he was gasping for breath.\n\nThat little 'un—\" gasped Piggy—\"him with the mark on his face, I don't see him. Where is he now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crowd was as silent as death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Him that talked about the snakes. He was down there—\"\n\nA tree exploded in the fire like a bomb. Tall swathes of creepers rose for a moment into view, agonized, and went down again. The little boys screamed at them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Snakes! Snakes! Look at the snakes!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the west, and unheeded, the sun lay only an inch or two above the sea. Their faces were lit redly from beneath. Piggy fell against a rock and clutched it with both hands.\n\n\"That little 'un that had a mark on his face—where is—he now? I tell you I don't see him.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of William Golding spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack was bent double." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was down like a sprinter, his nose only a few inches from the humid earth. The tree trunks and the creepers that festooned them lost themselves in a green dusk thirty feet above him, and all about was the undergrowth. There was only the faintest indication of a trail here; a cracked twig and what might be the impression of one side of a hoof. He lowered his chin and stared at the traces as though he would force them to speak to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then dog-like, uncomfortably on all fours yet unheeding his discomfort, he stole forward five yards and stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here was loop of creeper with a tendril pendant from a node. The tendril was polished on the underside; pigs, passing through the loop, brushed it with their bristly hide.\n\nJack crouched with his face a few inches away from this clue, then stared forward into the semi-darkness of the undergrowth. His sandy hair, considerably longer than it had been when they dropped in, was lighter now; and his bare back was a mass of dark freckles and peeling sunburn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sharpened stick about five feet long trailed from his right hand, and except for a pair of tattered shorts held up by his knife-belt he was naked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He closed his eyes, raised his head and breathed in gently with flared nostrils, assessing the current of warm air for information. The forest and he were very still.\n\nAt length he let out his breath in a long sigh and opened his eyes. They were bright blue, eyes that in this frustration seemed bolting and nearly mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He passed his tongue across dry lips and scanned the uncommunicative forest Then again he stole forward and cast this way and that over the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The silence of the forest was more oppressive than the heat, and at this hour of the day there was not even the whine of insects. Only when Jack himself roused a gaudy bird from a primitive nest of sticks was the silence shattered and echoes set ringing by a harsh cry that seemed to come out of the abyss of ages. Jack himself shrank at this cry with a hiss of indrawn breath, and for a minute became less a hunter than a furtive thing, ape-like among the tangle of trees. Then the trail, the frustration, claimed him again and he searched the ground avidly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the trunk of a vast tree that grew pale flowers on its grey bark he checked, closed his eyes, and once more drew in the warm air; and this time his breath came short, there was even a passing pallor in his face, and then the surge of blood again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He passed like a shadow under the darkness of the tree and crouched, looking down at the trodden ground at his feet.\n\nThe droppings were warm. They lay piled among turned earth. They were olive green, smooth, and they steamed a little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack lifted his head and stared at the inscrutable masses of creeper that lay across the trail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he raised his spear and sneaked forward. Beyond the creeper, the trail joined a pig-run that was wide enough and trodden enough to be a path. The ground was hardened by an accustomed tread and as Jack rose to his full height he heard something moving on it. He swung back his right arm and hurled the spear with all his strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the pig-run came the quick, hard patter of hoofs, a castanet sound, seductive, maddening—the promise of meat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rushed out of the undergrowth and snatched up his spear. The pattering of pig's trotters died away in the distance.\n\nJack stood there, streaming with sweat, streaked with brown earth, stained by all the vicissitudes of a day's hunting. Swearing, he turned off the trail and pushed his way through until the forest opened a little and instead of bald trunks supporting a dark roof there were light grey trunks and crowns of feathery palm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond these was the glitter of the sea and he could hear voices." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph was standing by a contraption of palm trunks and leaves, a rude shelter that faced the lagoon and seemed very near to falling down. He did not notice when Jack spoke.\n\n\"Got any water?\"\n\nRalph looked up, frowning, from the complication of leaves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not notice Jack even when he saw him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said have you got any water? I'm thirsty.\"\n\nRalph withdrew his attention from the shelter and realized Jack with a start.\n\n\"Oh, hullo. Water? There by the tree. Ought to be some left.\"\n\nJack took up a coconut shell that brimmed with fresh water from among a group that was arranged in the shade, and drank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The water splashed over his chin and neck and chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He breathed noisily when he had finished.\n\n\"Needed that.\"\n\nSimon spoke from inside the shelter.\n\n\"Up a bit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph turned to the shelter and lifted a branch with a whole tiling of leaves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The leaves came apart and fluttered down. Simon's contrite face appeared in the hole.\n\n\"Sorry.\"\n\nRalph surveyed the wreck with distaste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never get it done.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He flung himself down at Jack's feet Simon remained, looking out of the hole in the shelter. Once down, Ralph explained.\n\n\"Been working for days now. And look!\"\n\nTwo shelters were in position, but shaky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This one was a ruin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And they keep running off. You remember the meeting? How everyone was going to work hard until the shelters were finished?\"\n\n\"Except me and my hunters—\"\n\n\"Except the hunters. Well, the littluns are—\"\n\nHe gesticulated, sought for a word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're hopeless. The older ones aren't much better. D'you see? All day I've been working with Simon. No one else. They're off bathing, or eating, or playing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simon poked his head out carefully.\n\n\"You're chief. You tell 'em off.\"\n\nRalph lay flat and looked up at the palm trees and the sky.\n\n\"Meetings. Don't we love meetings? Every day. Twice a day. We talk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He got on one elbow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I bet if I blew the conch this minute, they'd come running. Then we'd be, you know, very solemn, and someone would say we ought to build a jet, or a submarine, or a TV set. When the meeting was over they'd work for five minutes, then wander off or go hunting.\"\n\nJack flushed.\n\n\"We want meat.\"\n\n\"Well, we haven't got any yet. And we want shelters. Besides, the rest of your hunters came back hours ago. They've been swimming.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I went on,\" said Jack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I let them go. I had to go on. I—\"\n\nHe tried to convey the compulsion to track down and kill that was swallowing him up.\n\n\"I went on. I thought, by myself—\"\n\nThe madness came into his eyes again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought I might loll.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you didn't.\"\n\n\"I thought I might.\"\n\nSome hidden passion vibrated in Ralph's voice.\n\n\"But you haven't yet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His invitation might have passed as casual, were it not for the undertone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You wouldn't care to help with the shelters, I suppose?\"\n\n\"We want meat—\"\n\n\"And we don't get it.\"\n\nNow the antagonism was audible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I shall! Next time! I've got to get a barb on this spear! We wounded a pig and the spear fell out. If we could only make barbs—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We need shelters.\"\n\nSuddenly Jack shouted in rage.\n\n\"Are you accusing—?\"\n\n\"All I'm saying is we've worked dashed hard. That's all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were both red in the face and found looking at each other difficult." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph rolled on his stomach and began to play with the grass.\n\n\"If it rains like when we dropped in well need shelters all right. And then another thing. We need shelters because of the—\"\n\nHe paused for a moment and they both pushed their anger away. Then he went on with the safe, changed subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've noticed, haven't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack put down his spear and squatted.\n\n'Noticed what?\"\n\n\"Well. They're frightened.\"\n\nHe rolled over and peered into Jack's fierce, dirty face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean the way things are. They dream. You can hear 'em. Have you been awake at night?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack shook his head.\n\n\"They talk and scream. The littluns. Even some of the others. As if—\"\n\n\"As if it wasn't a good island.\" .\n\nAstonished at the interruption, they looked up at Simon's serious face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As if,\" said Simon, \"the beastie, the beastie or the snake-thing, was real. Remember?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two older boys flinched when they heard the shameful syllable. Snakes were not mentioned now, were not mentionable.\n\n\"As if this wasn't a good island,\" said Ralph slowly. \"Yes, that's right.\"\n\nJack sat up and stretched out his legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Crackers. Remember when we went exploring?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They grinned at each other, remembering the glamour of the first day. Ralph went on.\n\n\"So we need shelters as a sort of—\"\n\n\"Home.\"\n\n\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack drew up his legs, clasped his knees, and frowned in an effort to attain clarity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All the same—in the forest. I mean when you're hunting, not when you're getting fruit, of course, but when you're on your own—\"\n\nHe paused for a moment, not sure if Ralph would take him seriously.\n\n\"Go on.\"\n\n\"If you're hunting sometimes you catch yourself feeling as if—\" He flushed suddenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's nothing in it of course. Just a feeling. But you can feel as if you're not hunting, but—being hunted, as if something's behind you all the time in the jungle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were silent again: Simon intent, Ralph incredulous and faintly indignant. He sat up, rubbing one shoulder with a dirty hand.\n\n\"Well, I don't know.\"\n\nJack leapt to his feet and spoke very quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's how you can feel in the forest. Of course there's nothing in it. Only—only—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a few rapid steps toward the beach, then came back.\n\n\"Only I know how they feel. See? That's all.\"\n\n\"The best thing we can do is get ourselves rescued.\"\n\nJack had to think for a moment before he could remember what rescue was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rescue? Yes, of course! All the same, I'd like to catch a pig first—\" He snatched up his spear and dashed it into the: ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The opaque, mad look came into his eyes again. Ralph looked at him critically through his tangle of fair hair.\n\n\"So long as your hunters remember the fire—\"\n\n\"You and your fire—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two boys trotted down the beach, and, turning at the water's edge, looked back at the pink mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The trickle of smoke sketched a chalky line up the solid blue of the sky, wavered high up and faded. Ralph frowned.\n\n\"I wonder how far off you could see that\"\n\n\"Miles.\"\n\n\"We don't make enough smoke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bottom part of the trickle, as though conscious of their gaze, thickened to a creamy blur which crept up the feeble column." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They've put on green branches,\" muttered Ralph. \"I wonder!\" He screwed up his eyes and swung round to search the horizon.\"\n\n\"Got it!\"\n\nJack shouted so loudly that Ralph jumped.\n\n\"What? Where? Is it a ship?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Jack was pointing to the high declivities that led down from the mountain to the flatter part of the island." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course! They'll Be up there—they must, when the sun's too hot—\"\n\nRalph gazed bewildered at his rapt face.\n\n\"—they get up high. High up and in the shade, resting during the heat, like cows at home—\"\n\n\"I thought you saw a ship!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We could steal up on one—paint our faces so they wouldn't see—perhaps surround them and then—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indignation took away Ralph's control.\n\n\"I was talking about smoke! Don't you want to be rescued? All you can talk about is pig, pig, pig!\"\n\n\"But we want meat!\"\n\n\"And I work all day with nothing but Simon and you come back and don't even notice the huts!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was working too—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you like it!\" shouted Ralph. \"You want to hunt! While I—\"\n\nThey faced each other on the bright beach, astonished at the rub of feeling. Ralph looked away first, pretending interest in a group of littluns on the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From beyond the platform came the shouting of the hunters in the swimming pool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the end of the platform Piggy was lying flat, looking down into the brilliant water.\n\n\"People don't help much.\"\n\nHe wanted to explain how people were never quite what you thought they were.\n\n\"Simon. He helps.\" He pointed at the shelters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All the rest rushed off. He's done as much as I have. Only—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Simon's always about.\"\n\nRalph started back to the shelters with Jack by his side.\n\n\"Do a bit for you,\" muttered Jack, \"before I have a bathe.\"\n\n\"Don't bother.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when they reached the shelters Simon was not to be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph put his head in the hole, withdrew it, and turned to Jack.\n\n\"He's buzzed off.\"\n\n\"Got fed up,\" said Jack, \"and gone for a bathe.\"\n\nRalph frowned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's queer. He's funny.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack nodded, as much for the sake of agreeing as anything, and by tacit consent they left the shelter and went toward the bathing pool.\n\n\"And then,\" said Jack, \"when I've had a bathe and something to eat, I'll just trek over to the other side of the mountain and see if I can see any traces. Coming?\"\n\n\"But the sun's nearly set!\"\n\n\"I might have time—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They walked along, two continents of experience and feeling, unable to communicate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I could only get a pig!\"\n\n\"I'll come back and go on with the shelter.\"\n\nThey looked at each other, baffled, in love and hate. All the warm salt water of the bathing pool and the shouting and splashing and laughing were only just sufficient to bring them together again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon was not in the bathing pool as they had expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the other two had trotted down the beach to look back at the mountain he had followed them for a few yards and then stopped. He had stood frowning down at a pile of sand on the beach where somebody had been trying to build a little house or hut Then he turned his back on this and walked into the forest with an air of purpose. He was a small, skinny boy, his chin pointed, and his eyes so bright they had deceived Ralph into thinking him delightfully gay and wicked. The coarse mop of black hair was long and swung down, almost concealing a low, broad forehead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wore the remains of shorts and his feet were bare like Jack's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Always darkish in color, Simon was burned by the sun to a deep tan that glistened with sweat.\n\nHe picked his way up the scar, passed the great rock where Ralph had climbed on the first morning, then turned off to his right among the trees. He walked with an accustomed tread through the acres of fruit trees, where the least energetic could find an easy if unsatisfying meal. Flower and fruit grew together on the same tree and everywhere was the scent of ripeness and the booming of a million bees at pasture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here the littlums who had run after him caught up with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They talked, cried out unintelligibly, lugged him toward the trees. Then, amid the roar of bees in the afternoon sunlight, Simon found for them the fruit they could not reach, pulled off the choicest from up in the foliage, passed them back down to the endless, outstretched hands. When he had satisfied them he paused and looked round. The littluns watched him inscrutably over double handfuls of ripe fruit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon turned away from them and went where the just perceptible path led him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon high jungle closed in. Tall trunks bore unexpected pale flowers all the way up to the dark canopy where life went on clamorously. The air here was dark too, and the creepers dropped their ropes like the rigging of foundered ships. His feet left prints in the soft soil and the creepers shivered throughout their lengths when he bumped them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came at last to a place where more sunshine fell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since they had not so far to go for light the creepers had woven a great mat that hung at the side of an open space in the jungle; for here a patch of rock came close to the surface and would not allow more than little plants and ferns to grow. The whole space was walled with dark aromatic bushes, and was a bowl of heat and light. A great tree, fallen across one comer, leaned against the trees that still stood arid a rapid climber flaunted red and yellow sprays right to the top.\n\nSimon paused. He looked over his shoulder as Jack had done at the close ways behind him and glanced swiftly round to confirm that he was utterly alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment his movements were almost furtive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he bent down and wormed his way into the center of the mat. The creepers and the bushes were so close that he left his sweat on them and they pulled together behind him. When he was secure in the middle he was in a little cabin screened off from the open space by a few leaves. He squatted down, parted the leaves arid looked out into the clearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing moved but a pair of gaudy butterflies that danced round each other in the hot air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Holding his breath he cocked a critical ear at the sounds of the island. Evening was advancing toward the island; the sounds of the bright fantastic birds, the bee-sounds, even the crying of the gulls that were returning to their roosts among the square rocks, were fainter. The deep sea breaking miles away on the reef made an undertone less perceptible than the susurration of the blood.\n\nSimon dropped the screen of leaves back into place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The slope of the bars of honey-colored sunlight decreased; they slid up the bushes, passed over the green candle-like buds, moved up toward tile canopy, and darkness thickened under the trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the fading of the light the riotous colors died and the heat and urgency cooled away. The candle-buds stirred. Their green sepals drew back a little and the white tips of the flowers rose delicately to meet the open air.\n\nNow the sunlight had lifted clear of the open space and withdrawn from the sky. Darkness poured out, submerging the ways between the trees tin they were dim and strange as the bottom of the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The candle-buds opened their wide white flowers glimmering under the light that pricked down from the first stars." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their scent spilled out into the air and took possession of the island." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first rhythm that they became used to was the slow swing from dawn to quick dusk. They accepted the pleasures of morning, the bright sun, the whelming sea and sweet air, as a time when play was good and life so full that hope was not necessary and therefore forgotten. Toward noon, as the floods of light fell more nearly to the perpendicular, the stark colors of the morning were smoothed in pearl and opalescence; and the heat—as though the impending sun's height gave it momentum—became a blow that they ducked, running to the shade and lying there, perhaps even sleeping.\n\nStrange things happened at midday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The glittering sea rose up, moved apart in planes of blatant impossibility; the coral reef and the few stunted palms that clung to the more elevated parts would float up into the sky, would quiver, be plucked apart, run like raindrops on a wire or be repeated as in an odd succession of mirrors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes land loomed where there was no land and flicked out like a bubble as the children watched. Piggy discounted all this learnedly as a \"mirage\"; and since no boy could reach even the reef over the stretch of water where the snapping sharks waited, they grew accustomed to these mysteries and ignored them, just as they ignored the miraculous, throbbing stars. At midday the illusions merged into the sky and there the sun gazed down like an angry eye. Then, at the end of the afternoon, the mirage subsided and the horizon became level and blue and clipped as the sun declined." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was another time of comparative coolness but menaced by the coming of the dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the sun sank, darkness dropped on the island like an extinguisher and soon the shelters were full of restlessness, under the remote stars.\n\nNevertheless, the northern European tradition of work, play, and food right through the day, made it impossible for them to adjust themselves wholly to this new rhythm. The littlun Percival had early crawled into a shelter and stayed there for two days, talking, singing, and crying, till they thought him batty and were faintly amused. Ever since then he had been peaked, red-eyed, and miserable; a littlun who played little and cried often." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The smaller boys were known now by the generic title of \"littluns.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The decrease in size, from Ralph down, was gradual; and though there was a dubious region inhabited by Simon and Robert and Maurice, nevertheless no one had any difficulty in recognizing biguns at one end and littluns at the other. The undoubted littluns, those aged about six, led a quite distinct, and at the same time intense, life of their own. They ate most of the day, picking fruit where they could reach it and not particular about ripeness and quality. They were used now to stomach-aches and a sort of chronic diarrhoea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They suffered untold terrors in the dark and huddled together for comfort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Apart from food and sleep, they found time for play, aimless and trivial, in the white sand by the bright water. They cried for their mothers much less often than might have been expected; they were very brown, and filthily dirty. They obeyed the summons of the conch, partly because Ralph blew it, and he was big enough to be a link with the adult world of authority; and partly because they enjoyed the entertainment of the assemblies. But otherwise they seldom bothered with the biguns and their passionately emotional and corporate life was their own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had built castles in the sand at the bar of the little river." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These castles were about one foot high and were decorated with shells, withered flowers, and interesting stones. Round the castles was a complex of marks, tracks, walls, railway lines, that were of significance only if inspected with the eye at beach-level. The littluns played here, if not happily at least with absorbed attention; and often as many as three of them would play the same game together.\n\nThree were playing here now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Henry was the biggest of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was also a distant relative of that other boy whose mulberry-marked face had not been seen since the evening of the great fire; but he was not old enough to understand this, and if he had been told that the other boy had gone home in an aircraft, he would have accepted the statement without fuss or disbelief.\n\nHenry was a bit of a leader this afternoon, because the other two were Percival and Johnny, the smallest boys on the island. Percival was mouse-colored and had not been very attractive even to his mother; Johnny was well built, with fair hair and a natural belligerence. Just now he was being obedient because he was interested; and the three children, kneeling in the sand, were at peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger and Maurice came out of the forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were relieved from duty at the fire and had come down for a swim. Roger led the way straight through the castles, kicking them over, burying the flowers, scattering the chosen stones. Maurice followed, laughing, and added to the destruction. The three littluns paused in their game and looked up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As it happened, the particular marks in which they were interested had not been touched, so they made no protest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Percival began to whimper with an eyeful of sand and Maurice hurried away. In his other life Maurice had received chastisement for filling a younger eye with sand. Now, though there was no parent to let fall a heavy hand, Maurice still felt the unease of wrongdoing. At the back of his mind formed the uncertain outlines of an excuse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He muttered something about a swim and broke into a trot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roger remained, watching the littluns. He was not noticeably darker than when he had dropped in, but the shock of black hair, down his nape and low on his forehead, seemed to suit his gloomy face and made what had seemed at first an unsociable remoteness into something forbidding. Percival finished his whimper and went on playing, for the tears had washed the sand away. Johnny watched him with china-blue eyes; then began to fling up sand in a shower, and presently Percival was crying again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Henry tired of his play and wandered off along the beach, Roger followed him, keeping beneath the palms and drifting casually in the same direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Henry walked at a distance from the palms and the shade because he was too young to keep himself out of the sun. He went down the beach and. busied himself at the water's edge. The great Pacific tide was coming in and every few seconds the relatively still water of the lagoon heaved forwards an inch, There were creatures that lived in this last fling of the sea, tiny transparencies that came questing in with the water over the hot, dry sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With impalpable organs of sense they examined this new field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps food had appeared where at the last incursion there had been none; bird droppings, insects perhaps, any of the strewn detritus of landward life. Lake a myriad of tiny teeth in a saw, the transparencies came scavenging over the beach.\n\nThis was fascinating to Henry. He poked about with a bit of stick, that itself was wave-worn and whitened and a vagrant, and tried to control the motions of the scavengers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made little runnels that the tide filled and tried to crowd them with creatures." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He became absorbed beyond mere happiness as he felt himself exercising control over living things. He talked to them, urging them, ordering them. Driven back by the tide, his footprints became bays in which they were trapped and gave him the illusion of mastery. He squatted on his hams at the water's edge, bowed, with a shock of hair falling over his forehead and past his eyes, and the afternoon sun emptied down invisible arrows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger waited too. At first he had hidden behind a great palm; but Henry's absorption with the transparencies was so obvious that at last he stood out in full view." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked along the beach. Percival had gone off, crying, and Johnny was left in triumphant possession of the castles. He sat there, crooning to himself and throwing sand at an imaginary Percival. Beyond him, Roger could see the platform and the glints of spray where Ralph and Simon and Piggy and Maurice were diving in the pool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He listened carefully but could only just hear them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sudden breeze shook the fringe of palm trees, so that the fronds tossed and fluttered. Sixty feet above Roger, several nuts, fibrous lumps as big as rugby balls, were loosed from their stems. They fell about him with a series of hard thumps and he was not touched. Roger did not consider his escape, but looked from the nuts to Henry and back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The subsoil beneath the palm trees was a raised beach, and generations of palms had worked loose in this the stones that had lain on the sands of another shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roger stooped, picked up a stone, aimed, and threw it at Henry—threw it to miss. The stone, that token of preposterous time, bounced five yards to Henry's right and fell in the water. Roger gathered a handful of stones and began to throw them. Yet there was a space round Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which, he dare not throw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger's arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.\n\nHenry was surprised by the plopping sounds in the water. He abandoned the noiseless transparencies and pointed at the center of the spreading rings like a setter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This side and that the stones fell, and Henry turned obediently but always too late to see the stones in the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last he saw one and laughed, looking for the friend who was teasing him. But Roger had whipped behind the palm again, was leaning against it breathing quickly, his eyelids fluttering. Then Henry lost interest in stones and wandered off..\n\n\"Roger.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack was standing under a tree about ten yards away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Roger opened his eyes and saw him, a darker shadow crept beneath the swarthiness of his skin; but Jack noticed nothing. He was eager, impatient, beckoning, so that Roger went to him.\n\nThere was a small pool at the end of the river, dammed back by sand and full of white water-lilies and needle-like reeds. Here Sam and Eric were waiting, and Bill Jack, concealed from the sun, knelt by the pool and opened the two large leaves that he carried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of them contained white clay, and the other red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By them lay a stick of charcoal brought down from the fire.\n\nJack explained to Roger as he worked.\n\n\"They don't smell me. They see me, I think. Something pink, under the trees.\"\n\nHe smeared on the clay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If only I'd some green!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned a halt-concealed face up to Roger and answered the incomprehension of his gaze.\n\n\"For hunting. Like in the war. You know—dazzle paint Like things trying to look like something else—\" He twisted in the urgency of telling. \"—lake moths on a tree trunk.\"\n\nRoger understood and nodded gravely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins moved toward Jack and began to protest timidly about something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack waved them away.\n\n\"Shut up.\"\n\nHe rubbed the charcoal stick between the patches of red and white on his face.\n\n\"No. You two come with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He peered at his reflection and disliked it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bent down, took up a double handful of lukewarm water and rubbed the mess from his face. Freckles and sandy eyebrows appeared.\n\nRoger smiled, unwillingly.\n\n\"You don't half look a mess.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack planned his new face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made one cheek and one eye-socket white, then he rubbed red over the other half of his face and slashed a black bar of charcoal across from right ear to left jaw. He looked in the pool for his reflection, but his breathing troubled the mirror.\n\n\"Samneric. Get me a coconut. An empty one.\"\n\nHe knelt, holding the shell of water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A rounded patch of sunlight fell on his face and a brightness appeared in the depths of the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger. He spilt the water and leapt to his feet, laughing excitedly. Beside the pool his sinewy body held up a mask that drew their eyes and appalled them. He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He capered toward Bill, and the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The face of red and white and black swung through the air and jigged toward Bill. Bill started up laughing; then suddenly he fell silent and blundered away through the bushes.\n\nJack rushed toward the twins.\n\n\"The rest are making a line. Come on!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—we—\"\n\n\"Come on! I'll creep up and stab—\"\n\nThe mask compelled them.\n\nRalph climbed out of the bathing pool and trotted up the beach and sat in the shade beneath the palms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fair hair was plastered over his eyebrows and he pushed it back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simon was floating in the water and kicking with his feet, and Maurice was practicing diving. Piggy was mooning about, aimlessly picking up things and discarding them. The rock-pools which so fascinated him were covered by the tide, so he was without an interest until the tide went back. Presently, seeing Ralph under the palms, he came and sat by him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy wore the remainders of a pair of shorts, his fat body was golden brown, and the glasses still flashed when he looked at anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was the only boy on the island whose hair never seemed to grow. The rest were shock-headed, but Piggy's hair still lay in wisps over his head as though baldness were his natural state and this imperfect covering would soon go, like the velvet on a young stag's antlers.\n\n\"I've been thinking,\" he said, \"about a clock. We could make a sundial We could put a stick in the sand, and then—\"\n\nThe effort to express the mathematical processes involved was too great." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made a few passes instead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And an airplane, and a TV set,\" said Ralph sourly, \"and a steam engine.\"\n\nPiggy shook his head.\n\n\"You have to have a lot of metal things for that,\" he said, \"and we haven't got no metal. But we got a stick.\"\n\nRalph turned and smiled involuntarily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy was a bore; his fat, his ass-mar and his matter-of-fact ideas were dull, but there was always a little pleasure to be got out of pulling his leg, even if one did it by accident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy saw the smile and misinterpreted it as friendliness. There had grown up tacitly among the biguns the opinion that Piggy was an outsider, not only by accent, which did not matter, but by fat, and ass-mar, and specs, and a certain disinclination for manual labor. Now, finding that something he had said made Ralph smile, he rejoiced and pressed his advantage.\n\n\"We got a lot of sticks. We could have a sundial each. Then we should know what the time was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A fat lot of good that would be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said you wanted things done. So as we could be rescued.\"\n\n\"Oh, shut up.\"\n\nHe leapt to his feet and trotted back to the pool, just as\n\nMaurice did a rather poor dive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph was glad of a chance to change the subject." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shouted as Maurice came to the surface.\n\n\"Belly flop! Belly flop!\"\n\nMaurice flashed a smile at Ralph who slid easily into the water. Of all the boys, he was the most at home there; but today, irked by the mention of rescue, the useless, footling mention of rescue, even the green depths of water and the shattered, golden sun held no balm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of remaining and playing, he swam with steady strokes under Simon and crawled out of the other side of the pool to lie there, sleek and streaming like a seal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy, always clumsy, stood up and came to stand by him, so mat Ralph rolled on his stomach and pretended not to see. The mirages had died away and gloomily he ran his eye along the taut blue line of the horizon.\n\nThe next moment he was on his feet and shouting.\n\n\"Smoke! Smoke!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon tried to sit up in the water and got a mouthful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maurice, who had been standing ready to dive, swayed back on his heels, made a bolt for the platform, then swerved back to the grass under the palms. There he started to pull on his tattered shorts, to be ready for anything.\n\nRalph stood, one hand holding back his hair, the other clenched. Simon was climbing out of the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy was rubbing his glasses on his shorts and squinting at the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maurice had got both legs through one leg of his shorts. Of all the boys, only Ralph was still.\n\nI can't see no smoke,\" said Piggy incredulously. \"I can't see no smoke, Ralph—where is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph said nothing. Now both his hands were clenched over his forehead so that the fair hair was kept out of his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was leaning forward and already the salt was whitening his body.\n\n\"Ralph—where s the ship?\"\n\nSimon stood by, looking from Ralph to the horizon. Maurice's trousers gave way with a sigh and he abandoned them as a wreck, rushed toward the forest, and then came back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The smoke was a tight little knot on the horizon and was uncoiling slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beneath the smoke was a dot that might be a funnel. Ralph's face was pale as he spoke to himself.\n\nThey'll see our smoke.\"\n\nPiggy was looking in the right direction now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It don't look much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned round and peered up at the mountain. Ralph continued to watch the ship, ravenously. Color was coming back into his face. Simon stood by him, silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know I can't see very much,\" said Piggy, \"but have we got any smoke?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph moved impatiently, still watching the ship.\n\n\"The smoke on the mountain.\"\n\nMaurice came running, and stared out to sea. Both Simon and Piggy were looking up at the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy screwed up his face but Simon cried out as though he had hurt himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ralph! Ralph!\"\n\nThe quality of his speech twisted Ralph on the sand.\n\n\"You tell me,\" said Piggy anxiously. \"Is there a signal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph looked back at the dispersing smoke on the horizon, then up at the mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ralph—please! Is there a signal?\"\n\nSimon put out his hand, timidly, to touch Ralph; but Ralph started to run, splashing through the shallow end of the bathing pool, across the hot, white sand and under the palms. A moment later he was battling with the complex undergrowth that was already engulfing the scar. Simon ran after him, then Maurice. Piggy shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ralph! Please—Ralph!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he too started to run, stumbling over Maurice's discarded shorts before he was across the terrace. Behind the four boys, the smoke moved gently along the horizon; and on the beach, Henry and Johnny were throwing sand at Percival who was crying quietly again; and all three were in complete ignorance of the excitement.\n\nBy the time Ralph had reached the landward end of the scar he was using precious breath to swear. He did desperate violence to his naked body among the rasping creepers so that blood was sliding over him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just where the steep ascent of the mountain began, he stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maurice was only a few yards behind him.\n\n\"Piggy's specs!\" shouted Ralph. \"If the fire's all out, well need them—\"\n\nHe stopped shouting and swayed on his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy was only just visible, bumbling up from the beach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralphlooked at the horizon, then up to the mountain. Was it better to fetch Piggy's glasses, or would the ship have gone? Or if they climbed on, supposing the fire was all out, and they had to watch Piggy crawling nearer and the ship sinking under the horizon? Balanced on a high peak of need, agonized by indecision, Ralph cried out: \"Oh God, oh God!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon, struggling with bushes, caught his breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His face was twisted. Ralph blundered on, savaging himself, as the wisp of smoke moved on.\n\nThe fire was dead. They saw that straight away; saw what they had really known down on the beach when the smoke of home had beckoned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fire was out, smokeless and dead; the watchers were gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pile of unused fuel lay ready.\n\nRalph turned to the sea. The horizon stretched, impersonal once more, barren of all but the faintest trace of smoke. Ralph ran stumbling along the rocks, saved himself on the edge of the pink cliff, and screamed at the ship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come back! Come back!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ran backwards and forwards along the cliff, his face always to the sea, and his voice rose insanely.\n\n\"Come back! Come back!\"\n\nSimon and Maurice arrived. Ralph looked at them with unwinking eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon turned away, smearing the water from his cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph reached inside himself for the worst word he knew.\n\n\"They let the bloody fire go out.\"\n\nHe looked down the unfriendly side of the mountain. Piggy arrived, out of breath and whimpering like a littlun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph clenched his fist and went very red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The intent-ness of his gaze, the bitterness of his voice, pointed for him.\n\n\"There they are.\"\n\nA procession had appeared, far down among the pink stones that lay near the water's edge. Some of the boys wore black caps but otherwise they were almost naked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They lifted sticks in the air together whenever they came to an easy patch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were chanting, something to do with the bundle that the errant twins carried so carefully. Ralph picked out Jack easily, even at that distance, tall, red-haired, and inevitably leading the procession.\n\nSimon looked now, from Ralph to Jack, as he had looked from Ralph to the horizon, and what he saw seemed to make him afraid. Ralph said nothing more, but waited while the procession came nearer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chant was audible but at that distance still wordless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind Jack walked the twins, carrying a great stake on their shoulders. The gutted carcass of a pig swung from the stake, swinging heavily as the twins toiled over the uneven ground. The pigs head hung down with gaping neck and seemed to search for something on the ground. At last the words of the chant floated up to them, across the bowl of blackened wood and ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet as the words became audible, the procession reached the steepest part of the mountain, and in a minute or two the chant had died away. Piggy sniveled and Simon shushed him quickly as though he had spoken too loudly in church.\n\nJack, his face smeared with clays, reached the top first and hailed Ralph excitedly, with lifted spear.\n\n\"Look! We've killed a pig—we stole up on them—we got in a circle—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Voices broke in from the hunters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We got in a circle—\"\n\n\"We crept up—\"\n\nThe pig squealed—\"\n\nThe twins stood with the pig swinging between them, dropping black gouts on the rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They seemed to share one wide, ecstatic grin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack had too many things to tell Ralph at once. Instead, he danced a step or two, then remembered his dignity and stood still, grinning. He noticed blood on his hands and grimaced distastefully, looked for something on which to clean them, then wiped them on his shorts and laughed.\n\nRalph spoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You let the fire go out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack checked, vaguely irritated by this irrelevance but too happy to let it worry him.\n\n\"We can light the fire again. You should have been with us, Ralph. We had a smashing time. The twins got knocked over—\"\n\n\"We hit the pig—\"\n\n\"—I fell on top—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cut the pig's throat,\" said Jack, proudly, and yet twitched as he said it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I borrow yours, Ralph, to make a nick in the hilt?\"\n\nThe boys chattered and danced. The twins continued to grin.\n\nThere was lashings of blood,\" said Jack, laughing and shuddering, \"you should have seen it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll go hunting every day—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph spoke again, hoarsely. He had not moved.\n\n\"You let the fire go out.\"\n\nThis repetition made Jack uneasy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at the twins and then back at Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We had to have them in the hunt,\" he said, \"or there wouldn't have been enough for a ring.\"\n\nHe flushed, conscious of a fault.\n\n\"The fire's only been out an hour or two. We can light up again—\"\n\nHe noticed Ralph's scarred nakedness, and the sombre silence of all four of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sought, charitable in his happiness, to include them in the thing that had happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mind was crowded with memories; memories of the knowledge that had come to them when they closed in on the struggling pig, knowledge that they had outwitted a living thing, imposed their will upon it, taken away its life like a long satisfying drink.\n\nHe spread his arms wide.\n\n\"You should have seen the blood!\"\n\nThe hunters were more silent now, but at this they buzzed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph flung back his hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One arm pointed at the empty horizon. His voice was loud and savage, and struck them into silence.\n\n\"There was a ship.\"\n\nJack, faced at once with too many awful implications, ducked away from them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laid a hand on the pig and drew his knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph brought his arm down, fist clenched, and his voice shook.\n\n\"There was a ship. Out there. You said you'd keep the fire going and you let it out!\" He took a step toward Jack, who turned and faced him.\n\n\"They might have seen us. We might have gone home—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was too bitter for Piggy, who forgot his timidity in the agony of his loss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to cry out, shrilly: \"You and your blood, Jack Merridew! You and your hunting! We might have gone home—\"\n\nRalph pushed Piggy to one side.\n\n\"I was chief, and you were going to do what I said. You talk. But you can't even build huts—then you go off hunting and let out the fire—\"\n\nHe turned away, silent for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then his voice came again on a peak of feeling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There was a ship—\"\n\nOne of the smaller hunters began to wail. The dismal truth was filtering through to everybody. Jack went very red as he hacked and pulled at the pig." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The job was too much. We needed everyone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph turned.\n\n\"You could have had everyone when the shelters were finished. But you had to hunt—\"\n\n\"We needed meat.\"\n\nJack stood up as he said this, the bloodied knife in his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two boys faced each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was the brilliant world of hunting, tactics, fierce exhilaration, skill; and there was the world of longing and baffled common-sense. Jack transferred the knife to his left hand and smudged blood over his forehead as he pushed down the plastered hair.\n\nPiggy began again.\n\n\"You didn't ought to have let that fire out. You said you'd keep the smoke going—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This from Piggy, and the wails of agreement from some of the hunters, drove Jack to violence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bolting look came into his blue eyes. He took a step, and able at last to hit someone, stuck his fist into Piggy's stomach. Piggy sat down with a grunt. Jack stood over him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice was vicious with humiliation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You would, would you? Fatty!\"\n\nRalph made a step forward and Jack smacked Piggy's head. Piggy's glasses flew off and tinkled on the rocks. Piggy cried out in terror: \"My specs!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went crouching and feeling over the rocks but Simon, who got there first, found them for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Passions beat about Simon on the mountain-top with awful wings.\n\n\"One side's broken.\"\n\nPiggy grabbed and put on the glasses. He looked malevolently at Jack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got to have them specs. Now I only got one eye. Jus' you wait—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack made a move toward Piggy who scrambled away till a great rock lay between them. He thrust his head over the top and glared at Jack through his one flashing glass.\n\n\"Now I only got one eye. Just you wait—\"\n\nJack mimicked the whine and scramble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jus' you wait—yah!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy and the parody were so funny that the hunters began to laugh. Jack felt encouraged. He went on scrambling and the laughter rose to a gale of hysteria. Unwillingly Ralph felt his lips twitch; he was angry with himself for giving way.\n\nHe muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was a dirty trick.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack broke out of his gyration and stood facing Ralph. His words came in a shout.\n\n\"All right, all right!\"\n\nHe looked at Piggy, at the hunters, at Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry. About the fire, I mean. There. I—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He drew himself up.\n\n\"—I apologize.\"\n\nThe buzz from the hunters was one of admiration at this handsome behavior. Clearly they were of the opinion that Jack had done the decent thing, had put himself in the right by his generous apology and Ralph, obscurely, in the wrong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They waited for an appropriately decent answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet Ralph's throat refused to pass one. He resented, as an addition to Jack's misbehavior, this verbal trick. The fire was dead, the ship was gone. Could they not see?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anger instead of decency passed his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was a dirty trick.\"\n\nThey were silent on the mountain-top while the opaque look appeared in Jack's eyes and passed away.\n\nRalph's final word was an ungracious mutter.\n\n\"All right. Light the fire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With some positive action before them, a little of die tension died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph said no more, did nothing, stood looking down at the ashes round his feet. Jack was loud and active. He gave orders, sang, whistled, threw remarks at the silent Ralph—remarks that did not need an answer, and therefore could not invite a snub; and still Ralph was silent. No one, not even Jack, would ask him to move and in the end they had to build the fire three yards away and in a place not really as convenient." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So Ralph asserted his chieftainship and could not have chosen a better way if he had thought for days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Against this weapon, so indefinable and so effective, Jack was powerless and raged without knowing why. By the time the pile was built, they were on different sides of a high barrier.\n\nWhen they had dealt with the fire another crisis arose. Jack had no means of lighting it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then to his surprise, Ralph went to Piggy and took the glasses from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even Ralph knew now a link between him and Jack had been snapped and fastened elsewhere.\n\n'I'll bring 'em back.\"\n\n\"I'll come too.\"\n\nPiggy stood behind him, islanded in a sea of meaningless color, while Ralph knelt and focused the glossy spot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly the fire was alight Piggy held out his hands and grabbed the glasses back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before these fantastically attractive flowers of violet and red and yellow, unkindness melted away. They became a circle of boys round a camp fire and even Piggy and Ralph were half-drawn in. Soon some of the boys were rushing down the slope for more wood while Jack hacked the pig. They tried holding the whole carcass on a stake over the fire, but the stake burnt more quickly than the pig roasted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the end they skewered bits of meat on branches and held them in the flames: and even then almost as much boy was roasted as meat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph's mouth watered. He meant to refuse meat but his past diet of fruit and nuts, with an odd crab or fish, gave him too little resistance. He accepted a piece of half-raw meat and gnawed it like a wolf.\n\nPiggy spoke, also dribbling.\n\n\"Aren't I having none?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack had meant to leave him in doubt, as an assertion of power; but Piggy by advertising his omission made more cruelty necessary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You didn't hunt.\"\n\n\"No more did Ralph,\" said Piggy wetly, \"nor Simon.\" He amplified. \"There isn't more than a ha'porth of meat in a crab.\"\n\nRalph stirred uneasily. Simon, sitting between the twins and Piggy, wiped his mouth and shoved his piece of meat over the rocks to Piggy, who grabbed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins giggled and Simon lowered his face in shame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Jack leapt to his feet, slashed off a great hunk of meat, and flung it down at Simon's feet.\n\n\"Eat! Damn you!\"\n\nHe glared at Simon.\n\n\"Take it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spun on his heel, center of a bewildered circle of boys." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I got you meat!\"\n\nNumberless and inexpressible frustrations combined to make his rage elemental and awe-inspiring.\n\n\"I painted my face—I stole up. Now you eat—all of you—and I—\"\n\nSlowly the silence on the mountain-top deepened till the click of the fire and the soft hiss of roasting meat could be heard clearly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack looked round for understanding but found only respect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph stood among the ashes of the signal fire, his hands full of meat, saying nothing.\n\nThen at last Maurice broke the silence. He changed the subject to the only one that could bring the majority of them together.\n\n\"Where did you find the pig?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger pointed down the unfriendly side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They were there—by the sea.\"\n\nJack, recovering, could not bear to have his story told. He broke in quickly.\n\n\"We spread round. I crept, on hands and knees. The spears fell out because they hadn't barbs on. The pig ran away and made an awful noise—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It turned back and ran into the circle, bleeding—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the boys were talking at once, relieved and excited.\n\n\"We closed in—\"\n\nThe first blow had paralyzed its hind quarters, so then the circle could close in and beat and beat— \"I cut the pig's throat—\"\n\nThe twins, still sharing their identical grin, jumped up and ran round each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the rest joined in, making pig-dying noises and shouting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One for his nob!\"\n\n\"Give him a fourpenny one!\"\n\nThen Maurice pretended to be the pig and ran squealing into the center, and the hunters, circling still, pretended to beat him. As they danced, they sang." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Bash her in\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph watched them, envious and resentful. Not till they flagged and the chant died away, did he speak.\n\n\"I'm calling an assembly.\"\n\nOne by one, they halted, and stood watching him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With the conch. I'm calling a meeting even if we have to go on into the dark. Down on the platform. When I blow it. Now.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned away and walked off, down the mountain." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of William Golding." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tide was coming in and there was only a narrow strip of firm beach between the water and the white, stumbling stuff near the palm terrace. Ralph chose the firm strip as a path because he needed to think, and only here could he allow his feet to move without having to watch them. Suddenly, pacing by the water, he was overcome with astonishment. He found himself understanding the wearisomeness of this life, where every path was an improvisation and a considerable part of one's waking life was spent watching one's feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped, facing the strip; and remembering that first enthusiastic exploration as though it were part of a brighter childhood, he smiled jeeringly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned then and walked back toward the platform with the sun in his face. The time had come for the assembly and as he walked into the concealing splendors of the sunlight he went carefully over the points of his speech. There must be no mistake about this assembly, no chasing imaginary...\n\nHe lost himself in a maze of thoughts that were rendered vague by his lack of words to express them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Frowning, he tried again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This meeting must not be fun, but business.\n\nAt that he walked faster, aware all at once of urgency and the declining sun and a little wind created by his speed that breathed about his face. This wind pressed his grey shirt against his chest so that he noticed—in this new mood of comprehension—how the folds were stiff like cardboard, and unpleasant; noticed too how the frayed edges of his shorts were making an uncomfortable, pink area on the front of his thighs. With a convulsion of the mind, Ralph discovered dirt and decay, understood how much he disliked perpetually flicking the tangled hair out of his eyes, and at last, when the sun was gone, rolling noisily to rest among dry leaves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that he began to trot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beach near the bathing pool was dotted with groups of boys waiting for the assembly. They made way for him silently, conscious of his grim mood and the fault at the fire.\n\nThe place of assembly in which he stood was roughly a triangle; but irregular and sketchy, like everything they made. First there was the log on which he himself sat; a dead tree that must have been quite exceptionally big for the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps one of those legendary storms of the Pacific had shifted it here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This palm trunk lay parallel to the beach, so that when Ralph sat he faced the island but to the boys was a darkish figure against the shimmer of the lagoon. The two sides of the triangle of which the log was base were less evenly defined. On the right was a log polished by restless seats along the top, but not so large as the chiefs and not so comfortable. On the left were four small logs, one of them—the farthest—lamentably springy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Assembly after assembly had broken up in laughter when someone had leaned too far back and the log had whipped and thrown half a dozen boys backwards into the grass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet now, he saw, no one had had the wit—not himself nor Jack, nor Piggy—to bring a stone and wedge the thing. So they would continue enduring the ill-balanced twister, because, because.... Again he lost himself in deep waters.\n\nCrass was worn away in front of each trunk but grew tall and untrodden in tile center of the triangle. Then, at the apex, the grass was thick again because no one sat there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All round the place of assembly the grey trunks rose, straight or leaning, and supported the low roof of leaves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On two sides was the beach; behind, the lagoon; in front, the darkness of the island.\n\nRalph turned to the chief's seat. They had never had an assembly as late before. That was why the place looked so different." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Normally the underside of the green roof was lit by a tangle of golden reflections, and their faces were lit upside down—like, thought Ralph, when you hold an electric torch in your hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now the sun was slanting in at one side, so that the shadows were where they ought to be.\n\nAgain he fell into that strange mood of speculation that was so foreign to him. If faces were different when lit from above or below—what was a face? What was anything?\n\nRalph moved impatiently. The trouble was, if you were a chief you had to think, you had to be wise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then the occasion slipped by so that you had to grab at a decision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This made you think; because thought was a valuable thing, that got results...\n\nOnly, decided Ralph as he faced the chiefs seat, I can't think. Not like Piggy.\n\nOnce more that evening Ralph had to adjust his values. Piggy could think. He could go step by step inside that fat head of his, only Piggy was no chief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Piggy, for all his ludicrous body, had brains." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph was a specialist in thought now, and could recognize thought in another.\n\nThe sun in his eyes reminded him how time was passing, so he took the conch down from the tree and examined the surface. Exposure to the air had bleached the yellow and pink to near-white, and transparency. Ralph felt a land of affectionate reverence for the conch, even though he had fished the thing out of the lagoon himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He faced the place of assembly and put the conch to his lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others were waiting for this and came straight away. Those who were aware that a ship had passed the island while the fire was out were subdued by the thought of Ralph's anger; while those, including the littluns who did not know, were impressed by the general air of solemnity. The place of assembly filled quickly; Jack, Simon, Maurice, most of the hunters, on Ralph's right; the rest on the left, under the sun. Piggy came and stood outside the triangle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This indicated that he wished to listen, but would not speak; and Piggy intended it as a gesture of disapproval \"The thing is: we need an assembly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one said anything but the faces turned to Ralph were intent. He flourished the conch. He had learnt as a practical business that fundamental statements like this had to be said at least twice, before everyone understood them. One had to sit, attracting all eyes to the conch, and drop words like heavy round stones among the little groups that crouched or squatted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was searching his mind for simple words so that even the littluns would understand what the assembly was about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later perhaps, practiced debaters—Jack, Maurice, Piggy—would use their whole art to twist the meeting: but now at the beginning the subject of the debate must be laid out clearly.\n\n\"We need an assembly. Not for fun. Not for laughing and falling off the log\"—the group of littluns on the twister giggled and looked at each other—\"not for making jokes, or for\"—he lifted the conch in an effort to find the compelling word—\"for cleverness. Not for these things. But to put things straight.\"\n\nHe paused for a moment.\n\n\"I've been alone. By myself I went, thinking what's what I know what we need. An assembly to put things straight And first of all, I'm speaking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused for a moment and automatically pushed back his hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy tiptoed to the triangle, his ineffectual protest made, and joined the others.\n\nRalph went on.\n\n\"We have lots of assemblies. Everybody enjoys speaking and being together. We decide things. But they don't get done. We were going to have water brought from the stream and left in those coconut shells under fresh leaves. So it was, for a few days. Now there's no water. The shells are dry. People drink from the river.\"\n\nThere was a murmur of assent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not that there's anything wrong with drinking from the river. I mean I'd sooner have water from that place—you know, the pool where the waterfall is—than out of an old coconut shell. Only we said we'd have the water brought And now not There were only two full shells there this afternoon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He licked his lips.\n\n\"Then there's huts. Shelters.\"\n\nThe murmur swelled again and died away.\n\n\"You mostly sleep in shelters. Tonight, except for Sam-neric up by the fire, you'll all sleep there. Who built the shelters?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clamor rose at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone had built the shelters. Ralph had to wave the conch once more.\n\n\"Wait a minute! I mean, who built all three? We all built the first one, four of us the second one, and me 'n Simon built the last one over there. That's why it's so tottery. No. Don't laugh. That shelter might fall down if the rain comes back. We'll need those shelters then.\"\n\nHe paused and cleared his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's another thing. We chose those rocks right along beyond the bathing pool as a lavatory. That was sensible too. The tide cleans the place up. You littluns know about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were sniggers here and there and swift glances.\n\n\"Now people seem to use anywhere. Even near the shelters and the platform. You littluns, when you're getting fruit; if you're taken short—\"\n\nThe assembly roared.\n\n\"I said if you're taken short you keep away from the fruit. That's dirty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laughter rose again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said that's dirty!\"\n\nHe plucked at his stiff, grey shirt.\n\n\"That's realty dirty. If you're taken short you go right along the beach to the rocks. See?\"\n\nPiggy held out his hands for the conch but Ralph shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This speech was planned, point by point." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've all got to use the rocks again. This place is getting dirty.\" He paused. The assembly, sensing a crisis, was tensely expectant. \"And then: about the fire.\"\n\nRalph let out his spare breath with a little gasp that was echoed by his audience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack started to chip a piece of wood with his knife and whispered something to Robert, who looked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The fire is the most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don't keep a fire going? Is a fire too much for us to make?\"\n\nHe flung out an arm.\n\n\"Look at us! How many are we? And yet we can't keep a fire going to make smoke. Don't you understand? Can't you see we ought to—ought to die before we let the fire out?\"\n\nThere was a self-conscious giggling among the hunters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph turned on them passionately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You hunters! You can laugh! But I tell you the smoke is more important than the pig, however often you kill one. Do all of you see?\" He spread his arms wide and turned to the whole triangle.\n\n\"We've got to make smoke up there—or die.\"\n\nHe paused, feeling for his next point" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And another thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone called out.\n\n\"Too many things.\"\n\nThere came mutters of agreement. Ralph overrode them.\n\n\"And another thing. We nearly set the whole island on fire. And we waste time, rolling rocks, and making little cooking fires. Now I say this and make it a rule, because I'm chief. We won't have a fire anywhere but on the mountain. Ever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a row immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boys stood up and shouted and Ralph shouted back.\n\n\"Because if you want a fire to cook fish or crab, you can jolly well go up the mountain. That way we'll be certain.\"\n\nHands were reaching for the conch in the light of the setting sun. He held on and leapt on the trunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All this I meant to say. Now I've said it. You voted me for chief. Now you do what I say.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They quieted, slowly, and at last were seated again. Ralph dropped down and spoke in his ordinary voice.\n\n\"So remember. The rocks for a lavatory. Keep the fire going and smoke showing as a signal. Don't take fire from the mountain. Take your food up mere.\"\n\nJack stood up, scowling in the gloom, and held out his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I haven't finished yet\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you've talked and talked!\"\n\n\"I've got the conch.\"\n\nJack sat down, grumbling.\n\n\"Then the last mine. This is what people can talk about.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He waited till the platform was very still." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Things are breaking up. I don't understand why. We began well; we were happy. And then—\"\n\nHe moved the conch gently, looking beyond them at nothing, remembering the beastie, the snake, the fire, the talk of fear.\n\n\"Then people started getting frightened.\"\n\nA murmur, almost a moan, rose and passed away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack had stopped whittling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph went on, abruptly.\n\n\"But that's littluns' talk. We'll get that straight. So the last part, the bit we can all talk about, is kind of deciding on the fear.\"\n\nThe hair was creeping into his eyes again.\n\n\"We've got to talk about this fear and decide there's nothing in it. I'm frightened myself, sometimes; only that's nonsense! Like bogies. Then, when we've decided, we can start again and be careful about things like the fire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A picture of three boys walking along the bright beach flitted through his mind. \"And be happy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ceremonially, Ralph laid the conch on the trunk beside him as a sign that the speech was over. What sunlight reached them was level.\n\nJack stood up and took the conch.\n\n\"So this is a meeting to find out what's what, I'll tell you what's what. You littluns started all this, with the fear talk. Beasts! Where from? Of course we're frightened sometimes but we put up with being frightened. Only Ralph says you scream in the night. What does that mean but nightmares? Anyway, you don't hunt or build or help—you're a lot of cry-babies and sissies. That's what. And as for the fear—you'll have to put up with that like the rest of us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph looked at Jack open-mouthed, but Jack took no notice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'The thing is—fear can't hurt you any more than a dream. There aren't any beasts to be afraid of on this island.\" He looked along the row of whispering littluns. \"Serve you right if something did get you, you useless lot of cry-babies! But there is no animal—\"\n\nRalph interrupted him testily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is all this? Who said anything about an animal?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did, the other day. You said they dream and cry out Now they talk—not only the littluns, but my hunters sometimes—talk of a thing, a dark thing, a beast, some sort of animal I've heard. You thought not, didn't you? Now listen. You don't get big animals on small islands. Only pigs. You only get lions and tigers in big countries like Africa and India—\"\n\n\"And the Zoo—\"\n\n\"I've got the conch. I'm not talking about the fear. I'm talking about the beast. Be frightened if you like. But as for the beast—\"\n\nJack paused, cradling the conch, and turned to his hunt\" ers with their dirty black caps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I a hunter or am I not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They nodded, simply. He was a hunter all right. No one doubted that.\n\n\"Well then—I've been all over this island. By myself. If there were a beast I'd have seen it Be frightened because you're like that—but there is no beast in the forest\"\n\nJack handed back the conch and sat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The whole assembly applauded him with relief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Piggy held out his hand.\n\n\"I don't agree with all Jack said, but with some. 'Course there isn't a beast in the forest How could there be? What would a beast eat?\"\n\n\"Pig.\"\n\n\"We eat pig.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Piggy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I got the conch!\" said Piggy indignantly. \"Ralph—they ought to shut up, oughtn't they? You shut up, you littluns! What I mean is that I don't agree about this here fear. Of course there isn't nothing to be afraid of in the forest Why—I been there myself! You'll be talking about ghosts and such things next We know what goes on and if there's something wrong, there's someone to put it right.\"\n\nHe took off his glasses and blinked at them. The sun had gone as if the light had been turned off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He proceeded to explain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you get a pain in your stomach, whether it's a little one or a big one—\"\n\n\"Yours is a big one.\"\n\n\"When you done laughing perhaps we can get on with the meeting. And if them littluns climb back on the twister again they'll only fall off in a sec. So they might as well sit on the ground and listen. No. You have doctors for everything, even the inside of your mind. You don't really mean that we got to be frightened all the time of nothing? Life,\" said Piggy expansively, \"is scientific, that's what it is. In a year or two when the war's over they'll be traveling to Mars and back. I know there isn't no beast—not with claws and all that, I mean—but I know there isn't no fear, either.\"\n\nPiggy paused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Unless—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph moved restlessly.\n\n\"Unless what?\"\n\n\"Unless we get frightened of people.\"\n\nA sound, half-laugh, half-jeer, rose among the seated boys." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy ducked his head and went on hastily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So lets hear from that littlun who talked about a beast and perhaps we can show him how silly he is.\"\n\nThe littluns began to jabber among themselves, then one stood forward.\n\n\"What's your name?\"\n\n\"Phil.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a littlun he was self-confident, holding out his hands, cradling the conch as Ralph did, looking round at them to collect their attention before he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Last night I had a dream, a horrid dream, fighting with things. I was outside the shelter by myself, fighting with things, those twisty things in the trees.\"\n\nHe paused, and the other littluns laughed in horrified sympathy.\n\n\"Then I was frightened and I woke up. And I was outside the shelter by myself in the dark and the twisty things had gone away.\"\n\nThe vivid horror of this, so possible and so nakedly terrifying, held them all silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The child's voice went piping on from behind the white conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I was frightened and started to call out for Ralph and then I saw something moving among the trees, something big and horrid.\"\n\nHe paused, half-frightened by the recollection yet proud of the sensation he was creating.\n\n\"That was a nightmare,\" said Ralph. \"He was walking in his sleep.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assembly murmured in subdued agreement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The littlun shook his head stubbornly.\n\n\"I was asleep when the twisty things were fighting and when they went away I was awake, and I saw something big and horrid moving in the trees.\"\n\nRalph held out his hands for the conch and the littlun sat down.\n\n\"You were alseep. There wasn't anyone there. How could anyone be wandering about in the forest at night? Was anyone? Did anyone go out?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a long pause while the assembly grinned at" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the thought of anyone going out in the darkness. Then Simon stood up and Ralph looked at him in astonishment \"You! What were you mucking about in the dark for?\"\n\nSimon grabbed the conch convulsively.\n\n\"I wanted—to go to a place—a place I know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What place?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just a place I know. A place in the jungle.\"\n\nHe hesitated.\n\nJack settled the question for them with that contempt in his voice that could sound so funny and so final.\n\n\"He was taken short\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a feeling of humiliation on Simon's behalf, Ralph took back the conch, looking Simon sternly in the face as he did so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, don't do it again. Understand? Not at night There's enough silly talk about beasts, without the litthlus seeing you gliding about like a—\"\n\nThe derisive laughter that rose had fear in it and condemnation. Simon opened his mouth to speak but Ralph had the conch, so he backed to his seat When the assembly was silent Ralph turned to Piggy.\n\n\"Well, Piggy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There was another one. Him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The littlums pushed Percival forward, then left him by himself. He stood knee-deep in the central grass, looking at his hidden feet, trying to pretend he was in a tent Ralph remembered another small boy who had stood like this and he flinched away from the memory. He had pushed the thought down and out of sight, where only some positive reminder like this could bring it to the surface. There had been no further numberings of the littluns, partly because there was no means of insuring that all of them were accounted for and partly because Ralph knew the answer to at least one question Piggy had asked on the mountain-top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were little boys, fair, dark, freckled, and all dirty, but their faces were all dreadfully free of major blemishes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one had seen the mulberry-colored birthmark again. But that time Piggy had coaxed and bullied. Tacitly admitting that he remembered the unmentionable, Ralph nodded to Piggy.\n\n\"Go on. Ask him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy knelt, holding the conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now then. What's your name?\"\n\nThe small boy twisted away into his tent Piggy turned helplessly to Ralph, who spoke sharply.\n\n\"What's your name?\"\n\nTormented by the silence and the refusal the assembly broke into a chant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's your name? What's your name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quiet!\"\n\nRalph peered at the child in the twilight\n\n\"Now tell us. What's your name?\"\n\n\"Percival Wemys Madison, The Vicarage, Harcourt St. Anthony, Hants, telephone, telephone, tele-\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As if this information was rooted far down in the springs of sorrow, the littlun wept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His face puckered, the tears leapt from his eves, his mouth opened till they could see a square black hole. At first he was a silent effigy of sorrow; but then the lamentation rose out of him, loud and sustained as the conch.\n\n\"Shut up, you! Shut up!\"\n\nPercival Wemys Madison would not shut up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A spring had been tapped, far beyond the reach of authority or even physical intimidation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The crying went on, breath after breath, and seemed to sustain him upright as if he were nailed to it.\n\n\"Shut up! Shut up!\"\n\nFor now the littluns were no longer silent. They were reminded of their personal sorrows; and perhaps felt themselves to share in a sorrow that was universal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They began to cry in sympathy, two of them almost as loud as Percival." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maurice saved them. He cried out.\n\n\"Look at me!\"\n\nHe pretended to fall over. He rubbed his rump and sat on the twister so that he fell in the grass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He clowned badly, but Percival and the others noticed and sniffed and laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Presently they were all laughing so absurdly that the biguns joined in.\n\nJack was the first to make himself heard. He had not got the conch and thus spoke against the rules; but nobody minded.\n\n\"And what about the beast?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something strange was happening to Percival." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He yawned and staggered, so that Jack seized and shook him.\n\n\"Where does the beast live?\"\n\nPercival sagged in Jack's grip.\n\n\"That's a clever beast,\" said Piggy, jeering, \"if it can hide on this island.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack's been everywhere—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where could a beast live?\"\n\n\"Beast my foot!\"\n\nPercival muttered something and the assembly laughed again. Ralph leaned forward.\n\n\"What does he say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack listened to Percival's answer and then let go of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Percival, released, surrounded by the comfortable presence of humans, fell in the long grass and went to sleep.\n\nJack cleared his throat then reported casually.\n\n\"He says the beast comes out of the sea.\"\n\nThe last laugh died away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph turned involuntarily, a black, humped figure against the lagoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assembly looked with him, considered the vast stretches of water, the high sea beyond, unknown indigo of infinite possibility, heard silently the sough and whisper from the reef.\n\nMaurice spoke, so loudly that they jumped.\n\n\"Daddy said they haven't found all the animals in the sea yet\"\n\nArgument started again. Ralph held out the glimmering conch and Maurice took it obediently. The meeting subsided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean when Jack says you can be frightened because people are frightened anyway that's all right. But when he says there's only pigs on this island I expect he's right but he doesn't know, not really, not certainly I mean—\" Maurice took a breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My daddy says there's things, what d'you call'em that make ink—squids—that are hundreds or yards long and eat whales whole.\" He paused again ana laughed gaily. \"I don't believe in the beast of course. As Piggy says, life's scientific, but we don't know, do we? Not certainly, I mean—\"\n\nSomeone shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A squid couldn't come up out of the water!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Could!\"\n\n\"Couldn't!\"\n\nIn a moment the platform was full of arguing, gesticulating shadows. To Ralph, seated, this seemed the breaking up of sanity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fear, beasts, no general agreement that the fire was all-important: and when one tried to get the thing straight the argument sheered off, bringing up fresh, unpleasant matter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could see a whiteness in the gloom near him so he grabbed it from Maurice and blew as loudly as he could. The assembly was shocked into silence. Simon was close to him, laying hands on the conch. Simon felt a perilous necessity to speak; but to speak in assembly was a terrible thing to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe,\" he said hesitantly, \"maybe there is a beast.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assembly cried out savagely and Ralph stood up in amazement.\n\n\"You, Simon? You believe in this?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" said Simon. His heartbeats were choking him. \"But...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The storm broke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sit down!\"\n\n\"Shut up!\"\n\n\"Take the conch!\"\n\n\"Sod you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shut up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph shouted.\n\n\"Hear him! He's got the conch!\"\n\n\"What I mean is... maybe it's only us.\"\n\n\"Nuts!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was from Piggy, shocked out of decorum. Simon want on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We could be sort of...\"\n\nSimon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind's essential illness. Inspiration came to him.\n\n\"What's the dirtiest thing there is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As an answer Jack dropped into the uncomprehending silence that followed it the one crude expressive syllable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Release was immense. Those littluns who had climbed back on the twister fell off again and did not mind. The hunters were screaming with delight Simon's effort fell about him in ruins; the laughter beat him cruelly and he shrank away defenseless to his seat.\n\nAt last the assembly was silent again. Someone spoke out of turn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe he means it's some sort of ghost\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph Lifted the conch and peered into the gloom. The lightest thing was the pale beach. Surely the littluns were nearer? Yes—there was no doubt about it, they were huddled into a tight knot of bodies in the central grass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A flurry of wind made the palms talk and the noise seemed very loud now that darkness and silence made it so noticeable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two grey trunks rubbed each other with an evil squeaking that no one had noticed by day.\n\nPiggy took the conch out of his hands. His voice was indignant.\n\n\"I don't believe in no ghosts—ever!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack was up too, unaccountably angry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who cares what you believe–Fatty!\"\n\n\"I got the conch!\"\n\nThere was the sound of a brief tussle and the conch moved to and fro.\n\n\"You gimme the conch back!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph pushed between them and got a thump on the chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wrested the conch from someone and sat down breathlessly.\n\n\"There's too much talk about ghosts. We ought to have left all this for daylight.\"\n\nA hushed and anonymous voice broke in.\n\n\"Perhaps that's what the beast is—a ghost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assembly was shaken as by a wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's too much talking out of turn,\" Ralph said, \"because we can't have proper assemblies if you don't stick to the rules.\"\n\nHe stopped again. The careful plan of this assembly had broken down.\n\n\"What d'you want me to say then? I was wrong to call this assembly so late. Well have a vote on them; on ghosts I mean; and then go to the shelters because we're all tired. No—Jack is it?—wait a minute. I'll say here and now that I don t believe in ghosts. Or I don't think I do. But I don't like the thought of them. Not now that is, in the dark. But we were going to decide what's what.\"\n\nHe raised the conch for a moment" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well then. I suppose what's what is whether there are ghosts or not—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thought for a moment, formulating the question.\n\n\"Who thinks there may be ghosts?\"\n\nFor a long time there was silence and no apparent movement. Then Ralph peered into the gloom and made out the hands. He spoke flatly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away. Once there was this and that; and now—and the ship had gone.\n\nThe conch was snatched from his hands and Piggy's voice shrilled.\n\n\"I didn't vote for no ghosts!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He whirled round on the assembly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remember that, all of you!\"\n\nThey heard him stamp.\n\n\"What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages? What's grownups going to think? Going off—hunting pigs—letting fires out—and now!\"\n\nA shadow fronted him tempestuously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You shut up, you fat slug!'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a moment's struggle and the glimmering conch jigged up and down. Ralph leapt to his feet.\n\n\"Jack! Jack! You haven't got the conch! Let him speak.\"\n\nJack's face swam near him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you shut up! Who are you, anyway? Sitting there telling people what to do. You cant hunt, you can't sing—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm chief. I was chosen.\"\n\n\"Why should choosing make any difference? Just giving orders that don't make any sense—\"\n\n\"Piggy's got the conch.\"\n\nThat's right—favor Piggy as you always do—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack's voice sounded in bitter mimicry.\n\n\"Jack! Jack!\"\n\n\"The rules!\" shouted Ralph. \"You're breaking the rules!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who cares?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph summoned his wits.\n\n\"Because the rules are the only thing we've got!\"\n\nBut Jack was shouting against him.\n\n\"Bollocks to the rules! We're strong—we hunt! If there's a beast, we'll hunt it down! Well close in and beat and beat and beat—!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gave a wild whoop and leapt down to the pale sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once the platform was full of noise and excitement, scramblings, screams and laughter. The assembly shredded away and became a discursive and random scatter from the palms to the water and away along the beach, beyond night-sight. Ralph found his cheek touching the conch and took it from Piggy.\n\n\"What's grownups going to say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "cried Piggy again. \"Look at 'em!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of mock hunting, hysterical laughter and real terror came from the beach.\n\n\"Blow the conch, Ralph.\"\n\nPiggy was so close that Ralph could see the glint of his one glass.\n\n\"There's the fire. Can't they see?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You got to be tough now. Make 'em do what you want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph answered in the cautious voice of one who rehearses a theorem.\n\n\"If I blow the conch and they don't come back; then we've had it. We shan't keep the fire going. We'll be like animals. We'll never be rescued.\"\n\n\"If you don't blow, we'll soon be animals anyway. I can't see what they're doing but I can hear.\"\n\nThe dispersed figures had come together on the sand and were a dense black mass that revolved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were chanting something and littluns that had had enough were staggering away, howling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph raised the conch to his lips and then lowered it.\n\n\"The trouble is: Are there ghosts, Piggy? Or beasts?\"\n\n\"Course there aren't.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Cos things wouldn't make sense. Houses an' streets, an'—TV—they wouldn't work.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dancing, chanting boys had worked themselves away till their sound was nothing but a wordless rhythm.\n\n\"But s'pose they don't make sense? Not here, on this island? Supposing things are watching us and waiting?\"\n\nRalph shuddered violently and moved closer to Piggy, so that they bumped frighteningly.\n\n\"You stop talking like that! We got enough trouble, Ralph, an' I've had as much as I can stand. If there is ghosts—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I ought to give up being chief. Hear 'em.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh lord! Oh no!\"\n\nPiggy gripped Ralph's arm.\n\n\"If Jack was chief he'd have all hunting and no fire. We'd be here till we died.\"\n\nHis voice ran up to a squeak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's that sitting there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me. Simon.\"\n\n\"Fat lot of good we are,\" said Ralph. \"Three blind mice, I'll give up.\"\n\n\"If you give up,\" said Piggy, in an appalled whisper, \"what 'ud happen to me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He hates me. I dunno why. If he could do what he wanted—you're all right, he respects you. Besides—you'd hit him.\"\n\n\"You were having a nice fight with him just now.\"\n\n\"I had the conch,\" said Piggy simply. \"I had a right to speak.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon stirred in the dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on being chief.\"\n\n\"You shut up, young Simon! Why couldn't you say there wasn't a beast?\"\n\n\"I'm scared of him,\" said Piggy, \"and that's why I know him. If you're scared of someone you hate him but you can't stop thinking about him. You Kid yourself he's all right really, an' then when you see him again; it's like asthma an' you can't breathe. I tell you what. He hates you too, Ralph—\"\n\n\"Me? Why me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I dunno. You got him over the fire; an' you're chief an' he isn't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he's, he's, Jack Merridew!\"\n\n\"I been in bed so much I done some thinking. I know about people. I know about me. And him. He can't hurt you: but if you stand out of the way he'd hurt the next thing. And that's me.\"\n\n\"Piggy's right, Ralph. There's you and Jack. Go on being chief.\"\n\n\"We're all drifting and things are going rotten. At home there was always a grownup. Please, sir; please, miss; and then you got an answer. How I wish!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish my auntie was here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish my father... Oh, what's the use?\"\n\n\"Keep the fire going.\"\n\nThe dance was over and the hunters were going back to the shelters.\n\n\"Grownups know things,\" said Piggy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They ain't afraid of the dark. They'd meet and have tea and discuss. Then things 'ud be all right—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They wouldn't set fire to the island. Or lose—\"\n\n\"They'd build a ship—\"\n\nThe three boys stood in the darkness, striving unsuccessfully to convey the majesty of adult life.\n\n\"They wouldn't quarrel—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or break my specs—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or talk about a beast—\"\n\n\"If only they could get a message to us,\" cried Ralph desperately. \"If only they could send us something grown-up... a sign or something.\"\n\nA thin wail out of the darkness chilled them and set them grabbing for each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the wail rose, remote and unearthly, and turned to an inarticulate gibbering." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Percival Wemys Madison, of the Vicarage, Harcourt St. Anthony, lying in the long grass, was living through circumstances in which the incantation of his address was powerless to help him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of William Golding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no light left save that of the stars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they had understood what made this ghostly noise and Percival was quiet again, Ralph and Simon picked him up unhandily and carried him to a shelter. Piggy hung about near for all his brave words, and the three bigger boys went together to the next shelter. They lay restlessly and noisily among the dry leaves, watching the patch of stars that was the opening toward the lagoon. Sometimes a littlun cried out from the other shelters and once a bigun spoke in the dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they too fell asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sliver of moon rose over the horizon, hardly large enough to make a path of light even when it sat right down on the water; but there were other lights in the sky, that moved fast, winked, or went out, though not even a faint popping came down from the battle fought at ten miles' neight. But a sign came down from the world of grownups, though at the time there was no child awake to read it. There was a sudden bright explosion and a corkscrew trail across the sky; then darkness again and stars. There was a speck above the island, a figure dropping swiftly beneath a parachute, a figure that hung with dangling limbs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The changing winds of various altitudes took the figure where they would." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, three miles up, the wind steadied and bore it in a descending curve round the sky and swept it in a great slant across the reef and the lagoon toward the mountain. The figure fell and crumpled among the blue flowers of the mountain-side, but now there was a gentle breeze at this height too and the parachute flopped and banged and pulled. So the figure, with feet that dragged behind it, slid up the mountain. Yard by yard, puff by puff, the breeze hauled the figure through the blue flowers, over the boulders and red stones, till it lay huddled among the shattered rocks of the mountain-top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here the breeze was fitful and allowed the strings of the parachute to tangle and festoon; and the figure sat, its helmeted head between its knees, held by a complication of lines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the breeze blew, the lines would strain taut and some accident of this pull kited the bead and chest upright so that the figure seemed to peer across the brow of the mountain. Then, each time me wind dropped, the lines would slacken and the figure bow forward again, sinking its head between its knees. So as the stars moved across the sky, the figure sat on the mountain-top and bowed and sank and bowed again.\n\nIn the darkness of early morning there were noises by a rock a little way down the side of the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two boys rolled out of a pile of brushwood and dead leaves, two dim shadows talking sleepily to each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were the twins, on duty at the fire. In theory one should have been asleep and one on watch. But they could never manage to do things sensibly if that meant acting independently, and since staying awake all night was impossible, they had both gone to sleep. Now they approached the darker smudge that had been the signal fire, yawning, rubbing their eyes, treading with practiced feet When they readied it they stopped yawning, and one ran quickly back for brushwood and leaves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other knelt down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe it's out.\"\n\nHe fiddled with the sticks that were pushed into his hands.\n\n\"No.\"\n\nHe lay down and put his lips close to the smudge and blew softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face appeared, lit redly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'stopped blowing for a moment.\n\n\"Sam—give us—\"\n\n\"—tinder wood.\"\n\nEric bent down and blew softly again till the patch was bright Sam poked the piece of tinder wood into the hot spot, then a branch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The glow increased and the branch took fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sam piled on more branches.\n\n\"Don't burn the lot,\" said Eric, \"you're putting on too much.\"\n\n\"Let's warm up.\"\n\n\"We'll only have to fetch more wood.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm cold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So'm I.\"\n\n\"Besides, it's—\"\n\n\"—dark. All right, then.\"\n\nEric squatted back and watched Sam make up the fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He built a little tent of dead wood and the fire was safety alight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was near.\"\n\n\"He'd have been—\"\n\n\"Waxy.\"\n\n\"Huh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a few moments the twins watched the fire in silence. Then Eric sniggered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wasn't he waxy?\"\n\n\"About the—\"\n\n\"Fire and the pig.\"\n\n\"Lucky he went for Jack, 'stead of us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Huh. Remember old Waxy at school?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Boy—you-are-driving-me-slowly-insane!'\"\n\nThe twins shared their identical laughter, then remembered the darkness and other things and glanced round uneasily. The flames, busy about the tent, drew their eyes back again. Eric watched the scurrying woodlice that were so frantically unable to avoid the flames, and thought of the first fire—just down there, on the steeper side of the mountain, where now was complete darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not tike to remember it, and looked away at the mountain-top." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Warmth radiated now, and beat pleasantly on them. Sam amused himself by fitting branches into the fire as closely as possible. Eric spread out his hands, searching for the distance at which the heat was just bearable. Idly looking beyond the fire, he resettled the scattered rocks from their fiat shadows into daylight contours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just there was the big rock, and the three stones there, that split rock, and there beyond was a gap—just there— \"Sam.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Huh?\"\n\n\"Nothing.\"\n\nThe flames were mastering the branches, the bark was curling and falling away, the wood exploding. The tent fell inwards and flung a wide circle of light over the mountain-top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sam—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Huh?\"\n\n\"Sam! Sam!\"\n\nSam looked at Eric irritably. The intensity of Eric's gaze made the direction in which he looked terrible, for Sam had his back to it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He scrambled round the fire, squatted by Eric, and looked to see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They became motionless, gripped in each other's arms, four unwinking eyes aimed ana two mouths open.\n\nFar beneath them, the trees of the forest sighed, then roared. The hair on their foreheads fluttered and flames blew out sideways from the fire. Fifteen yards away from them came the plopping noise of fabric blown open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither of the boys screamed but the grip of their arms tightened and their mouths grew peaked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For perhaps ten seconds they crouched tike that while the flailing fire sent smoke and sparks and waves of inconstant tight over the top of the mountain.\n\nThen as though they had but one terrified mind between them they scrambled away over the rocks and fled.\n\nRalph was dreaming. He had fallen asleep after what seemed hours of tossing and turning noisily among the dry leaves. Even the sounds of nightmare from the other shelters no longer reached him, for he was back to where he came from, feeding the ponies with sugar over the garden wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then someone was shaking his arm, telling him that it was time for tea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ralph! Wake up!\"\n\nThe leaves were roaring tike the sea.\n\n\"Ralph, wake up!\"\n\n\"What's the matter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We saw—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—the beast—\"\n\n\"—plain!\"\n\n\"Who are you? The twins?\"\n\n\"We saw the beast—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quiet. Piggy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The leaves were roaring still. Piggy bumped into him and a twin grabbed him as he made tor the oblong of paling stars.\n\n\"You can't go out—it's horrible!\"\n\n\"Piggy—where are the spears?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can hear the—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quiet then. Lie still.\"\n\nThey lay there listening, at first with doubt but then with tenor to the description the twins breathed at them between bouts of extreme silence. Soon the darkness was full of daws, full of the awful unknown and menace. An interminable dawn faded the stars out, and at last light, sad and grey, filtered into the shelter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They began to stir though still tile world outside the shelter was impossibly dangerous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maze of the darkness sorted into near and far, and at the high point of the sky the cloudlets were warmed with color. A single sea bird flapped upwards with a hoarse cry that was echoed presently, and something squawked in the forest Now streaks of cloud near the horizon began to glow rosily, and the feathery tops of the palms were green.\n\nRalph knelt in the entrance to the shelter and peered cautiously round him.\n\n\"Sam 'n Eric. Call them to an assembly. Quietly. Go on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins, holding tremulously to each other, dared the few yards to the next shelter and spread the dreadful news." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph stood up and walked for the sake of dignity, though with his back pricking, to the platform. Piggy and Simon followed him and the other boys came sneaking after.\n\nRalph took the conch from where it lay on the polished seat and held it to his lips; but then he hesitated and did not blow. He held the shell up instead and showed it to them and they understood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rays of the sun that were fanning upwards from below the horizon swung downwards to eye-level Ralph looked for a moment at the growing slice of gold that lit them from the right hand and seemed to make speech possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The circle of boys before him bristled with hunting spears.\n\nHe handed the conch to Eric, the nearest of the twins.\n\n\"We've seen the beast with our own eyes. No—we weren't asleep—\"\n\nSam took up the story." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By custom now one conch did for both twins, for their substantial unity was recognized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was furry. There was something moving behind its head—wings. The beast moved too—\"\n\n\"That was awful. It kind of sat up—\"\n\n\"The fire was bright—\"\n\n\"We'd just made it up—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—more sticks on—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There were eyes—\"\n\n\"Teeth—\"\n\n\"Claws—\"\n\n\"We ran as fast as we could—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bashed into things—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beast followed us—\"\n\n\"I saw it slinking behind the trees—\"\n\n\"Nearly touched me—\"\n\nRalph pointed fearfully at Eric's face, which was striped with scars where the bushes had torn him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did you do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eric felt his face.\n\n\"I'm all rough. Am I bleeding?\"\n\nThe circle of boys shrank away in horror. Johnny, yawning still, burst into noisy tears and was slapped by Bill till he choked on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bright morning was full of threats and the circle began to change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It faced out, rather than in, and the spears of sharpened wood were like a fence. Jack called them back to the center.\n\n\"This'll be a real hunt! Who'll come?\"\n\nRalph moved impatiently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"These spears are made of wood. Don't be silly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack sneered at him.\n\n\"Frightened?\"\n\n\"'Course I'm frightened. Who wouldn't be?\"\n\nHe turned to the twins, yearning but hopeless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose you aren't pulling our legs?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The reply was too emphatic for anyone to doubt them.\n\nPiggy took the conch.\n\n\"Couldn't we—kind of—stay here? Maybe the beast won't come near us.\"\n\nBut for the sense of something watching them, Ralph would have shouted at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay here? And be cramped into this bit of the island, always on the lookout? How should we get our food? And what about the fire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's be moving,\" said Jack restlessly, \"we're wasting time.\"\n\n\"No we're not. What about the littluns?\"\n\n\"Sucks to the littluns!\"\n\n\"Someone's got to look after them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nobody has so far.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There was no need! Now there is. Piggy'll look after them.\"\n\n\"That's right. Keep Piggy out of danger.\"\n\n\"Have some sense. What can Piggy do with only one eye?\"\n\nThe rest of the boys were looking from Jack to Ralph, curiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And another thing. You can't have an ordinary hunt because the beast doesn't leave tracks. If it did you'd have seen them. For all we know, the beast may swing through the trees like what's its name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They nodded.\n\n\"So we've got to think.\"\n\nPiggy took off his damaged glasses and cleaned the remaining lens.\n\n\"How about us, Ralph?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You haven't got the conch. Here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean—how about us? Suppose the beast comes when you're all away. I can't see proper, and if I get scared—\"\n\nJack broke in, contemptuously.\n\n\"You're always scared.\"\n\n\"I got the conch—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Conch! Conch!\" shouted Jack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't need the conch any more. We know who ought to say things. What good did Simon do speaking, or Bill, or Walter? It's time some people knew they've got to keep quiet and leave deciding things to the rest of us.\"\n\nRalph could no longer ignore his speech. The blood was hot in his cheeks.\n\n\"You haven't got the conch,\" he said. \"Sit down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack's face went so white that the freckles showed as clear, brown flecks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He licked his lips and remained standing.\n\n\"This is a hunter's job.\"\n\nThe rest of the boys watched intently. Piggy, finding himself uncomfortably embroiled, slid the conch to Ralph's knees and sat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silence grew oppressive and Piggy held his breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is more than a hunter's job,\" said Ralph at last, \"because you can't track the beast And don't you want to be rescued?\"\n\nHe turned to the assembly.\n\n\"Don't you all want to be rescued?\"\n\nHe looked back at Jack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said before, the fire is the main thing. Now the fire must be out—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old exasperation saved him and gave him the energy to attack.\n\n\"Hasn't anyone got any sense? We've got to relight that fire. You never thought or that, Jack, did you? Or don't any of you want to be rescued?\"\n\nYes, they wanted to be rescued, there was no doubt about that; and with a violent swing to Ralph's side, the crisis passed. Piggy let out his breath with a gasp, reached for it again and failed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lay against a log, his mouth gaping, blue shadows creeping round his lips. Nobody minded frim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now think, Jack. Is there anywhere on the island you haven't been?\"\n\nUnwillingly Jack answered.\n\n\"There's only—but of course! You remember? The tail-end part, where the rocks are all piled up. I've been near there. The rock makes a sort of bridge. There's only one way up.\"\n\nAnd the thing might live there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the assembly talked at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite! All right That's where well look. If the beast isn't there we'll go up the mountain and look; and light the fire.\"\n\n\"Let's go.\"\n\n\"We'll eat first. Then go.\" Ralph paused. \"We'd better take spears.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After they had eaten, Ralph and the biguns set out along the beach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They left Piggy propped up on the platform. This day promised, like the others, to be a sunbath under a blue dome. The beach stretched away before them in a gentle curve till perspective drew it into one with the forest; for the day was not advanced enough to be obscured by the shifting veils of mirage. Under Ralph's direction, they picked a careful way along the palm terrace, rather than dare the hot sand down by the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let Jack lead the way; and Jack trod with theatrical caution though they could have seen an enemy twenty yards away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph walked in the rear, thankful to have escaped responsibility for a time.\n\nSimon, walking in front of Ralph, felt a flicker of incredulity—a beast with claws that scratched, that sat on a mountain-top, that left no tracks and yet was not fast enough to catch Samneric. However Simon thought of the beast, there rose before his inward sight the picture of a human at once heroic and sick.\n\nHe sighed. Other people could stand up and speak to an assembly, apparently, without that dreadful feeling of the pressure of personality; could say what they would as though they were speaking to only one person." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stepped aside and looked back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph was coming along, holding his spear over his shoulder. Diffidently, Simon allowed his pace to slacken until he was walking side by side with Ralph and looking up at him through the coarse black hair that now fell to his eyes. Ralph glanced sideways, smiled constrainedly as though he had forgotten that Simon had made a fool of himself, then looked away again at nothing. For a moment or two Simon was happy to be accepted and then he ceased to think about himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he bashed into a tree Ralph looked sideways impatiently and Robert sniggered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simon reeled and a white spot on his forehead turned red and trickled. Ralph dismissed Simon and returned to his personal hell They would reach the castle some time; and the chief would have to go forward.\n\nJack came trotting back.\n\n\"We're in sight now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. We'll get as close as we can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He followed Jack toward the castle where the ground rose slightly. On their left was at. impenetrable tangle of creepers and trees.\n\n\"Why couldn't there be something in that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you can see. Nothing goes in or out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the castle then?\"\n\n\"Look.\"\n\nRalph parted the screen of grass and looked out. There were only a few more yards of stony ground and then the two sides of the island came almost together so that one expected a peak of headland." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But instead of this a narrow ledge of rock, a few yards wide and perhaps fifteen long, continued the island out into the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There lay another of those pieces of pink squareness that underlay the structure of the island. This side of the castle, perhaps a hundred feet high, was the pink bastion they had seen from the mountain-top. The rock of the cliff was split and the top littered with great lumps that seemed to totter.\n\nBehind Ralph the tall grass had filled with silent hunters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph looked at Jack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a hunter.\"\n\nJack went red.\n\n\"I know. All right. Something deep in Ralph spoke for him.\"\n\n\"I'm chief. I'll go. Don t argue.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to the others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You. Hide here. Wait for me.\"\n\nHe found his voice tended either to disappear or to come out too loud. He looked at Jack.\n\n\"Do you—think?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack muttered. I've been all over. It must be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see.\"\n\nSimon mumbled confusedly: \"I don't believe in the beast.\"\n\nRalph answered him politely, as if agreeing about the weather.\n\n\"No. I suppose not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth was tight and pale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put back his hair very slowly.\n\n\"Well. So long.\"\n\nHe forced his feet to move until they had carried him out on to the neck of land.\n\nHe was surrounded on all sides by chasms of empty air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was nowhere to hide, even if one did not nave to go on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused on the narrow neck and looked down. Soon, in a matter of centuries, the sea would make an island of the castle. On the right hand was the lagoon, troubled by the open sea; and on the left— Ralph shuddered. The lagoon had protected them from the Pacific: and for some reason only Jack had gone right down to the water on the other side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he saw the landsman's view of the swell and it seemed like the breathing of some stupendous creature." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly the waters sank among the rocks, revealing pink tables of granite, strange growths of coral, polyp, and weed. Down, down, the waters went, whispering like the wind among the heads of the forest. There was one flat rock there, spread like a table, and the waters sucking down on the four weedy sides made them seem like cliffs. Then the sleeping leviathan breathed out, the waters rose, the weed streamed, and the water boiled over the table rock with a roar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no sense of the passage of waves; only this minute-long fall and rise and fall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph turned away to the red cliff. They were waiting behind him in the long grass, waiting to see what he would do. He noticed that the sweat in his palm was cool now; realized with surprise that he did not really expect to meet any beast and didn't know what he would do about it if he did.\n\nHe saw that he could climb the cliff but this was not necessary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The squareness of the rock allowed a sort of plinth round it, so mat to the right, over the lagoon, one could inch along a ledge and turn the corner out of sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was easy going, and soon he was peering round the rock.\n\nNothing but what you might expect: pink, tumbled boulders with guano layered on them like icing; and a steep slope up to the shattered rocks that crowned the bastion.\n\nA sound behind him made him turn. Jack was edging along the ledge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Couldn't let you do it on your own.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph said nothing. He led the way over the rocks, inspected a sort of half-cave that held nothing more terrible than a clutch of rotten eggs, and at last sat down, looking round him and tapping the rock with the butt of his spear.\n\nJack was excited.\n\n\"What a place for a fort!\"\n\nA column of spray wetted them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No fresh water.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that then?\"\n\nThere was indeed a long green smudge half-way up the rock. They climbed up and tasted the trickle of water.\n\n\"You could keep a coconut shell there, filling all the time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not me. This is a rotten place.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Side by side they scaled the last height to where the diminishing pile was crowned by the last broken rock. Jack struck the near one with his fist and it grated slightly.\n\n\"Do you remember—?\"\n\nConsciousness of the bad times in between came to them both. Jack talked quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shove a palm trunk under that and if an enemy came—look!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A hundred feet below them was the narrow causeway, then the stony ground, then the grass dotted with heads, and behind that the forest.\n\n\"One heave,\" cried Jack, exulting, \"and—wheee—!\"\n\nHe made a sweeping movement with his hand. Ralph looked toward the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the matter?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph turned.\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"You were looking—I don't know why.\"\n\n\"There's no signal now. Nothing to show.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're nuts on the signal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The taut blue horizon encircled them, broken only by the mountain-top.\n\n\"That's all we've got\"\n\nHe leaned his spear against the rocking stone and pushed back two handfuls of hair.\n\n\"We'll have to go back and climb the mountain. That's where they saw the beast.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The beast won't be there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What else can we do?\"\n\nThe others, waiting in the grass, saw Jack and Ralph unharmed and broke cover into the sunlight. They forgot the beast in the excitement of exploration. They swarmed across the bridge and soon were climbing and shouting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph stood now, one hand against an enormous red block, a block large as a mill wheel that had been split off and hung, tottering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Somberly he watched the mountain. He clenched his fist and beat hammer-wise on the red wall at his right His lips were tightly compressed and his eyes yearned beneath the fringe of hair.\n\n\"Smoke.\"\n\nHe sucked his bruised fist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack! Come on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Jack was not there. A knot of boys, making a great noise that he had not noticed, were heaving and pushing at a rock. As he turned, the base cracked and the whole mass toppled into the sea so that, a thunderous plume of spray leapt half-way up the cliff.\n\n\"Stop it! Stop it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice struck a silence among them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Smoke.\"\n\nA strange thing happened in his head. Something flittered there in front of his mind like a bat's wing, obscuring his idea.\n\n\"Smoke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once the ideas were back, and the anger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We want smoke. And you go wasting your time. You roll rocks.\"\n\nRoger shouted.\n\n\"We've got plenty of time!\"\n\nRalph shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll go to-the mountain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clamor broke out. Some of the boys wanted to go back to the beach. Some wanted to roll more rocks. The sun was bright and danger had faded with the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack. The beast might be on the other side. You can lead again. You've been.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We could go by the shore. There's fruit.\"\n\nBill came up to Ralph.\n\n\"Why can't we stay here for a bit?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's have a fort.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no food here,\" said Ralph, \"and no shelter. Not much fresh water.\"\n\n\"This would make a wizard fort\"\n\n\"We can roll rocks—\"\n\n\"Right onto the bridge—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I say we'll go on!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "shouted Ralph furiously. \"We've got to make certain. We'll go now.\"\n\n\"Let's stay here—\"\n\n\"Back to the shelter—\"\n\n\"I'm tired—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph struck the skin off his knuckles. They did not seem to hurt.\n\n\"I'm chief. We've got to make certain. Can't you see the mountain? There's no signal showing. There may be a ship out there. Are you all off your rockers?\"\n\nMutinously, the boys fell silent or muttering.\n\nJack led the way down the rock and across the bridge." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding four sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pig-run kept close to the jumble of rocks that lay down by the water on the other side and Ralph was content to follow Jack along it. If you could shut your ears to the slow suck down of the sea and boil of the return, if you could forget how dun and unvisited were the ferny coverts on either side, then there was a chance that you might put the beast out of mind and dream for a while. The sun had swung over the vertical and the afternoon heat was closing in on the island. Ralph passed a message forward to Jack and when they next came to fruit the whole party stopped and ate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sitting, Ralph was aware of the heat for the first time that day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled distastefully at his grey shirt and wondered whether he might undertake the adventure of washing it. Sitting under what seemed an unusual heat, even for this island, Ralph planned his toilet. He would like to have a pair of scissors and cut this hair—he flung the mass back—cut this filthy hair right back to half an inch. He would like to have a bath, a proper wallow with soap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He passed his tongue experimentally over his teeth and decided that a toothbrush would come in handy too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then there were his nails— Ralph turned his hand over and examined them. They were bitten down to the quick though he could not remember when he had restarted this habit nor any time when he indulged it.\n\n\"Be sucking my thumb next—\"\n\nHe looked round, furtively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Apparently no one had heard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hunters sat, stuffing themselves with this easy meal, trying to convince themselves that they got sufficient kick out of bananas and that other olive-grey, jelly-like fruit With the memory of his sometime clean self as a standard, Ralph looked them over. They were dirty, not with the spectacular dirt of boys who have fallen into mud or been brought down hard on a rainy day. Not one of them was an obvious subject for a shower, and yet—hair, much too long, tangled here and there, knotted round a dead leaf or a twig; faces cleaned fairly well by the process of eating and sweating but marked in the less accessible angles with a kind of shadow; clothes, worn away, stiff like his own with sweat, put on, not for decorum or comfort but out of custom; the skin of the body, scurfy with brine— He discovered with a little fall of the heart that these were the conditions he took as normal now and that he did not mind. He sighed and pushed away the stalk from which he had stripped the fruit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Already the hunters were stealing away to do their business in the woods or down by the rocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and looked out to sea.\n\nHere, on the other side of the island, the view was utterly different. The filmy enchantments of mirage could not endure the cold ocean water and the horizon was hard, clipped blue. Ralph wandered down to the rocks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down here, almost on a level with the sea, you could follow with your eye the ceaseless, bulging passage of the deep sea waves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were miles wide, apparently not breakers or the banked ridges of shallow water. They traveled the length of the island with an air of disregarding it and being set on other business; they were less a progress than a momentous rise and fall or the whole ocean. Now the sea would suck down, making cascades and waterfalls of retreating water, would sink past the rocks and plaster down the seaweed like shining hair: then, pausing, gather and rise with a roar, irresistibly swelling over point and outcrop, climbing the little cliff, sending at last an arm of surf up a gully to end a yard or so from him in fingers of spray.\n\nWave after wave, Ralph followed the rise and fall until something of the remoteness of the sea numbed his brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then gradually the almost infinite size of this water forced itself on his attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the divider, the barrier. On the other side of the island, swathed at midday with mirage, defended by the shield of the quiet lagoon, one might dream of rescue; but here, faced by the brute obtuseness of the ocean, the miles of division, one was clamped down, one was helpless, one was condemned, one was— Simon was speaking almost in his ear. Ralph found that he had rock painfully gripped in both hands, found his body arched, the muscles of his neck stiff, his mouth strained open.\n\n\"You'll get back to where you came from.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon nodded as he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was kneeling on one knee, looking down from a higher rock which he held with both hands; his other leg stretched down to Ralph's level.\n\nRalph was puzzled and searched Simon's face for a clue.\n\n\"It's so big, I mean—\"\n\nSimon nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All the same. You'll get back all right. I think so, anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the strain had gone from Ralph's body. He glanced at the sea and then smiled bitterly at Simon.\n\n\"Got a ship in your pocket?\"\n\nSimon grinned and shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know, then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Simon was still silent Ralph said curtly, \"You're batty.\"\n\nSimon shook his head violently till the coarse black hair flew backwards and forwards across his face.\n\n\"No, I'm not. I just think you'll get back all right.\"\n\nFor a moment nothing more was said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then they suddenly smiled at each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roger called from the coverts.\n\n\"Come and see!\"\n\nThe ground was turned over near the pig-run and there were droppings that steamed. Jack bent down to them as though he loved them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ralph—we need meat even if we are hunting the other thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you mean going the right way, well hunt.\"\n\nThey set off again, the hunters bunched a little by fear of the mentioned beast, while Jack quested ahead. They went more slowly than Ralph had bargained for; yet in a way he was glad to loiter, cradling his spear. Jack came up against some emergency of his craft and soon the procession stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph leaned against a tree and at once the daydreams came swarming up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack was in charge of the mint and there would be time to get to the mountain— Once, following his father from Chatham to Devonport, they had lived in a cottage on the edge of the moors. In the succession of houses that Ralph had known, this one stood out with particular clarity because after that house he had been sent away to school. Mummy had still been with them and Daddy had come home every day. Wild ponies came to the stone wall at the bottom of the garden, and it had snowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just behind the cottage there was a sort of shed and you could lie up there, watching the flakes swirl past You could see the damp spot where each flake died, then you could mark the first flake that lay down without melting and watch the whole ground turn white." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could go indoors when you were cold and look out of the window, past that bright copper kettle and the plate with the little blue men.\n\nWhen you went to bed there was a bowl of cornflakes with sugar and cream. And the books—they stood on the shelf by the bed, leaning together with always two or three laid flat on top because he had not bothered to put them back properly. They were dog-eared and scratched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was the bright, shining one about Topsy and Mopsy that he never read because it was about two girls; there was the one about the magician which you read with a kind of tied-down terror, skipping page twenty-seven with the awful picture of the spider; there was a book about people who had dug things up, Egyptian things; there was The Boy's Book of Trains, The Boy's Book of Ships." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vividly they came before him; he could have reached up and touched them, could feel the weight and slow slide with which The Mammoth Book for Boys would come out and slither down.... Everything was all right; everything was good-humored and friendly.\n\nThe bushes crashed ahead of them. Boys flung themselves wildly from the pig track and scrabbled in the creepers, screaming. Ralph saw Jack nudged aside and fall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then there was a creature bounding along the pig track toward him, with tusks gleaming and an intimidating grunt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph found he was able to measure the distance coldly and take aim. With the boar only five yards away, he flung the foolish wooden stick that he carried, saw it hit the great snout and hang there for a moment. The boar's note changed to a squeal and it swerved aside into the covert. The pig-run filled with shouting boys again, Jack came running back, and poked about in the undergrowth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through here—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he'd do us!\"\n\n\"Through here, I said—\"\n\nThe boar was floundering away from them. They found another pig-run parallel to the first and Jack raced away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph was lull of night and apprehension and pride." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hit him! The spear stuck in—\"\n\nNow they came, unexpectedly, to an open space by the sea. Jack cast about on the bare rock and looked anxious.\n\n\"He's gone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hit him,\" said Ralph again, \"and the spear stuck in a bit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt the need of witnesses.\n\n\"Didn't you see me?\"\n\nMaurice nodded.\n\n\"I saw you. Right bang on his snout—Wheee!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph talked on, excitedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hit him all right The spear stuck in. I wounded him!\"\n\nHe sunned himself in their new respect and felt that hunting was good after all.\n\n\"I walloped him properly. That was the beast, I think!\" Jack came back.\n\n\"That wasn't the beast That was a boar.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I bit him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why didn't you grab him? I tried—\"\n\nRalph's voice ran up.\n\n\"But a boar!\"\n\nJack flushed suddenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You said he'd do us. What did you want to throw for? Why didn't you wait?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held out his arm.\n\n\"Look.\"\n\nHe turned his left forearm for them all to see. On the outside was a rip; not much, but bloody." }, { "from": "human", "value": ". \"He did mat with his tusks. I couldn't get my spear down in time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Attention focused on Jack.\n\n\"That's a wound,\" said Simon, \"and you ought to suck it Like Berengaria.\"\n\nJack sucked.\n\n\"I hit him,\" said Ralph indignantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I bit him with my spear, I wounded him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried for their attention.\n\n\"He was coming along the path. I threw, like this—\"\n\nRobert snarled at him. Ralph entered into the play and everybody laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Presently they were all jabbing at Robert who made mock rushes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack shouted.\n\n\"Make a ring!\"\n\nThe circle moved in and round. Robert squealed in mock terror, then in real pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ow! Stop it! You're hurting!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The butt end of a spear fell on his back as he blundered among them.\n\n\"Hold him!\"\n\nThey got his arms and legs. Ralph, carried away by a sudden thick excitement, grabbed Eric's spear and jabbed at Robert with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kill him! Kill him!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All at once, Robert was screaming and struggling with the strength of frenzy. Jack had him by the hair and was brandishing his knife. Behind him was Roger, fighting to get close. The chant rose ritually, as at the last moment of a dance or a hunt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kill the pig! Cut his throat! Kill the pig! Bash him in!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph too was fighting to get near, to get a handful of that brown, vulnerable flesh. The desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering.\n\nJack's arm came down; the heaving circle cheered and made pig-dying noises. Then they lay quiet, panting, listening to Robert's frightened snivels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wiped his face with a dirty arm, and made an effort to retrieve his status." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, my bum!\"\n\nHe rubbed his rump ruefully. Jack rolled over.\n\n\"That was a good game.\"\n\n\"Just a game,\" said Ralph uneasily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got jolly badly hurt at rugger once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We ought to have a drum,\" said Maurice, \"then we could do it properly.\"\n\nRalph looked at him.\n\n\"How properly?\"\n\n\"I dunno. You want a fire, I think, and a drum, and you keep time to the drum.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want a pig,\" said Roger, \"Like in a real hunt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or someone to pretend,\" said Jack. \"You could get someone to dress up as a pig and then he could act—you know, pretend to knock me over and all that.\"\n\n\"You want a real pig,\" said Robert, still caressing his rump, \"because you've got to kill him.\"\n\n\"Use a littlun,\" said Jack, and everybody laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph sat up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well. We shan't find what we're looking for at this rate.\"\n\nOne by one they stood up, twitching rags into place.\n\nRalph looked at Jack.\n\n\"Now for the mountain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shouldn't we go back to Piggy,\" said Maurice, \"before dark?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The twins nodded like one boy.\n\n\"Yes, that's right. Let's go up there in the morning.\"\n\nRalph looked out and saw the sea.\n\n\"We've got to start the fire again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You haven't got Piggy's specs,\" said Jack, \"so you can't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we'll find out if the mountain's clear.\"\n\nMaurice spoke, hesitating, not wanting to seem a funk.\n\n\"Supposing the beast's up there?\"\n\nJack brandished his spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll kill it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun seemed a little cooler. He slashed with the spear.\n\n\"What are we waiting for?\"\n\n\"I suppose,\" said Ralph, \"if we keep on by the sea this way, well come out below the burnt bit and then we can climb the mountain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once more Jack led them along by the suck and heave of the blinding sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once more Ralph dreamed, letting his skillful feet deal with the difficulties of the path. Yet here his feet seemed less skillful than before. For most of the way they were forced right down to the bare rock by the water and had to edge along between that and the dark luxuriance of the forest There were little cliffs to be scaled, some to be used as paths, lengthy traverses where one used hands as well as feet. Here and there they could clamber over wave-wet rock, leaping across clear pools that the tide had left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They came to a gully that split the narrow foreshore like a defense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This seemed to have no bottom and they peered awe-stricken into the gloomy crack where water gurgled. Then the wave came back, the gully boiled before them and spray dashed up to the very creeper so that the boys were wet and shrieking. They tried the forest but ft was thick and woven like a bird's nest In the end they had to jump one by one, waiting till the water sank; and even so, some of them got a second drenching. After that the rocks seemed to be growing impassable so they sat for a time, letting their rags dry and watching the clipped outlines of the rollers that moved so slowly past the island." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They found fruit in a haunt of bright little birds that hovered like insects." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Ralph said they were going too slowly. He himself climbed a tree and parted the canopy, and saw the square head of the mountain seeming still a great way off. Then they tried to hurry along the rocks and Robert cut his knee quite badly and they had to recognize that this path must be taken slowly if they were to be safe. So they proceeded after that as if they were climbing a dangerous mountain, until the rocks became an uncompromising cliff, overhung with impossible jungle and falling sheer into the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph looked at the sun critically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Early evening. After tea-time, at any rate.\"\n\n\"I don't remember this cliff,\" said Jack, crestfallen, \"so this must be the bit of the coast I missed.\"\n\nRalph nodded.\n\n\"Let me think.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By now, Ralph had no self-consciousness in public thinking but would treat the day's decisions as though he were playing chess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only trouble was that he would never be a very good chess player. He thought of the littluns and Piggy. Vividly he imagined Piggy by himself, huddled in a shelter that was silent except for the sounds of nightmare.\n\n\"We can't leave the littluns alone with Piggy. Not all night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other boys said nothing but stood round, watching him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we went back we should take hours.\"\n\nJack cleared his throat and spoke in a queer, tight voice.\n\n\"We mustn't let anything happen to Piggy, must we?\"\n\nRalph tapped his teeth with the dirty point of Eric's spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we go across—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced round him.\n\n\"Someone's got to go across the island and tell Piggy we'll be back after dark.\"\n\nBill spoke, unbelieving.\n\n\"Through the forest by himself? Now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't spare more than one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simon pushed his way to Ralph's elbow.\n\n\"I'll go if you like. I don't mind, honestly.\"\n\nBefore Ralph had time to reply, he smiled quickly, turned and climbed into the forest Ralph looked back at Jack, seeing him, infuriatingly, for the first time.\n\n\"Jack—that time you went the whole way to the castle rock.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack glowered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\"\n\n\"You came alone part of this shore—below the mountain, beyond there.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I found a pig-run. It went for miles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So the pig-run must be somewhere in there.\"\n\nRalph nodded. He pointed at the forest\n\nEverybody agreed, sagely.\n\n\"All right then. We'll smash a way through till we find the pig-run.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a step and halted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait a minute though! Where does the pig-run go to?\"\n\n\"The mountain,\" said Jack, \"I told you. He sneered. \"Don't you want to go to the mountain?\"\n\nRalph sighed, sensing the rising antagonism, understanding that this was how Jack felt as soon as he ceased to lead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was thinking of the light. We'll be stumbling about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We were going to look for the beast.\"\n\n\"There won't be enough light.\"\n\n\"I don't mind going, said Jack hotly. \"Ill go when we get there. Won't you? Would you rather go back to the shelters and tell Piggy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now it was Ralph's turn to flush but he spoke despairingly, out of the new understanding that Piggy had given him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you hate me?\"\n\nThe boys stirred uneasily, as though something indecent had been said. The silence lengthened.\n\nRalph, still hot and hurt, turned away first.\n\n\"Come on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led the way and set himself as by right to hack at the tangles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack brought up the rear, displaced and brooding.\n\nThe pig-track was a dark tunnel, for the sun was sliding quickly toward the edge of the world and in the forest shadows were never-far to seek. The track was broad and beaten and they ran along at a swift trot, Then the roof of leaves broke up and they halted, breathing quickly, looking at the few stars that pricked round the head of the mountain.\n\n\"There you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boys peered at each other doubtfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph made a decision.\n\n\"We'll go straight across to the platform and climb tomorrow.\"\n\nThey murmured agreement; but Jack was standing by his shoulder.\n\n\"If you're frightened of course—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph turned on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who went first on the castle rock?\"\n\n\"I went too. And that was daylight.\"\n\n\"All right. Who wants to climb the mountain now?\"\n\nSilence was the only answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Samneric? What about you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We ought to go an' tell Piggy—\"\n\n\"—yes, tell Piggy that—\"\n\n\"But Simon went!\"\n\n\"We ought to tell Piggy—in case—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Robert? Bill?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were going straight back to the platform now. Not, of course, that they were afraid—but tired.\n\nRalph turned back to Jack.\n\n\"You see?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going up the mountain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words came from Jack viciously, as though they were a curse. He looked at Ralph, his thin body tensed, his spear held as if he threatened him.\n\n\"I'm going up the mountain to look for the beast—now.\" Then the supreme sting, the casual, bitter, word. \"Coming?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that word the other boys forgot their urge to be gone and turned back to sample this fresh rub of two spirits in the dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The word was too good, too bitter, too successfully daunting to be repeated. It took Ralph at low water when his nerve was relaxed for the return to the shelter and the still, friendly waters of the lagoon.\n\n\"I don't mind.\"\n\nAstonished, he heard his voice come out, cool and casual, so that the bitterness of Jack's taunt fell powerless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you don't mind, of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, not at all.\"\n\nJack took a step.\n\n\"Well then—\"\n\nSide by side, watched by silent boys, the two started up the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're silly. Why should only two go? If we find anything, two won't be enough.\"\n\nThere came the sound of boys scuttling away. Astonishingly, a dark figure moved against the tide.\n\n\"Roger?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's three, then.\"\n\nOnce more they set out to climb the slope of the mountain. The darkness seemed to flow round them like a tide. Jack, who had said nothing, began to choke and cough, and a gust of wind set all three spluttering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph's eyes were blinded with tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ashes. We're on the edge of the burnt patch.\"\n\nTheir footsteps and the occasional breeze were stirring up small devils of dust. Now that they stopped again, Ralph had time while he coughed to remember how silly they were. If there was no beast—and almost certainly there was no beast—in tiiat case, well and good; but if there was something waiting on top of the mountain—what was the use of three of them, handicapped by the darkness and carrying only sticks?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're being fools.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Out of the darkness came the answer.\n\n\"Windy?\"\n\nIrritably Ralph shook himself. This was all Jack's fault \"'Course I am. But we're still being fools.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you don't want to go on,\" said the voice sarcastically, Ralph heard the mockery and hated Jack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sting of ashes in his eyes, tiredness, fear, enraged him. \"Go on then! We'll wait here.\" There was silence.\n\n\"Why don't you go? Are you frightened?\"\n\nA stain in the darkness, a stain that was Jack, detached itself and began to draw away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. So long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stain vanished. Another took its place.\n\nRalph felt his knee against something hard and rocked a charred trunk that was edgy to the touch. He felt the sharp cinders that had been bark push against the back of his knee and knew that Roger had sat down. He felt with his hands and lowered himself beside Roger, while the trunk rocked among invisible ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger, uncommunicative by nature, said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He offered no opinion on the beast nor told Ralph why he had chosen to come on this mad expedition. He simply sat and rocked the trunk gently. Ralph noticed a rapid and infuriating tapping noise and realized that Roger was banging his silly wooden stick against something.\n\nSo they sat, the rocking, tapping, impervious Roger and Ralph, fuming; round them the close sky was loaded with stars, save where the mountain punched up a hole of blackness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a slithering noise high above them, the sound of someone taking giant and dangerous strides on rock or ash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Jack found them, and was shivering and croaking in a voice they could just recognize as his.\n\n\"I saw a thing on top.\"\n\nThey heard him blunder against the trunk which rocked violently. He lay silent for a moment, then muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep a good lookout. It may be following.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shower of ash pattered round them. Jack sat up.\n\n\"I saw a thing bulge on the mountain.\"\n\n\"You only imagined it,\" said Ralph shakily, \"because nothing would bulge. Not any sort of creature.\"\n\nRoger spoke; they jumped, for they had forgotten him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A frog.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack giggled and shuddered.\n\n\"Some frog. There was a noise too. A kind of 'plop' noise. Then the thing bulged.\"\n\nRalph surprised himself, not so much by the quality of his voice, which was even, but by the bravado of its intention.\n\n\"We'll go and look.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first time since he had first known Jack, Ralph could feel him hesitate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now—?\"\n\nHis voice spoke for him.\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\nHe got off the trunk and led the way across the clinking cinders up into the dark, and the others followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that his physical voice was silent the inner voice of reason, and other voices too, made themselves heard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy was calling him a kid. Another voice told him not to be a fool; and the darkness and desperate enterprise gave the night a kind of dentist's chair unreality.\n\nAs they came to the last slope, Jack and Roger drew near, changed from the ink-stains to distinguishable figures. By common consent they stopped and crouched together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind them, on the horizon, was a patch of lighter sky where in a moment the moon would rise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind roared once in the forest and pushed their rags against them.\n\nRalph stirred.\n\n\"Come on.\"\n\nThey crept forward, Roger lagging a little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack and Ralph turned the shoulder of the mountain together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The glittering lengths of the lagoon lay below them and beyond that a long white smudge that was the reef. Roger joined them.\n\nJack whispered.\n\n\"Let's creep forward on hands and knees. Maybe it's asleep.\"\n\nRoger and Ralph moved on, this time leaving Jack in the rear, for all his brave words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They came to the fiat top where the rock was hard to hands and knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A creature that bulged.\n\nRalph put his hand in the cold, soft ashes of the fire and smothered a cry. His hand and shoulder were twitching from the unlooked-for contact. Green lights of nausea appeared for a moment and ate into the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger lay behind him and Jack's mouth was at his ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Over there, where there used to be a gap in the rock. A sort of hump—see?\"\n\nAshes blew into Ralph's face from the dead fire. He could not see the gap or anything else, because the green lights were opening again and growing, and the top of the mountain was sliding sideways.\n\nOnce more, from a distance, he heard Jack's whisper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Scared?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not scared so much as paralyzed; hung up here immovable on the top of a diminishing, moving mountain. Jack slid away from him, Roger bumped, fumbled with a hiss of breath, and passed onwards. He heard them whispering.\n\n\"Can you see anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In front of them, only three or four yards away, was a rock-like hump where no rock should be. Ralph could hear a tiny chattering noise coming from somewhere—perhaps from his own mouth. He bound himself together with his will, fused his fear and loathing into a hatred, and stood up. He took two leaden steps forward." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as William Golding" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy looked up miserably from the dawn-pale beach to the dark mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you sure? Really sure, I mean?\"\n\n\"I told you a dozen times now,\" said Ralph, \"we saw it.\"\n\n\"D'you think we're safe down here?\"\n\n\"How the hell should I know?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph jerked away from him and walked a few paces along the beach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack was kneeling and drawing a circular pattern in the sand with his forefinger. Piggy's voice came to them, hushed.\n\n\"Are you sure? Really?\"\n\n\"Go up and see,\" said Jack contemptuously, \"and good riddance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No fear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The beast had teeth,\" said Ralph, \"and big black eyes.\"\n\nHe shuddered violently. Piggy took off his one round of glass and polished the surface.\n\n\"What we going to do?\"\n\nRalph turned toward the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The conch glimmered among the trees, a white blob against the place where the sun would rise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pushed back his mop.\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\nHe remembered the panic flight down the mountainside.\n\n\"I don't think we'd ever fight a thing that size, honestly, you know. We'd talk but we wouldn't fight a tiger. We'd hide. Even Jack 'ud hide.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack still looked at the sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about my hunters?\"\n\nSimon came stealing out of the shadows by the shelters. Ralph ignored Jack's question. He pointed to the touch of yellow above the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As long as there's light we're brave enough. But then? And now that thing squats by the fire as though it didn't want us to be rescued—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was twisting his hands now, unconsciously. His voice rose.\n\n\"So we can't have a signal fire.... We're beaten.\"\n\nA point of gold appeared above the sea and at once all the sky lightened.\n\n\"What about my hunters?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Boys armed with sticks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack got to his feet. His face was red as he marched away. Piggy put on his one glass and looked at Ralph.\n\n\"Now you done it. You been rude about his hunters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh shut up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of the inexpertly blown conch interrupted them. As though he were serenading the rising sun, Jack went on blowing till the shelters were astir and the hunters crept to the platform and the littluns whimpered as now they so frequently did. Ralph rose obediently, and Piggy, and they went to the platform.\n\n\"Talk,\" said Ralph bitterly, \"talk, talk, talk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took the conch from Jack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This meeting—\"\n\nJack interrupted him.\n\n\"I called it.\"\n\n\"If you hadn't called it I should have. You just blew the conch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, isn't that calling it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, take it! Go on—talk!\"\n\nRalph thrust the conch into Jack's arms and sat down on the trunk.\n\n\"I've called an assembly,\" said Jack, \"because of a lot of things. First, you know now, we've seen the beast. We crawled up. We were only a few feet away. The beast sat up and looked at us. I don't know what it does. We don't even know what it is—\"\n\n\"The beast comes out of the sea—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Out of the dark—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Trees—\"\n\n\"Quiet!\" shouted Jack. \"You, listen. The beast is sitting up there, whatever it is–\"\n\n\"Perhaps it's waiting—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hunting—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, hunting.\"\n\n\"Hunting,\" said Jack. He remembered his age-old tremors in the forest. \"Yes. The beast is a hunter. Only—shut up! The next thing is that we couldn't kill it. And the next thing is that Ralph said my hunters are no good.\"\n\n\"I never said that!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've got the conch. Ralph thinks you're cowards, running away from the boar and the beast. And that's not all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a kind of sigh on the platform as if everyone knew what was coming. Jack's voice went on, tremulous yet determined, pushing against the uncooperative silence.\n\n\"He's like Piggy. He says things like Piggy. He isn't a proper chief.\"\n\nJack clutched the conch to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's a coward himself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he paused and then went on.\n\n\"On top, when Roger and me went on—he stayed back.\"\n\n\"I went too!\"\n\n\"After.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two boys glared at each other through screens of hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I went on too,\" said Ralph, \"then I ran away. So did you.\"\n\n\"Call me a coward then.\"\n\nJack turned to the hunters.\n\nHe's not a hunter. He'd never have got us meat He isn't a prefect and we don't know anything about him. He just gives orders and expects people to obey for nothing. All this talk—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All this talk!\" shouted Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Talk, talk! Who wanted it? Who called the meeting?\"\n\nJack turned, red in the face, his chin sunk back. He glowered up under his eyebrows.\n\n\"All right then,\" he said in tones of deep meaning, and menace, all right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held the conch against his chest with one hand and stabbed the air with his index finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who thinks Ralph oughtn't to be chief?\"\n\nHe looked expectantly at the boys ranged round, who had frozen. Under the palms there was deadly silence.\n\n\"Hands up,\" said Jack strongly, \"whoever wants Ralph not to be chief?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silence continued, breathless and heavy and full of shame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly the red drained from Jack's cheeks, then came back with a painful rush. He licked his lips and turned his head at an angle, so that his gaze avoided the embarrassment of linking with another's eye.\n\n\"How many think—\"\n\nHis voice tailed off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hands that held the conch shook." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cleared his throat, and spoke loudly.\n\n\"All right then.\"\n\nHe laid the conch with great care in the grass at his feet. The humiliating tears were running from the comer of each eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not going to play any longer. Not with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most of the boys were looking down now, at the grass or their feet. Jack cleared his throat again.\n\n\"I'm not going to be part of Ralph's lot—\"\n\nHe looked along the right-hand logs, numbering the hunters that had been a choir." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going off by myself. He can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blundered out of the triangle toward the drop to the white sand.\n\n\"Jack!\"\n\nJack turned and looked back at Ralph. For a moment he paused and then cried out, high-pitched, enraged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He leapt down from the platform and ran along the beach, paying no heed to the steady fall of his tears; and until he dived into the forest Ralph watched him.\n\nPiggy was indignant.\n\n\"I been talking, Ralph, and you just stood there like—\"\n\nSoftly, looking at Piggy and not seeing him, Ralph spoke to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He'll come back. When the sun goes down he'll come.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at the conch in Piggy's hand.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Well there!\"\n\nPiggy gave up the attempt to rebuke Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He polished his glass again and went back to his subject." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can do without Jack Merridew. There's others besides him on this island. But now we really got a beast, though I can't hardly believe it, well need to stay close to the platform; there'll be less need of him and his hunting. So now we can really decide on what's what.\"\n\n\"There's no help, Piggy. Nothing to be done.\"\n\nFor a while they sat in depressed silence. Then Simon stood up and took the conch from Piggy, who was so astonished that he zremained on his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph looked up at Simon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Simon? What is it this time?\"\n\nA half-sound of jeering ran round the circle and Simon shrank from it.\n\n\"I thought there might be something to do. Something we—\"\n\nAgain die pressure of the assembly took his voice away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sought for help and sympathy and chose Piggy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned half toward him, clutching the conch to his brown chest.\n\n\"I think we ought to climb the mountain.\"\n\nThe circle shivered with dread. Simon broke off and turned to Piggy who was looking at him with an expression of derisive incomprehension." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the good of climbing up to this here beast when Ralph and the other two couldn't do nothing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simon whispered his answer.\n\n\"What else is there to do?\"\n\nHis speech made, he allowed Piggy to lift the conch out of his hands. Then he retired and sat as far away from the others as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy was speaking now with more assurance and with what, if the circumstances had– not been so serious, the others would have recognized as pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said we could all do without a certain person. Now I say we got to decide on what can be done. And I think I could tell you what Ralph's going to say next. The most important thing on the island is the smoke and you can't have no smoke without a fire.\"\n\nRalph made a restless movement.\n\n\"No go, Piggy. We've got no fire. That thing sits up there—we'll have to stay here.\"\n\nPiggy lifted the conch as though to add power to his next words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We got no fire on the mountain. But what's wrong with a fire down here? A fire could be built on them rocks. On the sand, even. We'd make smoke just the same.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's right!\"\n\n\"Smoke!\"\n\n\"By the bathing pool!\"\n\nThe boys began to babble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only Piggy could have the intellectual daring to suggest moving the fire from the mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So well have the fire down here,\" said Ralph. He looked about him. \"We can build it just here between the bathing pool and the platform. Of course—\"\n\nHe broke off, frowning, thinking the thing out, unconsciously tugging at the stub of a nail with his teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course the smoke won't show so much, not be seen so far away. But we needn't go near, near the—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others nodded in perfect comprehension. There would be no need to go near.\n\n\"We'll build the fire now.\"\n\nThe greatest ideas are the simplest Now there was something to be done they worked with passion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy was so full of delight and expanding liberty in Jack's departure, so full of pride in his contribution to the good of society, that he helped to fetch wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wood he fetched was close at hand, a fallen tree on the platform that they did not need for the assembly, yet to the others the sanctity of the platform had protected even what was useless there. Then the twins realized they would have a fire near them as a comfort in the night and this set a few littluns dancing and clapping hands.\n\nThe wood was not so dry as the fuel they had used on the mountain. Much of it was damply rotten and full of insects that scurried; logs had to be lined from the soil with care or they crumbled into sodden powder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More than this, in order to avoid going deep into the forest the boys worked near at hand on any fallen wood no matter how tangled with new growth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The skirts of the forest and the scar were familiar, near the conch and the shelters and sufficiently friendly in daylight. What they might become in darkness nobody cared to think. They worked therefore with great energy and cheerfulness, though as time crept by there was a suggestion of panic in the energy and hysteria in the cheerfulness. They built a pyramid of leaves and twigs, branches and togs, on the bare sand by the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first time on the island, Piggy himself removed his one glass, knelt down and focused the sun on tinder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon there was a ceiling of smoke and a bush of yellow flame.\n\nThe littluns who had seen few fires since the first catastrophe became wildly excited. They danced and sang and there was a partyish air about the gathering.\n\nAt last Ralph stopped work and stood up, smudging the sweat from his face with a dirty forearm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll have to have a small fire. This one's too big to keep up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy sat down carefully on the sand and began to polish his glass.\n\n\"We could experiment. We could find out how to make a small hot fire and then put green branches on to make smoke. Some of them leaves must be better for that than the others.\"\n\nAs the fire died down so did the excitement The littluns stopped singing and dancing and drifted away toward the sea or the fruit trees or the shelters.\n\nRalph flopped down in the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll have to make a new list of who's to took after the fire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you can find 'em.\"\n\nHe looked round. Then for the first time he saw how few biguns there were and understood why the work had been so hard.\n\n\"Where's Maurice?\"\n\nPiggy wiped his glass again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I expect... no, he wouldn't go into the forest by himself, would he?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph jumped up, ran swiftly round the fire– and stood by Piggy, holding up his hair.\n\n\"But we've got to have a list! There's you and me and Samneric and—\"\n\nHe would not look at Piggy but spoke casually.\n\n\"Where's Bill and Roger?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy leaned forward and put a fragment of wood on the fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I expect they've gone. I expect they won't play either.\"\n\nRalph sat down and began to poke little holes in the sand. He was surprised to see that one had a drop of blood by it He examined his bitten nail closely and watched the little globe of blood that gathered where the quick was gnawed away.\n\nPiggy went on speaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I seen them stealing off when we was gathering wood. They went that way. The same way as he went himself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph finished his inspection and looked up into the air. The sky, as if in sympathy with the great changes among them, was different today and so misty that in some places the hot air seemed white. The disc of the sun was dull silver as though it were nearer and not so hot, yet the air stifled.\n\n\"They always been making trouble, haven't they?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice came near his shoulder and sounded anxious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can do without 'em. We'll be happier now, won't we?\"\n\nRalph sat. The twins came, dragging a great log and grinning in their triumph. They dumped the log among the embers so that sparks flew.\n\n\"We can do all right on our own, can't we?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a long time while the log dried, caught fire and turned red hot, Ralph sat in the sand and said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not see Piggy go to the twins and whisper with them, nor how the three boys went together into the forest.\n\n\"Here you are.\"\n\nHe came to himself with a jolt. Piggy and the other two were by him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were laden with fruit \"I thought perhaps,\" said Piggy, \"we ought to have a feast, kind of.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The three boys sat down. They had a great mass of the fruit with them and all of it properly ripe. They grinned at Ralph as he took some and began to eat.\n\n'Thanks,\" he said. Then with an accent of pleased surprise—\"Thanks!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do all right on our own,\" said Piggy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's them that haven't no common sense that make trouble on this island. We'll make a little hot fire—\"\n\nRalph remembered what had been worrying him.\n\n\"Where's Simon?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't think he's climbing the mountain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy broke into noisy laughter and took more fruit.\n\n\"He might be.\" He gulped his mouthful. \"He's cracked.\"\n\nSimon had passed through the area of fruit trees but today the littluns had been too busy with the fire on the beach and they had not pursued him there. He went on among the creepers until he reached the great mat that was woven by the open space and crawled inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the screen of leaves the sunlight pelted down and the butterflies danced in the middle their unending dance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knelt down and the arrow of the sun fell on him. That other time the air had seemed to vibrate with heat; but now it threatened. Soon the sweat was running from his long coarse hair. He shifted restlessly but there was no avoiding the sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Presently he was thirsty, and then very thirsty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He continued to sit far off alone the beach, Jack was standing before a small group of boys. He was looking brilliantly happy.\n\n\"Hunting,\" he said. He sized them up. Each of them wore the remains of a black cap and ages ago they had stood in two demure rows and their voices had been the song of angels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll hunt. I'm going to be chief.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They nodded, and the crisis passed easily.\n\n\"And then—about the beast.\"\n\nThey moved, looked at the forest.\n\n\"I say this. We aren't going to bother about the beast.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded at them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're going to forget the beast.\"\n\n\"That's right!\"\n\n\"Yes!\"\n\n\"Forget the beast!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Jack was astonished by their fervor he did not show it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And another thing. We shan't dream so much down here. This is near the end of the island.\"\n\nThey agreed passionately out of the depths of their tormented private lives.\n\n\"Now listen. We might go later to the castle rock. But now I'm going to get more of the biguns away from the conch and all that We'll kill a pig and give a feast.\" He paused and went on more slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And about the beast When we kill we'll leave some of the kill for it. Then it won't bother us, maybe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood up abruptly.\n\n\"We'll go into the forest now and hunt.\"\n\nHe turned and trotted away and after a moment they followed him obediently.\n\nThey spread out, nervously, in the forest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost at once Jack found the dung and scattered roots that told of pig and soon the track was fresh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack signaled the rest of the hunt to be quiet and went forward by himself. He was happy and wore the damp darkness of the forest like his old clothes. He crept down a slope to rocks and scattered trees by the sea.\n\nThe pigs lay, bloated bags of fat, sensuously enjoying the shadows under the trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no wind and they were unsuspicious; and practice had made Jack silent as the shadows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stole away again and instructed his hidden hunters. Presently they all began to inch forward sweating in the silence and heat. Under the trees an ear flapped idly. A little apart from the rest, sunk in deep maternal bliss, lay the largest sow of the lot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was black and pink; and the great bladder of her belly was fringed with a row of piglets that slept or burrowed and squeaked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fifteen yards from the drove Jack stopped, and his arm, straightening, pointed at the sow. he looked round in inquiry to make sure that everyone understood and the other boys nodded at him. The row of right arms slid back.\n\n\"Now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The drove of pigs started up; and at a range of only ten yards the wooden spears with fire-hardened points flew toward the chosen pig." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One piglet, with a demented shriek, rushed into the sea trailing Roger's spear behind it. The sow gave a gasping squeal and staggered up, with two spears sticking in her fat flank. The boys shouted and rushed forward, the piglets scattered and the sow burst the advancing line and went crashing away through the forest.\n\n\"After her!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They raced along the pig-track, but the forest was too dark and tangled so that Jack, cursing, stopped them and cast among the trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he said nothing for a time but breathed fiercely so that they were awed by him and looked at each other in uneasy admiration. Presently he stabbed down at the ground with his finger.\n\n\"There—\"\n\nBefore the others could examine the drop of blood, Jack had swerved off, judging a trace, touching a bough that gave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he followed, mysteriously right and assured, and the hunters trod behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped before a covert.\n\n\"In there.\"\n\nThey surrounded the covert but the sow got away with the sting of another spear in her flank. The trailing butts hindered her and the sharp, cross-cut points were a torment She blundered into a tree, forcing a spear still deeper; and after that any of the hunters could follow her easily by the drops of vivid blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The afternoon wore on, hazy and dreadful with damp heat; the sow staggered her way ahead of them, bleeding and mad, and the hunters followed, wedded to her in lust, excited by the long chase and the dropped blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They could see her now, nearly got up with her, out she spurted with her last strength and held ahead of them again. They were just behind her when she staggered into an open space where bright flowers grew and butterflies danced round each other and the air was hot and still.\n\nHere, struck down by the heat, the sow fell and the hunters hurled themselves at her. This dreadful eruption from an unknown world made her frantic; she squealed and bucked and the air was full of sweat and noise and blood and terror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger ran round the heap, prodding with his spear whenever pigflesh appeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack was on top of the sow, stabbing downward with his knife. Roger found a lodgment for his point and began to push till he was leaning with his whole weight The spear moved forward inch by inch and die terrified squealing became a high-pitched scream. Then Jack found the throat and the hot blood spouted over his hands. The sow collapsed under them and they were heavy and fulfilled upon her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The butterflies still danced, preoccupied in the center of die clearing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last the immediacy of the kill subsided. The boys drew back, and Jack stood up, holding out his hands.\n\n\"Look.\"\n\nHe giggled and flicked them while the boys laughed at his reeking palms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Jack grabbed Maurice and rubbed the stuff over his cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roger began to withdraw his spear and the boys noticed it for the first time. Robert stabilized the thing in a phrase which was received uproariously.\n\n\"Right up her ass!\"\n\n\"Did you hear?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you hear what he said?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right up her ass!\"\n\nThis time Robert and Maurice acted the two parts; and Maurice's acting of the pig's efforts to avoid the advancing spear was so funny that the boys cried with laughter.\n\nAt length even this palled. Jack began to clean his bloody hands on the rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he started work on the sow and paunched her, lugging out the hot bags of colored guts, pushing them into a pile on the rock while the others watched him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He talked as he worked.\n\n\"We'll take the meat along the beach. I'll go back to the platform and invite them to a feast That should give us time.\"\n\nRoger spoke.\n\n\"Chief—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh—?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can we make a fire?\"\n\nJack squatted back and frowned at the pig.\n\n\"We'll raid them and take fire. There must be four of you; Henry and you, Bill and Maurice. We'll put on paint and sneak up; Roger can snatch a branch while I say what I want. The rest of you can get this back to where we were. We'll build the fire there. And after that—\"\n\nHe paused and stood up, looking at the shadows under the trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice was lower when he spoke again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we'll leave part of the kill for...\"\n\nHe knelt down again and was busy with his knife. The boys crowded round him. He spoke over his shoulder to Roger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sharpen a stick at both ends.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Presently he stood up, holding the dripping sow's head in his hands.\n\n\"Where's that stick?\"\n\n\"Here.\"\n\n\"Ram one end in the earth. Oh—it's rock. Jam it in that crack. There.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack held up the head and jammed the soft throat down on the pointed end of the stick which pierced through into the mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood back and the head hung there, a little blood dribbling down the stick.\n\nInstinctively the boys drew back too; and the forest was very still. They listened, and the loudest noise was the buzzing of flies over the spilled guts.\n\nJack spoke in a whisper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pick up the pig.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maurice and Robert skewered the carcass, lifted the dead weight, and stood ready. In the silence, and standing over the dry blood, they looked suddenly furtive.\n\nJack spoke loudly.\n\n\"This head is for the beast. It's a gift.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silence accepted the gift and awed them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The head remained there, dim-eyed, grinning faintly, blood blackening between the teeth. All at once they were running away, as fast as they could, through the forest toward the open beach.\n\nSimon stayed where he was, a small brown image, concealed by the leaves. Even if he shut his eyes the sow's head still remained like an after-image." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The half-shut eyes were dim with the infinite cynicism of adult life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They assured Simon that everything was a bad business.\n\n\"I know that.\"\n\nSimon discovered that he had spoken aloud. He opened his eyes quickly and there was the head grinning amusedly in the strange daylight, ignoring the flies, the spilled guts, even ignoring the indignity of being spiked on a stick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked away, licking his dry lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A gift for the beast. Might not the beast come for it? The head, he thought, appeared to agree with him. Run away, said the head silently, go back to the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a joke really—why should you bother?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You were just wrong, that's all. A little headache, something you ate, perhaps. Go back, child, said the head silently.\n\nSimon looked up, feeling the weight of his wet hair, and gazed at the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Up there, for once, were clouds, great bulging towers that sprouted away over the island, grey and cream and copper-colored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clouds were sitting on the land; they squeezed, produced moment by moment this close, tormenting heat. Even the butterflies deserted the open space where the obscene thing grinned and dripped. Simon lowered his head, carefully keeping his eyes shut, then sheltered them with his hand. There were no shadows under the trees but everywhere a pearly stillness, so that what was real seemed illusive and without definition." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pile of guts was a black blob of flies that buzzed like a saw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a while these flies found Simon. Gorged, they alighted by his runnels of sweat and drank. They tickled under his nostrils and played leap-frog on his thighs. They were black and iridescent green and without number; and in front of Simon, the Lord of the Flies hung on his stick and grinned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last Simon gave up and looked back; saw the white teeth and dim eyes, the blood—and his gaze was held by that ancient, inescapable recognition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Simon's right temple, a pulse began to beat on the brain.\n\nRalph and Piggy lay in the sand, gazing at the fire and idly flicking pebbles into its smokeless heart.\n\n\"That branch is gone.\"\n\n\"Where's Samneric?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We ought to get some more wood. We're out of green branches.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph sighed and stood up. There were no shadows under the palms on the platform; only this strange light that seemed to come from everywhere at once. High up among the bulging clouds thunder went off like a gun.\n\n\"We're going to get buckets of rain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about the fire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph trotted into the forest and returned with a wide spray of green which he dumped on the fire. The branch crackled, the leaves curled and the yellow smoke expanded.\n\nPiggy made an aimless little pattern in the sand with his fingers.\n\n\"Trouble is, we haven't got enough people for a fire. You got to treat Samneric as one turn. They do everything together—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, that isn't fair. Don't you see? They ought to do two turns.\"\n\nRalph considered this and understood. He was vexed to find how little he thought like a grownup and sighed again. The island was getting worse and worse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy looked at the fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll want another green branch soon.\"\n\nRalph rolled over.\n\n\"Piggy. What are we going to do?\"\n\n\"Just have to get on without 'em.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But—the fire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He frowned at the black and white mess in which lay the unburnt ends of branches. He tried to formulate.\n\n\"I'm scared.\"\n\nHe saw Piggy look up; and blundered on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not of the beast. I mean I'm scared of that too. But nobody else understands about the fire. If someone threw you a rope when you were drowning. If a doctor said take this because if you don't take it you'll die—you would, wouldn't you? I mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Course I would.\"\n\n\"Can't they see? Can't they understand? Without the smoke signal we'll die here? Look at that!\"\n\nA wave of heated air trembled above the ashes but without a trace of smoke.\n\n\"We can't keep one fire going. And they don't care. And what's more—\" He looked intensely into Piggy's streaming face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's more, I don't sometimes. Supposing I got like the others—not caring. What 'ud become of us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy took off his glasses, deeply troubled.\n\n\"I dunno, Ralph. We just got to go on, that's all. That's what grownups would do.\"\n\nRalph, having begun the business of unburdening himself, continued.\n\n\"Piggy, what's wrong?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy looked at him in astonishment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you mean the—?\"\n\n\"No, not it... I mean... what makes things break up like they do?\"\n\nPiggy rubbed his glasses slowly and thought. When he understood how far Ralph had gone toward accepting him he flushed pinkly with pride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I dunno, Ralph. I expect it's him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack?\"\n\n\"Jack.\" A taboo was evolving round that word too.\n\nRalph nodded solemnly.\n\n\"Yes,\" he said, \"I suppose it must be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The forest near them burst into uproar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Demoniac figures with faces of white and red and green rushed out howling, so that the littluns fled screaming. Out of the corner of his eye, Ralph saw Piggy running. Two figures rushed at the fire and he prepared to defend himself but they grabbed half-burnt branches and raced away along the beach. The three others stood still, watching Ralph; and he saw that the tallest of them, stark naked save for paint and a belt, was Jack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph had his breath back and spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well?\"\n\nJack ignored him, lifted his spear and began to shout.\n\n\"Listen all of you. Me and my hunters, we're living along the beach by a flat rock. We hunt and feast and have fun. If you want to join my tribe come and see us. Perhaps I'll let you join. Perhaps not.\"\n\nHe paused and looked round." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was safe from shame or self-consciousness behind the mask of his paint and could look at each of them in turn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph was kneeling by the remains of the fire like a sprinter at his mark and his face was half-hidden by hair and smut. Samneric peered together round a palm tree at the edge of the forest A littlun howled, creased and crimson, by the bathing pool and Piggy stood on the platform, the white conch gripped in his hands.\n\n'\"Tonight we're having a feast We've killed a pig and we've got meat. You can come and eat with us if you like.\"\n\nUp in the cloud canyons the thunder boomed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack and the two anonymous savages with him swayed, looking up, and then recovered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The littlun went on howling. Jack was waiting for something. He whispered urgently to the others.\n\n\"Go on—now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two savages murmured. Jack spoke sharply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on!\" The two savages looked at each other, raised their spears together and spoke in time.\n\n\"The Chief has spoken.\"\n\nThen the three of them turned and trotted away.\n\nPresently Ralph rose to his feet, looking at the place where the savages had vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samneric came, talking in an awed whisper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought it was—\"\n\n\"—and I was—\"\n\n\"—scared.\"\n\nPiggy stood above them on the platform, still holding the conch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was Jack and Maurice and Robert,\" said Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aren't they having fun?\"\n\n\"I thought I was going to have asthma.\"\n\n\"Sucks to your ass-mar.\"\n\n\"When I saw Jack I was sure he'd go for the conch. Can't think why.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The group of boys looked at the white shell with affectionate respect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy placed it in Ralph's hands and the littluns, seeing the familiar symbol, started to come back.\n\n\"Not here.\"\n\nHe turned toward the platform, feeling the need for ritual. First went Ralph, the white conch cradled, then Piggy very grave, then the twins, then the littluns and the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit down all of you. They raided us for fire. They're having fun. But the—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph was puzzled by the shutter that flickered in his brain. There was something he wanted to say; then the shutter had come down.\n\n\"But the—\"\n\nThey were regarding him gravely, not yet troubled by any doubts about his sufficiency." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph pushed the idiot hair out of his eyes and looked at Piggy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the... oh... the fire! Of course, the fire!\"\n\nHe started to laugh, then stopped and became fluent instead.\n\n\"The fire's the most important thing. Without the fire we can't be rescued. I'd like to put on war-paint and be a savage. But we must keep the fire burning. The fire's the most important thing on the island, because, because—\"\n\nHe paused again and the silence became full of doubt and wonder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy whispered urgently. \"Rescue.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh yes. Without the fire we can't be rescued. So we must stay by the fire and make smoke.\"\n\nWhen he stopped no one said anything. After the many brilliant speeches that had been made on this very spot Ralph s remarks seemed lame, even to the littluns. At last Bill held out his hands for the conch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now we can't have the fire up there—because we can't have the fire up there—we need more people to keep it going. Let's go to this feast and tell them the fire's hard on the rest of us. And the hunting and all that, being savages I mean—it must be jolly good fun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samneric took the conch.\n\n\"That must be fun like Bill says—and as he's invited us—\"\n\n\"—to a feast—\"\n\n\"—meat—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—crackling—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—I could do with some meat—\"\n\nRalph held up his hand.\n\n\"Why shouldn't we get our own meat?\"\n\nThe twins looked at each other. Bill answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't want to go in the jungle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph grimaced.\n\n\"He—you know—goes.\"\n\n\"He's a hunter. They're all hunters. That's different.\"\n\nNo one spoke for a moment, then Piggy muttered to the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Meat—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The littluns sat, solemnly thinking of meat, and dribbling. Overhead the cannon boomed again and the dry palm fronds clattered in a sudden gust of hot wind.\n\n\"You are a silly little boy,\" said the Lord of the Flies, \"just an ignorant, silly little boy.\"\n\nSimon moved his swollen tongue but said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you agree?\" said the Lord of the Flies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aren't you just a silly little boy?\"\n\nSimon answered him in the same silent voice.\n\n\"Well then,\" said the Lord of the Flies, \"you'd better run off and play with the others. They think you're batty. You don't want Ralph to think you're batty, do you? You like Ralph a lot, don't you? And Piggy, and Jack?\"\n\nSimon's head was tilted slightly up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes could not break away and the Lord of the Flies hung in space before him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing out here all alone? Aren't you afraid of me?\"\n\nSimon shook.\n\n\"There isn't anyone to help you. Only me. And I'm the Beast.\"\n\nSimon's mouth labored, brought forth audible words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pig's head on a stick.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!\" said the head. For a moment or two the forest and all the other dimly appreciated places echoed with the parody of laughter. \"You knew, didn't you? I'm part of you? Close, close, close! I'm the reason why it's no go? Why things are what they are?\"\n\nThe laughter shivered again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come now,\" said the Lord of the Flies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get back to the others and we'll forget the whole thing.\"\n\nSimon's head wobbled. His eyes were half closed as though he were imitating the obscene thing on the stick. He knew that one of his times was coming on. The Lord of the Flies was expanding like a balloon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is ridiculous. You know perfectly well you'll only meet me down there—so don't try to escape!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simon's body was arched and stiff. The Lord of the Flies spoke in the voice of a schoolmaster.\n\n\"This has gone quite far enough. My poor, misguided child, do you think you know better than I do?\"\n\nThere was a pause." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm warning you. I'm going to get angry. D'you see? You're not wanted. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island! So don't try it on, my poor misguided boy, or else—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simon found he was looking into a vast mouth. There was blackness within, a blackness that spread.\n\n\"—Or else,\" said the Lord of the Flies, \"we shall do you. See? Jack and Roger and Maurice and Robert and Bill and Piggy and Ralph. Do you. See?\"\n\nSimon was inside the mouth. He fell down and lost consciousness." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of William Golding spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the island the build-up of clouds continued. A steady current of heated air rose all day from the mountain and was thrust to ten thousand feet; revolving masses of gas piled up the static until the air was ready to explode. By early evening the sun had gone and a brassy glare had taken the place of clear daylight. Even the air that pushed in from the sea was hot ana held no refreshment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Colors drained from water and trees and pink surfaces of rock, and the white and brown clouds brooded, Nothing prospered but the flies who blackened their lord and made the spilt guts look like a heap of glistening coal Even when the vessel broke in Simon's nose and the blood gushed out they left him alone, preferring the pig's high flavor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the running of the blood Simon's fit passed into the weariness of sleep. He lay in the mat of creepers while the evening advanced and the cannon continued to play. At last he woke and saw dimly the dark earth close by his cheek. Still he did not move but lay there, his face side-ways on the earth, his eyes looking dully before him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he turned over, drew his feet under him and laid hold of the creepers to pull himself up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the creepers shook the flies exploded from the guts with a vicious note and clamped back on again. Simon got to his feet. The light was unearthly. The Lord of the Flies hung on his stick like a black ball." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simon spoke aloud to the clearing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What else is there to do?\"\n\nNothing replied. Simon turned away from the open space and crawled through the creepers till he was in the dusk of the forest. He walked drearily between the trunks, his face empty of expression, and the blood was dry round his mouth and chin. Only sometimes as he lifted the ropes of creeper aside and chose his direction from the trend of the land, he mouthed words that did not reach the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Presently the creepers festooned the trees less frequently and there was a scatter of pearly light from the sky down through the trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the backbone of the island, the slightly higher land that lay beneath the mountain where the forest was no longer deep Jungle. Here there were wide spaces interspersed with thickets and huge trees and the trend of the ground led him up as the forest opened. He pushed on, staggering sometimes with his weariness but never stopping. The usual brightness was gone from his eyes and he walked with a sort of glum determination like an old man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A buffet of wind made him stagger and he saw that he was out in the open, on rock, under a brassy sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found his legs were weak and his tongue gave him pain all the time. When the wind reached the mountain-top he could see something happen, a flicker of blue stuff against brown clouds. He pushed himself forward and the wind came again, stronger now, cuffing the forest heads till they ducked and roared. Simon saw a humped thing suddenly sit up on the top and look down at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hid his face, and toiled on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flies had found the figure too. The life-like movement would scare them off for a moment so that they made a dark cloud round the head. Then as the blue material of the parachute collapsed the corpulent figure would bow forward, sighing, and the flies settle once more.\n\nSimon felt his knees smack the rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He crawled forward and soon he understood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tangle of lines showed him the mechanics of this parody; he examined the white nasal bones, the teeth, the colors of corruption. He saw how pitilessly the layers of rubber and canvas held together the poor body that should be rotting away. Then the wind blew again and the figure lifted, bowed, and breathed foully at him. Simon knelt on all fours and was sick till his stomach was empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he took the lines in his hands; he freed them from the rocks and the figure from the wind's indignity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last he turned away and looked down at the beaches. The fire by the platform appeared to be out, or at least making no smoke. Further along the beach, beyond the little river and near a great slab of rock, a thin trickle of smoke was climbing into the sky. Simon, forgetful of the lies, shaded his eyes with both hands and peered at the smoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even at that distance it was possible to see most of the boys—perhaps all the boys—were there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So they had shifted camp then, away from the beast. As Simon thought this, he turned to the poor broken thing that sat stinking by his side. The beast was harmless and horrible; and the news must reach the others as soon as possible. He started down the mountain and his legs gave beneath him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even with great care the best he could do was a stagger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bathing,\" said Ralph, \"that's the only thing to do.\"\n\nPiggy was inspecting the looming sky through his glass.\n\n\"I don't like them clouds. Remember how it rained just after we landed?\"\n\n\"Going to rain again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph dived into the pool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A couple of littluns were playing at the edge, trying to extract comfort from a wetness warmer than blood. Piggy took off his glasses, stepped primly into the water and then put them on again. Ralph came to the surface and squirted a jet of water at him.\n\n\"Mind my specs,\" said Piggy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I get water on the glass I got to get out and clean 'em.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph squirted again and missed. He laughed at Piggys expecting him to retire meekly as usual and in pained silence. Instead, Piggy beat the water with his hands.\n\n\"Stop it!\" he shouted. \"D'you hear?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Furiously he drove the water into Ralph's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, all right,\" said Ralph. \"Keep your hair on.\"\n\nPiggy stopped beating the water.\n\n\"I got a pain in my head. I wish the air was cooler.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish the rain would come.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish we could go home.\"\n\nPiggy lay back against the sloping sand side of the pool. His stomach protruded and the water dried on it Ralph squirted up at the sky. One could guess at the movement of the sun by the progress of a light patch among the clouds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knelt in the water and looked round." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's everybody?\"\n\nPiggy sat up.\n\n\"P'raps they're lying in the shelter.\"\n\n\"Where's Samneric?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Bill?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy pointed beyond the platform.\n\n\"That's where they've gone. Jack's parry.\"\n\n\"Let them go,\" said Ralph, uneasily, \"I don't care.\"\n\n\"Just for some meat—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And for hunting,\" said Ralph, wisely, \"and for pretending to be a tribe, and putting on war-paint.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy stirred the sand under water and did not look at Ralph.\n\n\"P'raps we ought to go too.\" Ralph looked at him quickly and Piggy blushed, \"I mean—to make sure nothing happens.\" Ralph squirted water again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Long before Ralph and Piggy came up with Jack's lot, they could hear the party." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a stretch of grass in a place where the palms left a wide band of turf between the forest and the snore. Just one step down from the edge of the turf was the white, blown sand of above high water, warm, dry, trodden. Below that again was a rock that stretched away toward the lagoon. Beyond was a short stretch of sand and then the edge of the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A fire burned on the rock and fat dripped from the roasting pig-meat into the invisible flames." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the boys of the island, except Piggy, Ralph, Simon, and the two tending the pig, were grouped on the turf. They were laughing, singing, lying, squatting, or standing on the grass, holding food in their hands. But to judge by the greasy faces, the meat eating was almost done; and some held coconut shells in their hands and were drinking from them. Before the party had started a great log had been dragged into the center of the lawn and Jack, painted and garlanded, sat there like an idol." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were piles of meat on green leaves near him, and fruit, and coconut shells full of drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy and Ralph came to the edge of the grassy platform; and the boys, as they noticed them, fell silent one by one till only the boy next to Jack was talking. Then the silence intruded even there and Jack turned where he sat For a time he looked at them and the crackle of the fire was the loudest noise over the droning of the reef, Ralph looked away; and Sam, thinking that Ralph had turned to him accusingly, put down his gnawed bone with a nervous giggle. Ralph took an uncertain step, pointed to a palm tree, and whispered something inaudible to Piggy; and they both giggled like Sam. Lifting his feet high out of the sand, Ralph started to stroll past." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy tried to whistle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At this moment the boys who were cooking at the fire suddenly hauled off a great chunk of meat and ran with it toward the grass. They bumped Piggy, who was burnt, and yelled and danced. Immediately, Ralph and the crowd of boys were united and relieved by a storm of laughter. Piggy once more was the center of social derision so that everyone felt cheerful and normal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack stood up and waved his spear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take them some meat.\"\n\nThe boys with the spit gave Ralph and Piggy each a succulent chunk. They took the gift, dribbling. So they stood and ate beneath a sky of thunderous brass that rang with the storm-coming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack waved his spear again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has everybody eaten as much as they want?\"\n\nThere was still food left, sizzling on the wooden spits, heaped on the green platters. Betrayed by his stomach, Piggy threw a picked bone down on the beach and stooped for more.\n\nJack spoke again, impatiently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has everybody eaten as much as they want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His tone conveyed a warning, given out of the pride of ownership, and the boys ate faster while there was still time. Seeing there was no immediate likelihood of a pause. Jack rose from the log that was his throne and sauntered to the edge of the grass. He looked down from behind his paint at Ralph and Piggy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They moved a little farther off over the sand and Ralph watched the fire as he ate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He noticed, without understanding, how the flames were visible now against the dull light. Evening was come, not with calm beauty but with the threat of violence.\n\nJack spoke.\n\n\"Give me a drink.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Henry brought him a shell and he drank, watching Piggy and Ralph over the jagged rim.. Power lay in the brown swell of his forearms: authority sat on his shoulder and chattered in his ear like an ape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All sit down.\"\n\nThe boys ranged themselves in rows on the grass before him but Ralph and Piggy stayed a foot lower, standing on the soft sand. Jack ignored them for the moment, turned his mask down to the seated boys and pointed at them with the spear.\n\n\"Who is going to join my tribe?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph made a sudden movement that became a stumble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the boys turned toward him.\n\n\"I gave you food,\" said Jack, \"and my hunters will protect you from the beast. Who will join my tribe?\"\n\n\"I'm chief,\" said Ralph, \"because you chose me. And we were going to keep the fire going. Now you run after food—\"\n\n\"You ran yourself!\" shouted Jack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look at that bone in your hands!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph went crimson.\n\n\"I said you were hunters. That was your job.\"\n\nJack ignored him again.\n\n\"Who'll join my tribe and have fun?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm chief,\" said Ralph tremulously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what about the fire? And I've got the conch—\"\n\n\"You haven't got it with you,\" said Jack, sneering. \"You left it behind. See, clever? And the conch doesn't count at this end of the island—\"\n\nAll at once the thunder struck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of the dull boom there was a point of impact in the explosion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The conch counts here too,\" said Ralph, \"and all over the island.\"\n\n\"What are you going to do about it then?\"\n\nRalph examined the ranks of boys. There was no help in them and he looked away, confused and sweating. Piggy whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fire—rescue.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who'll join my tribe?\"\n\n\"I will.\"\n\n\"Me.\"\n\n\"I will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll blow the conch,\" said Ralph breathlessly, \"and call an assembly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We shan't hear it.\"\n\n\"Come away. There's going to be trouble. And we've had our meat.\"\n\nThere was a blink of bright light beyond the forest and the thunder exploded again so that a littlun started to whine. Big drops of rain fell among them making individual sounds when they struck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Going to be a storm,\" said Ralph, \"and you'll have rain like when we dropped here. Who's clever now? Where are your shelters? What are you going to do about that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hunters were looking uneasily at the sky, flinching from the stroke of the drops. A wave of restlessness set the boys swaying and moving aimlessly. The flickering light became brighter and the blows of the thunder were only just bearable. The littluns began to run about, screaming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack leapt on to the sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do our dance! Come on! Dance!\"\n\nHe ran stumbling through the thick sand to the open space of rock beyond the fire. Between the flashes of lightning the air was dark and terrible; and the boys followed him, clamorously. Roger became the pig, grunting and charging at Jack, who side-stepped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hunters took their spears, the cooks took spits, and the rest clubs of firewood, A circling movement developed and a chant While Roger mimed the terror of the pig, the littluns ran and jumped ob the outside of the circle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy and Ralph, under the threat of the sky, found themselves eager to take a place in this demented but partly secure society. They were glad to touch the brown backs of the fence that hemmed in the terror and made it governable.\n\n\"Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!\"\n\nThe movement became regular while the chant lost its first superficial excitement and began to beat like a steady pulse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger ceased to be a pig and became a hunter, so that the center of the ring yawned emptily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the littluns started a ring on their own; and the complementary circles went round and round as though repetition would achieve safety of itself. There was tie throb and stamp of a single organism.\n\nThe dark sky was shattered by a blue-white scar. An instant later the noise was on them like the blow of a gigantic whip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chant rose a tone in agony." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!\n\nNow out of the terror rose another desire, thick, urgent, blind.\n\n\"Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!\"\n\nAgain the blue-white scar Jagged above them and the sulphurous explosion beat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The littluns screamed and blundered about, fleeing from the edge of the forest, and one of them broke the ring of biguns in his terror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Him! Him!\"\n\nThe circle became a horseshoe. A thing was crawling out of the forest. It came darkly, uncertainly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shrill screaming that rose before the beast was like a pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beast stumbled into the horseshoe.\n\n\"Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!\"\n\nThe blue-white scar was constant, the noise unendurable. Simon was crying out something about a dead man on a hill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! Do him in!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sticks fell and the mouth of the new circle crunched and screamed. The beast was on its knees in the center, it's arms folded over its face. It was crying out against the abominable noise something about a body on the hill. The beast struggled forward, broke the ring and fell over the steep edge of the rock to the sand by the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.\n\nThen the clouds opened and let down the rain like a waterfall. The water bounded from the mountain-top, tore leaves and branches from the trees, poured like a cold shower over the straggling heap on the sand. Presently the heap broke up and figures staggered away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the beast lay still, a few yards from the sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in the rain they could see how small a beast it was; and already its blood was stain-log the sand.\n\nNow a great wind blew the rain sideways, cascading the water from the forest trees. On the mountain-top the parachute filled and moved; the figure slid, rose to its feet, spun, swayed down through a vastness of wet air and trod with ungainly feet the tops of the high trees; falling, still falling, it sank toward the beach and the boys rushed screaming into the darkness. The parachute took the figure forward, furrowing the lagoon, and bumped it over the reef and out to sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toward midnight the rain ceased and the clouds drifted away, so that the sky was scattered once more with the incredible lamps of stars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the breeze died too and there was no noise save the drip and trickle of water that ran out of clefts and spilled down, leaf by leaf, to the brown earth of the island. The air was cool, moist, and clear; and presently even the sound of the water was still. The beast lay huddled on the pale beach and the stains spread, inch by inch.\n\nThe edge of the lagoon became a streak of phosphorescence which advanced minutely, as the great wave of the tide flowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clear water mirrored the clear sky and the angular bright constellations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The line of phosphorescence bulged about the sand grains and little pebbles; it held them each in a dimple of tension, then suddenly accepted them with an inaudible syllable and moved on.\n\nAlong the shoreward edge of the shallows the advancing clearness was full of strange, moonbeam-bodied creatures with fiery eyes. Here and there a larger pebble clung to its own air and was covered with a coat of pearls. The tide swelled in over\" the rain-pitted sand and smoothed everything with a layer of silver. Now it touched the first of the stains that seeped from the broken body and the creatures made a moving patch of light as they gathered at the edge. The water rose farther and dressed Simon's coarse hair with brightness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The line of his cheek silvered and the turn of his shoulder became sculptured marble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The strange attendant creatures, with their fiery eyes and trailing vapors, busied themselves round his head. The body lifted a fraction of an inch from the sand and a bubble of air escaped from the mouth with a wet plop. Then it turned gently in the water.\n\nSomewhere over the darkened curve of the world the sun and moon were pulling, and the film of water on the earth planet was held, bulging slightly on one side while the solid core turned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The great wave of the tide moved farther along the island and the water lifted." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Softly, surrounded by a fringe of inquisitive bright creatures, itself a silver shape beneath the steadfast constellations, Simon's dead body moved out toward the open sea." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of William Golding.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of William Golding every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy eyed the advancing figure carefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nowadays he sometimes found that he saw more clearly if he removed his glasses and shifted the one lens to the other eye; but even through the good eye, after what had happened, Ralph remained unmistakably Ralph. He came now out of the coconut trees, limping, dirty, with dead leaves hanging from his shock of yellow hair. One eye was a slit in his puffy cheek and a great scab had formed on his right knee. He paused for a moment and peered at the figure on the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Piggy? Are you the only one left?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's some littluns.\"\n\n\"They don't count. No biguns?\"\n\n\"Oh—Samneric. They're collecting wood.\"\n\n\"Nobody else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not that I know of.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph climbed on to the platform carefully. The coarse grass was still worn away where the assembly used to sit; the fragile white conch still gleamed by the polished seat Ralph sat down in the grass facing the chiefs seat and the conch. Piggy knelt at his left, and for a long minute there was silence.\n\nAt last Ralph cleared his throat and whispered something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy whispered back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What you say?\"\n\nRalph spoke up.\n\n\"Simon.\"\n\nPiggy said nothing but nodded, solemnly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They continued to sit, gazing with impaired sight at the chief's seat and the glittering lagoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The green light and the glossy patches of sunshine played over their befouled bodies.\n\nAt length Ralph got up and went to the conch. He took the shell caressingly with both hands and knelt, leaning against the trunk.\n\n\"Piggy\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What we going to do?\"\n\nPiggy nodded at the conch.\n\n\"You could—\"\n\n\"Call an assembly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph laughed sharply as he said the word and Piggy frowned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're still chief.\"\n\nRalph laughed again.\n\n\"You are. Over us.\"\n\n\"I got the conch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ralph! Stop laughing like that. Look, there ain't no need, Ralph! What's the others going to think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last Ralph stopped. He was shivering.\n\n\"Piggy—\"\n\n\"Uh?\"\n\n\"That was Simon.\" \"You said that before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Piggy-\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Uh?\"\n\n\"That was murder.\"\n\n\"You stop it!\" said Piggy, shrilly. \"What good're you doing talking like that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jumped to his feet and stood over Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was dark. There was that—that bloody dance. There was lightning and thunder and rain. We was scared!\"\n\n\"I wasn't scared,\" said Ralph slowly, \"I was—I don't know what I was.\"\n\n\"We was scared!\" said Piggy excitedly. \"Anything might have happened. It wasn't—what you said.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was gesticulating, searching for a formula." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Piggy!\"\n\nRalph's voice, low and stricken, stopped Piggy's gestures. He bent down and waited. Ralph, cradling the conch, rocked himself to and fro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you understand, Piggy? The things we did—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He may still be—\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"P'raps he was only pretending—\"\n\nPiggy's voice trailed off at the sight of Ralph's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You were outside. Outside the circle. You never really came in. Didn't you see what we—what they did?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was loathing, and at the same time a kind of feverish excitement, in his voice.\n\n\"Didn't you see, Piggy?\"\n\n\"Not all that well. I only got one eye now. You ought to know that, Ralph.\"\n\nRalph continued to rock to and fro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was an accident,\" said Piggy suddenly, \"that's what it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An accident.\" His voice shrilled again. \"Coming in the dark—he hadn't no business crawling like that out of the dark. He was batty. He asked for it. He gesticulated widely again. \"It was an accident.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You didn't see what they did—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Ralph. We got to forget this. We can't do no good thinking about it, see?\"\n\n\"I'm frightened. Of us. I want to go home. Oh God, I want to go home.\"\n\n\"It was an accident,\" said Piggy stubbornly, \"and that's that.\"\n\nHe touched Ralph's bare shoulder and Ralph shuddered at the human contact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And look, Ralph\"—Piggy glanced round quickly, then leaned close—\"don't let on we was in that dance. Not to Samneric.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we were! All of us!\"\n\nPiggy shook his head.\n\n\"Not us till last. They never noticed in the dark. Anyway you said I was only on the outside.\"\n\n\"So was I,\" muttered Ralph, \"I was on the outside too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy nodded eagerly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's right. We was on the outside. We never done nothing, we never seen nothing.\"\n\nPiggy paused, then went on.\n\n\"We'll live on our own, the four of us—\"\n\n\"Four of us. We aren't enough to keep the fire burning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll try. See? I lit it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samneric came dragging a great log out of the forest. They dumped it by the fire and turned to the pool. Ralph jumped to his feet.\n\n\"Hi! You two!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins checked a moment, then walked on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're going to bathe, Ralph.\"\n\n\"Better get it over.\"\n\nThe twins were very surprised to see Ralph. They flushed and looked past him into the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hullo. Fancy meeting you, Ralph.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We just been in the forest–\"\n\n\"—to get wood for the fire—\"\n\n\"—we got lost last night.\"\n\nRalph examined his toes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You got lost after the...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy cleaned his lens.\n\n\"After the feast,\" said Sam in a stifled voice. Eric nodded. \"Yes, after the feast.\"\n\n\"We left early,\" said Piggy quickly, \"because we were tired.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So did we—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—very early—\"\n\n\"—we were very tired.\"\n\nSam touched a scratch on his forehead and then hurriedly took his hand away. Eric fingered his split lip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. We were very tired,\" repeated Sam, \"so we left early. Was it a good—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The air was heavy with unspoken knowledge. Sam twisted and the obscene word shot out of him. \"—dance?\"\n\nMemory of the dance that none of them had attended shook all tour boys convulsively.\n\n\"We left early.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Roger came to the neck of land that joined the Castle Rock to the mainland he was not surprised to be challenged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had reckoned, during the terrible night, on finding at least some of the tribe holding out against the horrors of the island in the safest place.\n\nThe voice rang out sharply from on high, where the diminishing crags were balanced one on another.\n\n\"Halt! Who goes there?\"\n\n\"Roger.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Advance, friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roger advanced.\n\n\"The chief said we got to challenge everyone.\"\n\nRoger peered up.\n\n\"You couldn't stop me coming if I wanted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Couldn't I? Climb up and see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roger clambered up the ladder-like cliff.\n\n\"Look at this.\"\n\nA log had been jammed under the topmost rock and another lever under that. Robert leaned lightly on the lever and the rock groaned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A full effort would send the rock thundering down to the neck of land. Roger admired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a proper chief, isn't he?\"\n\nRobert nodded.\n\n\"He's going to take us hunting.\"\n\nHe jerked his head in the direction of the distant shelters where a thread of white smoke climbed up the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Roger, sitting on the very edge of the cliff, looked somberly back at the island as he worked with his fingers at a loose tooth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His gaze settled on the top of the distant mountain and Robert changed the unspoken subject.\n\n\"He's going to beat Wilfred.\"\n\n\"What for?\"\n\nRobert shook his head doubtfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. He didn't say. He got angry and made us tie Wilfred up. He's been\"—he giggled excitedly—\"he's been tied for hours, waiting—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But didn't the chief say why?'\n\n\"I never heard him.\"\n\nSitting on the tremendous rocks in the torrid sun, Roger received this news as an illumination. He ceased to work at his tooth and sat still, assimilating the possibilities of irresponsible authority." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, without another word, he climbed down the back of the rocks toward the cave and the rest of the tribe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chief was sitting there, naked to the waist, his face blocked out in white and red. The tribe lay in a semicircle before him. The newly beaten and untied Wilfred was sniffing noisily in the background. Roger squatted with the rest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tomorrow,\" went on the chief, \"we shall hunt again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed at this savage and that with his spear.\n\n\"Some of you will stay here to improve the cave and defend the gate. I shall take a few hunters with me and bring back meat. The defenders of the gate will see that the others don't sneak in.\"\n\nA savage raised his hand and the chief turned a bleak, painted face toward him.\n\n\"Why should they try to sneak in, Chief?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chief was vague but earnest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They will. They'll try to spoil things we do. So the watchers at the gate must be careful. And then—\"\n\nThe chief paused. They saw a triangle of startling pink dart out, pass along his lips and vanish again.\n\n\"—and then, the beast might try to come in. You remember how he crawled—\"\n\nThe semicircle shuddered and muttered in agreement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He came—disguised. He may come again even though we gave him the head of our kill to eat. So watch; and be careful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stanley lifted his forearm off the rock and held up an interrogative finger.\n\n\"Well?\"\n\n\"But didn't we, didn't we—?\"\n\nHe squirmed and looked down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the silence that followed, each savage flinched away from his individual memory.\n\n\"No! How could we—kill—it?\"\n\nHalf-relieved, half-daunted by the implication of further terrors, the savages murmured again.\n\n\"So leave the mountain alone,\" said the chief, solemnly, \"and give it the head if you go hunting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stanley flicked his finger again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I expect the beast disguised itself.\"\n\n\"Perhaps,\" said the chief. A theological speculation presented itself. \"We'd better keep on the right side of him, anyhow. You can't tell what he might do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tribe considered this; and then were shaken, as if by a flaw of wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chief saw the effect of his words and stood abruptly.\n\n\"But tomorrow we'll hunt and when we've got meat we'll have a feast—\"\n\nBill put up his hand.\n\n\"Yes?\"'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What'll we use for lighting the fire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chiefs blush was hidden by the white and red clay Into his uncertain silence the tribe spilled their murmur once more. Then the chief held up his hand.\n\n\"We shall take fire from the others. Listen. Tomorrow well hunt and get meat. Tonight Ill go along with two hunters—who'll come?\"\n\nMaurice and Roger put up their hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maurice—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Chief?\"\n\n\"Where was their fire?\"\n\n\"Back at the old place by the fire rock.\"\n\nThe chief nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The rest of you can go to sleep as soon as the sun sets. But us three, Maurice, Roger and me, we've got work to do. We'll leave just before sunset—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maurice put up his hand.\n\n\"But what happens if we meet—\"\n\nThe chief waved his objection aside.\n\n\"We'll keep along by the sands. Then if he comes well do our, our dance again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only the three of us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the murmur swelled and died away.\n\nPiggy handed Ralph his glasses and waited to receive back his sight. The wood was damp; and this was the third time they had lighted it Ralph stood back, speaking to himself.\n\n\"We don't want another night without fire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked round guiltily at the three boys standing by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the first time he had admitted the double function of the fire. Certainly one was to send up a beckoning column of smoke; but the other was to be a hearth now and a comfort until they slept. Eric breathed on the wood till it glowed and sent out a little flame. A billow of white and yellow smoke reeked up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy took back his glasses and looked at the smoke with pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If only we could make a radio!\"\n\n\"Or a plane—\"\n\n\"—or a boat.\"\n\nRalph dredged in his fading knowledge of the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We might get taken prisoner by the Reds.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eric pushed back his hair.\n\n\"They'd be better than—\"\n\nHe would not name people and Sam finished the sentence for him by nodding along the beach.\n\nRalph remembered the ungainly figure on a parachute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said something about a dead man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He flushed painfully at this admission that he had been present at the dance. He made urging motions at the smoke with his body. \"Don't stop—go on up!\"\n\n\"Smoke's getting thinner.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We need more wood already, even when it's wet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My asthma—\"\n\nThe response was mechanical.\n\n\"Sucks to your ass-mar.\"\n\n\"If I pull logs about, I get my asthma bad. I wish I didn't, Ralph, but there it is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three boys went into the forest and fetched armfuls of rotten wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once more the smoke rose, yellow and thick.\n\n\"Let's get something to eat.\"\n\nTogether they went to the fruit trees, carrying their spears, saying little, cramming in haste. When they came out of the forest again the sun was setting and only embers glowed in the fire, and there was no smoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't carry any more wood,\" said Eric. \"I'm tired.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph cleared his throat.\n\n\"We kept the fire going up there.\"\n\n\"Up there it was small. But this has got to be a big one.\"\n\nRalph carried a fragment to the fire and watched the smoke that drifted into the dusk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've got to keep it going.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eric flung himself down.\n\n\"I'm too tired. And what's the good?\"\n\n\"Eric!\" cried Ralph in a shocked voice. \"Don't talk like that!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sam knelt by Eric." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well—what is the good?\"\n\nRalph tried indignantly to remember. There was something good about a fire. Something overwhelmingly good.\n\n\"Ralph's told you often enough,\" said Piggy moodily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How else are we going to be rescued?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course! If we don't make smoke—\"\n\nHe squatted before them in the crowding dusk.\n\n\"Don't you understand? What's the good of wishing for radios and boats?\"\n\nHe held out his hand and twisted the fingers into a fist \"There's only one thing we can do to get out of this mess. Anyone can play at hunting, anyone can get us meat—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked from face to face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, at the moment of greatest passion and conviction, that curtain flapped in his head and he forgot what he had been driving at. He knelt there, his fist clenched, gazing solemnly from one to the other. Then the curtain whisked back.\n\n\"Oh, yes. So we've got to make smoke; and more smoke—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But we can't keep it going! Look at that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fire was dying on them.\n\n\"Two to mind the fire,\" said Ralph, half to himself, \"that's twelve hours a day.\"\n\n\"We can't get any more wood, Ralph—\"\n\n\"—not in the dark—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—not at night—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can light it every morning,\" said Piggy. \"Nobody ain't going to see smoke in the dark.'\n\nSam nodded vigorously.\n\n\"It was different when the fire was—\"\n\n\"—up there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph stood up, feeling curiously defenseless with the darkness pressing in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let the fire go then, for tonight.\"\n\nHe led the way to the first shelter, which still stood, though battered. The bed leaves lay within, dry and noisy to the touch. In the next shelter a littlun was talking in his sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The four biguns crept into the shelter and burrowed under the leaves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The twins lay together and Ralph and Piggy at the other end. For a while there was the continual creak and rustle of leaves as they tried for comfort.\n\n\"Piggy.\"\n\n\"Yeah?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"S'pose so.\"\n\nAt length, save for an occasional rustle, the shelter was silent. An oblong of blackness relieved with brilliant spangles hung before them and there was the hollow sound of surf on the reef. Ralph settled himself for his nightly game of supposing..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Supposing they could be transported home by jet, then before morning they would land at that big airfield in Wiltshire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They would go by car; no, for things to be perfect they would go by train; all the way down to Devon and take that cottage again. Then at the foot of the garden the wild ponies would come and look over the wall...\n\nRalph turned restlessly in the leaves. Dartmoor was wild and so were the ponies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the attraction of wildness had gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mind skated to a consideration of a tamed town where savagery could not set foot. What could be safer than the bus center with its lamps and wheels?\n\nAll at once, Ralph was dancing round a lamp standard. There was a bus crawling out of the bus station, a strange bus..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ralph! Ralph!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it?\"\n\n\"Don't make a noise like that—\"\n\n\"Sorry.\"\n\nFrom the darkness of the further end of the shelter came a dreadful moaning and they shattered the leaves in their fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sam and Eric, locked in an embrace, were fighting each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sam! Sam!\"\n\n\"Hey—Eric!\"\n\nPresently all was quiet again.\n\nPiggy spoke softly to Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We got to get out of this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What d'you mean?\"\n\n\"Get rescued.\"\n\nFor the first time that day, and despite the crowding blackness, Ralph sniggered.\n\n\"I mean it,\" whispered Piggy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we don't get home soon we'll be barmy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Round the bend.\"\n\n\"Bomb happy.\"\n\n\"Crackers.\"\n\nRalph pushed the damp tendrils of hair out of his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You write a letter to your auntie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy considered this solemnly.\n\n\"I don't know where she is now. And I haven't got an envelope and a stamp. An' there isn't a mailbox. Or a postman.\"\n\nThe success of his tiny joke overcame Ralph. His sniggers became uncontrollable, his body jumped and Piggy rebuked him with dignity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I haven't said anything all that funny.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph continued to snigger though his chest hurt. His twitchings exhausted him till he lay, breathless and woebegone, waiting for the next spasm. During one of these pauses he was ambushed by sleep.\n\n\"Ralph! You been making a noise again. Do be quiet, Ralph—because.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph heaved over among the leaves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had reason to be thankful that his dream was broken, for the bus had been nearer and more distinct \"Why—because?\"\n\n\"Be quiet—and listen.\"\n\nRalph lay down carefully, to the accompaniment of a long sigh from the leaves. Eric moaned something and then lay still." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The darkness, save for the useless oblong of stars, was blanket-thick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't hear anything,\"\n\n\"There's something moving outside.\"\n\nRalph's head prickled. The sound of his blood drowned all else and then subsided.\n\n\"I still can't hear anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen. Listen for a long time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quite clearly and emphatically, and only a yard or so away from the back of the shelter, a stick cracked. The blood roared again in Ralph's ears, confused images chased each other through his mind. A composite of these things was prowling round the shelters. He could feel Piggy's head against his shoulder and the convulsive grip of a hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ralph! Ralph!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shut up and listen.\"\n\nDesperately, Ralph prayed that the beast would prefer littluns.\n\nA voice whispered horribly outside.\n\n\"Piggy—Piggy—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's come! gasped Piggy. It's real!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He clung to Ralph and reached to get his breath.\n\n\"Piggy, come outside. I want you, Piggy.\"\n\nRalph's mouth was against Piggy's ear.\n\n\"Don't say anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Piggy—where are you, Piggy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something brushed against the back of the shelter. Piggy kept still for a moment, then he had his asthma. He arched his back and crashed among the leaves with his legs. Ralph rolled away from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then there was a vicious snarling in the mouth of the shelter and the plunge and thump of living things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone tripped over Ralph and Piggy's corner became a complication of snarls and crashes and flying limbs. Ralph hit out; then he and what seemed like a dozen others were rolling over and over, hitting, biting, scratching. He was torn and jolted, found fingers in his mouth ana bit them. A fist withdrew and came back like a piston, so that the whole shelter exploded into light Ralph twisted sideways on top of a writhing body and felt hot breath on his cheek He began to pound the mouth below him, using his clenched fist as a hammer; he hit with more and more passionate hysteria as the face became slippery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A knee jerked up between his legs and he fell sideways, busying himself with his pain, and the fight rolled over him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the shelter collapsed with smothering finality; and the anonymous shapes fought their way out and through. Dark figures drew themselves out of the wreckage and flitted away, till the screams of the littluns and Piggy's gasps were once more audible.\n\nRalph called out in a quavering voice.\n\n\"All you littluns, go to sleep. We've bad a fight with the others. Now go to sleep.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samneric came close and peered at Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you two all right?\"\n\n\"I think so—\"\n\n\"—I got busted.\"\n\n\"So did I. How's Piggy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They hauled Piggy clear of the wreckage and leaned him against a tree." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The night was cool and purged of immediate terror. Piggy's breathing was a little easier.\n\n\"Did you get hurt, Piggy?\"\n\n\"Not much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was Jack and his hunters,\" said Ralph bitterly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why can't they leave us alone?\"\n\n\"We gave them something to think about,\" said Sam. Honestly compelled him to go on. \"At least you did. I got mixed up with myself in a corner.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I gave one of 'em what for,\" said Ralph, I smashed him up all right. He won't want to come and fight us again in a hurry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So did I,\" said Eric. \"When I woke up one was kicking me in the face... I got an awful bloody face, I think, Ralph. But I did him in the end.\"\n\n\"What did you do?\"\n\n\"I got my knee up,\" said Eric with simple pride, \"and I hit him with it in the pills. You should have heard him holler! He won't come back in a hurry either. So we didn't do too badly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph moved suddenly in the dark; but then he heard Eric working at his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter?\"\n\n\"Jus' a tooth loose.\"\n\nPiggy drew up his legs.\n\n\"You all right, Piggy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought they wanted the conch.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph trotted down the pale beach and jumped on to the platform. The conch still glimmered by the chiefs seat He gazed for a moment or two, then went back to Piggy.\n\n\"They didn't take the conch.\"\n\n\"I know. They didn't come for the conch. They came for something else. Ralph—what am I going to do?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of William Golding.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of William Golding.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a William Golding sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the short chill of dawn the four boys gathered round the black smudge where the fire had been, while Ralph knelt and blew. Grey, feathery ashes scurried hither and thither at his breath but no spark shone among them The twins watched anxiously and Piggy sat expressionless behind the luminous wall of his myopia. Ralph continued to blow till his ears were singing with the effort, but then the first breeze of dawn took the job off his hands and blinded him with ashes. He squatted back, swore, and rubbed water out of his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No use.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eric looked down at him through a mask of dried blood. Piggy peered in the general direction of Ralph.\n\n\"'Course it's no use, Ralph. Now we got no fire.\"\n\nRalph brought his face within a couple of feet of Piggy's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you see me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A bit.\"\n\nRalph allowed the swollen flap of his cheek to close his eye again.\n\n\"They've got our fire.\"\n\nRage shrilled his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They stole it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's them,\" said Piggy. They blinded me. See? That's Jack Merridew. You call an assembly, Ralph, we got to decide what to do.\"\n\n\"An assembly for only us?\"\n\n\"It's all we got. Sam—let me hold on to you.\"\n\nThey went toward the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Blow the conch,\" said Piggy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Blow as loud as you can.\"\n\nThe forest re-echoed; and birds lifted, crying out of the treetops, as on that first morning ages ago. Both ways the beach was deserted. Some littluns came from the shelters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph sat down on the polished trunk and the three others stood before him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded, and Samneric sat down on the right. Ralph pushed the conch into Piggy's hands. He held the shining tiling carefully and blinked at Ralph.\n\n\"Go on, then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just take the conch to say this. I can't see no more and I got to get my glasses back. Awful things has been done on this island. I voted for you for chief. He's the only one who ever got anything done. So now you speak, Ralph, and tell us what. Or else—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy broke off, sniveling. Ralph took back the conch as he sat down.\n\n\"Just an ordinary fire. You'd think we could do that, wouldn't you? Just a smoke signal so we can be rescued. Are we savages or what? Only now there's no signal going up. Ships may be passing. Do you remember how he went hunting and the fire went out and a ship passed by? And they all think he's best as chief. Then there was, there was... that's his fault, too. If it hadn't been for him it would never have happened. Now Piggy can't see, and they came, stealing—\" Ralph's voice ran up \"—at night, in darkness, and stole our fire. They stole it. We'd have given them fire if they'd asked. But they stole it and the signal's out and we can't ever be rescued. Don't you see what I mean? We'd have given them fire for themselves only they stole it. I—\"\n\nHe paused lamely as the curtain flickered in his brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy held out his hands for the conch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What you goin' to do, Ralph? This is jus' talk without deciding. I want my glasses.\"\n\n\"I'm trying to think Supposing we go, looking like we used to, washed and hair brushed—after all we aren't savages really and being rescued isn't a game—\"\n\nHe opened the flap of his cheek and looked at the twins.\n\n\"We could smarten up a bit and then go—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We ought to take spears,\" said Sam. \"Even Piggy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—because we may need them.\"\n\n\"You haven't got the conch!\"\n\nPiggy held up the shell.\n\n\"You can take spears if you want but I shan't. What's the good? I'll have to be led like a dog, anyhow. Yes, laugh. Co on, laugh. There's them on this island as would laugh at anything. And what happened? What's grown-ups goin' to think? Young Simon was murdered. And there was that other kid what had a mark on his face. Who's seen him since we first come here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Piggy! Stop a minute!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I got the conch. I'm going to that Jack Merridew an' tell him, I am.\"\n\n\"You'll get hurt.\"\n\n\"What can he do more than he has? I'll tell him what's what. You let me carry the conch, Ralph. I'll show him the one thing he hasn't got.\"\n\nPiggy paused for a moment and peered round at the dim figures." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shape of the old assembly, trodden in the grass, listened to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm going to him with this conch in my hands. I'm going to hold it out. Look, I'm goin' to say, you're stronger than I am and you haven't got asthma. You can see, I'm goin' to say, and with both eyes. But I don't ask for my glasses back, not as a favor. I don't ask you to be a sport, I'll say, not because you're strong, but because what's right's right. Give me my glasses, I'm going to say—you got to!\"\n\nPiggy ended, flushed and trembling. He pushed the conch quickly into Ralph's hands as though in a hurry to be rid of it and wiped the tears from his eyes. The green light was gentle about them and the conch lay at Ralph's feet, fragile and white." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A single drop of water that had escaped Piggy's fingers now flashed on the delicate curve like a star." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last Ralph sat up straight and drew back his hair.\n\n\"All right. I mean—you can try if you like. Well go with you.\"\n\n\"He'll be painted,\" said Sam, timidly. \"You know how he'll be—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—he won't think much of us—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—if he gets waxy we've had it—\"\n\nRalph scowled at Sam. Dimly he remembered something that Simon had said to him once, by the rocks.\n\n\"Don't be silly,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then he added quickly, \"Let's go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held out the conch to Piggy who flushed, this time with pride.\n\n\"You must carry it.\"\n\n\"When we're ready I'll carry it—\"\n\nPiggy sought in his mind for words to convey his passionate willingness to carry the conch against all odds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't mind. I'll be glad, Ralph, only I'll have to be led.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph put the conch back on the shining log. \"We better eat and then get ready.\" They made their way to the devastated fruit trees. Piggy was helped to his food and found some by touch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While they ate, Ralph thought of the afternoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll be like we were. We'll wash—\"\n\nSam gulped down a mouthful and protested.\n\n\"But we bathe every day!\"\n\nRalph looked at the filthy objects before him and sighed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We ought to comb our hair. Only it's too long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've got both socks left in the shelter,\" said Eric, \"so we could pull them over our heads tike caps, sort of.\"\n\n\"We could find some stuff,\" said Piggy, \"and tie your hair back.\"\n\n\"Like a girl!\"\n\n\"No. 'Course not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then we must go as we are,\" said Ralph, \"and they won't be any better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eric made a detaining gesture.\n\n\"But they'll be painted! You know how it is.\"\n\nThe others nodded. They understood only too well the liberation into savagery that the concealing paint brought.\n\n\"Well, we won't be painted,\" said Ralph, \"because we aren't savages.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samneric looked at each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All the same—\" Ralph shouted.\n\n\"No paint!\"\n\nHe tried to remember.\n\n\"Smoke,\" he said, \"we want smoke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned on the twins fiercely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said 'smoke'! We've got to have smoke.\"\n\nThere was silence, except for the multitudinous murmur of the bees. At last Piggy spoke, kindly.\n\n\"Course we have. 'Cos the smoke's a signal and we can't be rescued if we don't have smoke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew that!\" shouted Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled his arm away from Piggy. \"Are you suggesting—?\"\n\n\"I'm jus' saying what you always say,\" said Piggy hastily. \"I'd thought for a moment...\"\n\n\"I hadn't,\" said Ralph loudly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew it all the time. I hadn't forgotten.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy nodded propitiatingly.\n\n\"You're chief, Ralph. You remember everything.\"\n\n\"I hadn't forgotten.\"\n\n\"'Course not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins were examining Ralph curiously, as though they were seeing him for the first time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They set off along the beach in formation. Ralph went first, limping a little, his spear carried over one shoulder. He saw things partially, through the tremble of the heat haze over the flashing sands, and his own long hair and injuries. Behind him came the twins, worried now for a while but full of unquenchable vitality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They said little but trailed the butts of their wooden spears; for Piggy had found that, by looking down and shielding his tired sight from the sun, he could just see these moving along the sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked between the trailing butts, therefore, the conch held carefully between his two hands. The boys made a compact little group that moved over the beach, four plate-like shadows dancing and mingling beneath them. There was no sign left of the storm, and the beach was swept clean like a blade that has been scoured. The sky and the mountain were at an immense distance, shimmering in the heat; and the reef was lifted by mirage, floating in a land of silver pool halfway up the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They passed the place where the tribe had danced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The charred sticks still lay on the rocks where the rain had quenched them but the sand by the water was smooth again. They passed this in silence. No one doubted that the tribe would be found at the Castle Rock and when they came in sight of it they stopped with one accord. The densest tangle on the island, a mass of twisted stems, black and green and impenetrable, lay on their left and tall grass swayed before them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Ralph went forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here was the crushed grass where they had all lain when he had gone to prospect. There was the neck of land, the ledge skirting the rock, up there were the red pinnacles.\n\nSam touched his arm.\n\n\"Smoke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a tiny smudge of smoke wavering into the air on the other side of the rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some fire—I don't think.\"\n\nRalph turned.\n\n\"What are we hiding for?\"\n\nHe stepped through the screen of grass on to the little open space that led to the narrow neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You two follow behind. I'll go first, then Piggy a pace behind me. Keep your spears ready.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy peered anxiously into the luminous veil that hung between him and the world.\n\n\"Is it safe? Ain't there a cliff? I can hear the sea.\"\n\n\"You keep right close to me.\"\n\nRalph moved forward on to the neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He kicked a stone and it bounded into the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the sea sucked down, revealing a red, weedy square forty feet beneath Ralph's left arm.\n\n\"Am I safe?\" quavered Piggy. \"I feel awful—\"\n\nHigh above them from the pinnacles came a sudden shout and then an imitation war-cry that was answered by a dozen voices from behind the rock.\n\n\"Give me the conch and stay still.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Halt! Who goes there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph bent back his head and glimpsed Roger's dark face at the top.\n\n\"You can see who I am!\" he shouted. \"Stop being silly!\"\n\nHe put the conch to his lips and began to blow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Savages appeared, painted out of recognition, edging round the ledge toward the neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They carried spears and disposed themselves to defend the entrance. Ralph went on blowing and ignored Piggy's terrors.\n\nRoger was shouting.\n\n\"You mind out—see?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length Ralph took his lips away and paused to get his breath back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His first words were a gasp, but audible.\n\n\"—calling an assembly.\"\n\nThe savages guarding the neck muttered among themselves but made no motion. Ralph walked forwards a couple of steps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A voice whispered urgently behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't leave me, Ralph.\"\n\n\"You kneel down,\" said Ralph sideways, \"and wait till I come back.\"\n\nHe stood halfway along the neck and gazed at the savages intently. Freed by the paint, they had tied their hair back and were more comfortable than he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph made a resolution to tie his own back afterwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indeed he felt Eke telling them to wait and doing it there and then; but that was impossible. The savages sniggered a bit and one gestured at Ralph with his spear. High above, Roger took his hands off the lever and leaned out to see what was going on. The boys on the neck stood in a pool of their own shadow, diminished to shaggy heads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy crouched, his back shapeless as a sack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm calling an assembly.\"\n\nSilence.\n\nRoger took up a small stone and flung it between the twins, aiming to miss. They started and Sam only just kept his footing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some source of power began to pulse in Roger's body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph spoke again, loudly.\n\n\"I'm calling an assembly.\"\n\nHe ran his eye over them.\n\n\"Where's Jack?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The group of boys stirred and consulted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A painted face spoke with the voice of Robert.\n\n\"He's hunting. And he said we weren't to let you in.\"\n\n\"I've come to see about the fire,\" said Ralph, \"and about Piggy's specs.\"\n\nThe group in front of him shifted and laughter shivered outwards from among them, light, excited laughter that went echoing among the tall rocks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A voice spoke from behind Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you want?\"\n\nThe twins made a bolt past Ralph and got between him and the entry. He turned quickly. Jack, identifiable by personality and red hair, was advancing from the forest A hunter crouched on either side. All three were masked in black and green." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind them on the grass the headless and paunched body of a sow lay where they had dropped it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy wailed.\n\n\"Ralph! Don't leave me!\"\n\nWith ludicrous care he embraced the rock, pressing himself to it above the sucking sea. The sniggering of the savages became a loud derisive jeer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack shouted above the noise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You go away, Ralph. You keep to your end. This is my end and my tribe. You leave me alone.\"\n\nThe jeering died away.\n\n\"You pinched Piggy's specs,\" said Ralph, breathlessly. \"You've got to give them back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Got to? Who says?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph's temper blazed out.\n\n\"I say! You voted for me for chief. Didn't you hear the conch? You played a dirty trick—we'd have given you fire if you'd asked for it—\"\n\nThe blood was flowing in his cheeks and the bunged-up eye throbbed.\n\n\"You could have had fire whenever you wanted. But you didn't. You came sneaking up like a thief and stole Piggy's glasses!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Say that again!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thief! Thief!\"\n\nPiggy screamed.\n\n\"Ralph! Mind me!\"\n\nJack made a rush and stabbed at Ralph's chest with his spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph sensed the position of the weapon from the glimpse he caught of Jack's arm and put the thrust aside with his own butt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he brought the end round and caught Jack a stinger across the ear. They were chest to chest, breathing fiercely, pushing and glaring.\n\n\"Who's a thief?\"\n\n\"You are!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack wrenched free and swung at Ralph with his spear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By common consent they were using the spears as sabers now, no longer daring the lethal points. The blow struck Ralph's spear and slid down, to fall agonizingly on his fingers. Then they were apart once more, their positions reversed, Jack toward the Castle Rock and Ralph on the outside toward the island.\n\nBoth boys were breathing very heavily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on then—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on—\"\n\nTruculently they squared up to each other but kept just out of fighting distance.\n\n\"You come on and see what you get!\"\n\n\"You come on—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piggy clutching the ground was trying to attract Ralph's attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph moved, bent down, kept a wary eye on Jack.\n\n\"Ralph—remember what we came for. The fire. My specs.\"\n\nRalph nodded. He relaxed his fighting muscles, stood easily and grounded the butt of his spear Jack watched him inscrutably through his paint. Ralph glanced up at the pinnacles, then toward the group of savages \"Listen. We've come to say this. First you've got to give back Piggy's specs. If he hasn't got them he can't see You aren't playing the game—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tribe of painted savages giggled and Ralph's mind faltered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pushed his hair up and gazed at the green and black mask before him, trying to remember what Jack looked like.\n\nPiggy whispered.\n\n\"And the fire.\"\n\n\"Oh yes. Then about the fire. I say this again. I've been saying it ever since we dropped in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held out his spear and pointed at the savages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your only hope is keeping a signal fire going as long as there's light to see. Then maybe a ship'll notice the smoke and come and rescue us and take us home. But without that smoke we've got to wait till some ship comes by accident. We might wait years; till we were old—\"\n\nThe shivering, silvery, unreal laughter of the savages sprayed out and echoed away. A gust of rage shook Ralph His voice cracked.\n\n\"Don't you understand, you painted fools? Sam, Eric, Piggy and me—we aren't enough. We tried to keep the fire going, but we couldn't. And then you, playing at hunting...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed past them to where the trickle of smoke dispersed in the pearly air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at that! Call that a signal fire? That's a cooking fire Now you'll eat and there'll be no smoke. Don't you understand? There may be a ship out there—\"\n\nHe paused, defeated by the silence and the painted anonymity of the group guarding the entry. Jack opened a pink mouth and addressed Samneric, who were between him and his tribe.\n\n\"You two. Get back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one answered him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The twins, puzzled, looked at each Other; while Piggy, reassured by the cessation of violence, stood up carefully. Jack glanced back at Ralph and then at the twins.\n\n\"Grab them!\"\n\nNo one moved. Jack shouted angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said 'grab them'!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The painted group moved round Samneric nervously and unhandily. Once more the silvery laughter scattered.\n\nSamneric protested out of the heart of civilization.\n\n\"Oh, I say!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—honestly!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their spears were taken from them.\n\n\"Tie them up!\"\n\nRalph cried out hopelessly against the black and green mask.\n\n\"Jack!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go on. Tie them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the painted group felt the otherness of Samneric, felt the power in their own hands. They felled the twins clumsily and excitedly. Jack was inspired. He knew that Ralph would attempt a rescue. He struck in a humming circle behind him and Ralph only just parried the blow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond them the tribe and the twins were a loud and writhing heap. Piggy crouched again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the twins lay, astonished, and the tribe stood round them. Jack turned to Ralph and spoke between his teeth.\n\n\"See? They do what I want.\"\n\nThere was silence again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins lay, inexpertly tied up, and the tribe watched Ralph to see what he would do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He numbered them through his fringe, glimpsed the ineffectual smoke.\n\nHis temper broke. He screamed at Jack.\n\n\"You're a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief!\"\n\nHe charged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack, knowing this was the crisis, charged too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They met with a jolt and bounced apart. Jack swung with his fist at Ralph and aught him on the ear. Ralph hit Jack in the stomach and made him grunt. Then they were facing each other again, panting and furious, but unnerved by each other's ferocity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They became aware of the noise that was the background to this fight, the steady shrill cheering of the tribe behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy's voice penetrated to Ralph.\n\n\"Let me speak.\"\n\nHe was standing in the dust of the fight, and as the tribe saw his intention the shrill cheer changed to a steady booing.\n\nPiggy held up the conch and the booing sagged a little, then came up again to strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got the conch!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shouted.\n\n\"I tell you, I got the conch!\"\n\nSurprisingly, there was silence now; the tribe were curious to hear what amusing thing he might have to say.\n\nSilence and pause; but in the silence a curious air-noise, close by Ralphs head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He give it half his attention—and there it was again; a faint \"Zup!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone was throwing stones: Roger was dropping them, his one hand still on the lever. Below him, Ralph was a shock of hair and Piggy a bag of fat.\n\n\"I got this to say. You're acting like a crowd of lads.\"\n\nThe booing rose and died again as Piggy lifted the white, magic shell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which is better—to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A great clamor rose among the savages. Piggy shouted again.\n\n\"Which is better—to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?\"\n\nAgain the clamor and again–\"Zup!\"\n\nRalph shouted against the noise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now Jack was veiling too and Ralph could no longer make himself heard. Jack had backed right against the tribe and they were a solid mass of menace that bristled with spears. The intention of a charge was forming among them; they were working up to it and the neck would be swept clear. Ralph stood facing them, a little to one side, his spear ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By him stood Piggy still holding out the talisman, the fragile, shining beauty of the shell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The storm of sound beat at them, an incantation of hatred. High overhead, Roger, with a sense of delirious abandonment, leaned all his weight on the lever.\n\nRalph heard the great rock long before he saw it. He was aware of a jolt in the earth that came to him through the soles of his feet, and the breaking sound of stones at the top of the cliff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the monstrous red thing, bounded across the neck and he flung himself fiat while the tribe shrieked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist. Piggy, saying nothing, with no time for even a grunt, traveled through the air sideways from the rock, turning over as he went. The rock bounded twice and was lost in the forest. Piggy fell forty feet and landed on his back across that square red rock in the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His head opened and stuff came out and turned red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Piggy's arms and legs twitched a bit, like a pig's after it has been killed. Then the sea breathed again in a long, slow sigh, the water boiled white and pink over the rock; and when it went, sucking back again, the body of Piggy was gone.\n\nThis time the silence was complete. Ralph's lips formed a word but no sound came." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly Jack bounded out from the tribe and began screaming wildly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"See? See? That's what you'll get! I meant that! There isn't a tribe for you any morel The conch is gone—\"\n\nHe ran forward, stooping.\n\n\"I'm chief!\"\n\nViciously, with full intention, he hurled his spear at Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The point tore the skin and flesh over Ralph's ribs, then sheared off and fell in the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph stumbled, feeling not pain but panic, and the tribe, screaming now like the chief, began to advance. Another spear, a bent one that would not fly straight, went past his face and one fell from on high where Roger was. The twins lay hidden behind the tribe and the anonymous devils' faces swarmed across the neck. Ralph turned and ran." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A great noise as of sea gulls rose behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He obeyed an instinct that he did not know he possessed and swerved over the open space so that the spears went wide. He saw the headless body of the sow and jumped in time. Then he was crashing through foliage and small boughs and was hidden by the forest.\n\nThe chief stopped by the pig, turned and held up his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Back! Back to the fort!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Presently the tribe returned noisily to the neck where Roger joined them.\n\nThe chief spoke to him angrily.\n\n\"Why aren't you on watch?\"\n\nRoger looked at him gravely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just came down—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hangman's horror clung round him. The chief said no more to him but looked down at Samneric.\n\n\"You got to join the tribe.\"\n\n\"You lemme go—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—and me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs.\n\n\"What d'you mean by it, eh?\" said the chief fiercely, \"What d'you mean by coming with spears? What d'you mean by not joining my tribe?\"\n\nThe prodding became rhythmic. Sam yelled." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfour sentences\n\nStyle:\nWilliam Golding" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph lay in a covert, wondering about his wounds. The bruised flesh was inches in diameter over his right ribs, with a swollen and bloody scar where the spear had hit him. His hair was full of dirt and tapped like the tendrils of a creeper. All over he was scratched and bruised from his flight through the forest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time his breathing was normal again, he had worked out that bathing these injuries would have to wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How could you listen for naked feet if you were splashing in water? How could you be safe by the little stream or on the open beach?\n\nRalph listened. He was not really far from the Castle Rock, and during the first panic he had thought he heard sounds of pursuit But the hunters had only sneaked into the fringes of the greenery, retrieving spears perhaps, and then had rushed back to the sunny rock as if terrified of the darkness under the leaves. He had even glimpsed one of them, striped brown, black, and red, and had judged that it was Bill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But really, thought Ralph, this was not Bill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a savage whose image refused to blend with that ancient picture of a boy in shorts and shirt.\n\nThe afternoon died away; the circular spots of sunlight moved steadily over green fronds and brown fiber but no sound came from behind the rock. At last Ralph wormed out of the ferns and sneaked forward to the edge of that impenetrable thicket that fronted the neck of land. He peered with elaborate caution between branches at the edge and could see Robert sitting on guard at the top of the cliff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held a spear in his left hand and was tossing up a pebble and catching it again with the right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him a column of smoke rose thickly, so that Ralph's nostrils flared and his mouth dribbled. He wiped his nose and mouth with the back of his hand and for the first time since the morning felt hungry. The tribe must be sitting round the gutted pig, watching the fat ooze and burn among the ashes. They would be intent Another figure, an unrecognizable one, appeared by Robert and gave him something, then turned and went back behind the rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Robert laid his spear on the rock beside him and began to gnaw between his raised hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So the feast was beginning and the watchman had been given his portion.\n\nRalph saw that for the time being he was safe. He limped away through the fruit trees, drawn by the thought of the poor food yet bitter when he remembered the feast. Feast today, and then tomorrow..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He argued unconvincingly that they would let him alone, perhaps even make an outlaw of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then the fatal unreasoning knowledge came to him again. The breaking of the conch and the deaths of Piggy and Simon lay over the island like a vapor. These painted savages would go further and further. Then there was that indefinable connection between himself and Jack; who therefore would never let him alone; never." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused, sun-flecked, holding up a bough, prepared to duck under it A spasm of terror set him shaking and he cried aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. They're not as bad as that. It was an accident.\"\n\nHe ducked under the bough, ran clumsily, then stopped and listened.\n\nHe came to the smashed acres of fruit and ate greedily. He saw two littluns and, not having any idea of his own appearance, wondered why they screamed and ran." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he had eaten he went toward the beach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sunlight was slanting now into the palms by the wrecked shelter. There was the platform and the pool. The best thing to do was to ignore this leaden feeling about the heart and rely on their common sense, their daylight sanity. Now that the tribe had eaten, the thing to do was to try again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And anyway, he couldn't stay here all night in an empty shelter by the deserted platform." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His flesh crept and he shivered in the evening sun. No fire; no smoke; no rescue. He turned and limped away through the forest toward Jack's end of the island.\n\nThe slanting sticks of sunlight were lost among the branches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length he came to a clearing in the forest where rock prevented vegetation from growing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now it was a pool of shadows and Ralph nearly flung himself behind a tree when he saw something standing in the center; but then he saw that the white face was bone and that the pig's skull grinned at him from the top of a stick. He walked slowly into the middle of the clearing and looked steadily at the skull that gleamed as white as ever the conch had done and seemed to jeer at him cynically. An inquisitive ant was busy in one of the eye sockets but otherwise the thing was lifeless.\n\nOr was it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Little prickles of sensation ran up and down his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood, the skull about on a level with his face, and held up his hair with two hands. The teeth grinned, the empty sockets seemed to hold his gaze masterfully and without effort.\n\nWhat was it?\n\nThe skull regarded Ralph like one who knows all the answers and won't tell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sick fear and rage swept him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fiercely he hit out at the filthy thing in front of him that bobbed like a toy and came back, still grinning into his face, so that he lashed and cried out in loathing. Then he was licking his bruised knuckles and looking at the bare stick, while the skull lay in two pieces, its grin now six feet across. He wrenched the quivering stick from the crack and held it as a spear between him and the white pieces. Then he backed away, keeping his face to the skull that lay grinning at the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the green glow had gone from the horizon and night was fully accomplished, Ralph came again to the thicket in front of the Castle Rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peeping through, he could see that the height was still occupied, and whoever it was up there had a spear at the ready.\n\nHe knelt among the shadows and felt his isolation bitterly. They were savages it was true; but they were human, and the ambushing fears of the deep night were coming on.\n\nRalph moaned faintly. Tired though he was, he could not relax and fall into a well of sleep for fear of the tribe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Might it not be possible to walk boldly into the fort, say—\"I've got pax,\" laugh lightly and sleep among the others?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pretend they were still boys, schoolboys who had said, \"Sir, yes, Sir\"—and worn caps? Daylight might have answered yes; but darkness and the horrors of death said no. Lying there in the darkness, he knew he was an outcast.\n\n\"'Cos I had some sense.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rubbed his cheek along his forearm, smelling the acrid scent of salt and sweat and the staleness of dirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over to the left, the waves of ocean were breathing, sucking down, then boiling back over the rock.\n\nThere were sounds coming from behind the Castle Rock Listening carefully, detaching his mind from the swing of the sea, Ralph could make out a familiar rhythm.\n\n\"Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!\"\n\nThe tribe was dancing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Somewhere on the other side of this rocky wall there would be a dark circle, a glowing fire, and meat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They would be savoring food and the comfort of safety.\n\nA noise nearer at hand made him quiver. Savages were clambering up the Castle Rock, right up to the top, and he could hear voices. He sneaked forward a few yards and saw the shape at the top of the rock change and enlarge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were only two boys on the island who moved or talked like that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph put his head down on his forearms and accepted this new fact like a wound. Samneric were part of the tribe now. They were guarding the Castle Rock against him. There was no chance of rescuing them and building up an outlaw tribe at the other end of the island." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samneric were savages like the rest; Piggy was dead, and the conch smashed to powder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At length the guard climbed down. The two that remained seemed nothing more than a dark extension of the rock. A star appeared behind them and was momentarily eclipsed by some movement.\n\nRalph edged forward, feeling his way over the uneven surface as though he were bund." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were miles of vague water at his right and the restless ocean lay under his left hand, as awful as the shaft of a pit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every minute the water breathed round the death rock and flowered into a field of whiteness. Ralph crawled until he found the ledge of the entry in his grasp. The lookouts were immediately above him and he could see the end of a spear projecting over the rock.\n\nHe called very gently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Samneric—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no reply. To carry he must speak louder; and this would rouse those striped and inimical creatures from their feasting by the fire. He set his teeth and started to climb, finding the holds by touch. The stick that had supported a skull hampered him but he would not be parted from his only weapon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was nearly level with the twins before he spoke again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Samneric—\"\n\nHe heard a cry and a flurry from the rock. The twins had grabbed each other and were gibbering.\n\n\"It's me. Ralph.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Terrified that they would run and give the alarm, he hauled himself up until his head and shoulders stuck over the top." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Far below his armpit he saw the luminous flowering round the rock.\n\n\"It's only me. Ralph.\"\n\nAt length they bent forward and peered in his face.\n\n\"We thought it was—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—we didn't know what it was—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—we thought—\"\n\nMemory of their new and shameful loyalty came to them. Eric was silent but Sam tried to do his duty.\n\n\"You got to go, Ralph. You go away now—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wagged his spear and essayed fierceness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You shove off. See?\"\n\nEric nodded agreement and jabbed his spear in the air. Ralph leaned on his arms and did not go.\n\n\"I came to see you two.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice was thick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His throat was hurting him now though it had received no wound.\n\n\"I came to see you two—\"\n\nWords could not express the dull pain of these things. He fell silent, while the vivid stars were spilt and danced all ways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sam shifted uneasily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Honest, Ralph, you'd better go.\"\n\nRalph looked up again.\n\n\"You two aren't painted. How can you—? If it were light—\"\n\nIf it were light shame would burn them at admitting these things." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the night was dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eric took up; and then the twins started their antiphonal speech.\n\n\"You got to go because it's not safe—\"\n\n\"—they made us. They hurt us—\"\n\n\"Who? Jack?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh no—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They bent to him and lowered their voices.\n\n\"Push off, Ralph—'\n\n\"—it's a tribe—\"\n\n\"—they made us—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"—we couldn't help it—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Ralph spoke again his voice was low, and seemed breathless.\n\n\"What have I done? I liked him—and I wanted us to be rescued—\"\n\nAgain the stars spilled about the sky. Eric shook his head, earnestly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen, Ralph. Never mind what's sense. That's gone—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind about the chief—\"\n\n\"—you got to go for your own good.\"\n\n\"The chief and Roger—\"\n\n\"—yes, Roger—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They hate you, Ralph. They're going to do you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're going to hunt you tomorrow.\"\n\n\"But why?\"\n\n\"I dunno. And Ralph, Jack, the chief, says it'll be dangerous—\"\n\n\"—and we've got to be careful and throw our spears like at a pig.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going to spread out in a line across the island—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—we're going forward from this end—\"\n\n\"—until we find you.\"\n\n\"We've got to give signals like this.\"\n\nEric raised his head and achieved a faint ululation by beating on his open mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he glanced behind him nervously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like that—\"\n\n\"—only louder, of course.\"\n\n\"But I've done nothing,\" whispered Ralph, urgently. I only wanted to keep up a fire!\"\n\nHe paused for a moment, thinking miserably of the morrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A matter of overwhelming importance occurred to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you—?\"\n\nHe could not bring himself to be specific at first; but then fear and loneliness goaded him.\n\n\"When they find me, what are they going to do?\" The twins were silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beneath him, the death rock flowered again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are they—oh God! I'm hungry—\"\n\nThe towering rock seemed to sway under him.\n\n\"Well—what—?\"\n\nThe twins answered his question indirectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You got to go now, Ralph.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For your own good.\"\n\n\"Keep away. As far as you can.\"\n\n\"Won't you come with me? Three of us—we'd stand a chance. \".\n\nAfter a moment's silence, Sam spoke in a strangled voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't know Roger. He's a terror.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And the chief—they're both—\"\n\n\"—terrors—\"\n\n\"—only Roger—\"\n\nBoth boys froze. Someone was climbing toward them from the tribe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's coming to see if we're keeping watch. Quick, Ralph!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he prepared to let himself down the cliff, Ralph snatched at the last possible advantage to be wrung out of this meeting.\n\n\"I'll lie up close; in that thicket down there,\" he whispered, \"so keep them away from it. They'll never think to took so close—\"\n\nThe footsteps were still some distance away.\n\n\"Sam—I'm going to be all right, aren't I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The twins were silent again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here!\" said Sam suddenly. \"Take this—\"\n\nRalph felt a chunk of meat pushed against him and grabbed it.\n\n\"But what are you going to do when you catch me?\"\n\nSilence above. He sounded silly to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lowered himself down the rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you going to do—?\"\n\nFrom the top of the towering rock came the incomprehensible reply.\n\n\"Roger sharpened a stick at both ends.\"\n\nRoger sharpened a stick at both ends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph tried to attach a meaning to this but could not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He used all the bad words he could think of in a fit of temper that passed into yawning. How long could you go without sleep? He yearned for a bed and sheets—but the only whiteness here was the slow spilt milk, luminous round the rock forty feet below, where Piggy had fallen. Piggy was everywhere, was on this neck, was become terrible in darkness and death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Piggy were to come back now out of the water, with his empty head—Ralph whimpered and yawned like a littlun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stick in his hand became a crutch on which he reeled.\n\nThen he tensed again. There were voices raised on the top of the Castle Rock. Samneric were arguing with someone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the ferns and the grass were near." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was the place to be in, hidden, and next to the thicket that would serve for tomorrow's hide-out. Here—and his hands touched grass—was a place to be in for the night, not far from the tribe, so that if the horrors of the supernatural emerged one could at least mix with humans for the time being, even if it meant...\n\nWhat did it mean? A stick sharpened at both ends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was there in that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had thrown spears and missed; all but one. Perhaps they would miss next time, too.\n\nHe squatted down in the tall grass, remembered the meat that Sam had given him, and began to tear at it ravenously. While he was eating, he heard fresh noises—cries of pain from Samneric, cries of panic, angry voices." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What did it mean?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone besides himself was in trouble, for at least one of the twins was catching it. Then the voices passed away down the rock and he ceased to think of them. He felt with his hands and found cool, delicate fronds backed against the thicket. Here then was the night's lair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first light he would creep into the thicket, squeeze between the twisted stems, ensconce himself so deep that only a crawler like himself could come through, and that crawler would be jabbed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There he would sit, and the search would pass him by, and the cordon waver on, ululating along the island, and he would be free.\n\nHe pulled himself between the ferns, tunneling in. He laid the stick beside him, and huddled himself down in the blackness. One must remember to wake at first light, in order to diddle the savages—and he did not know how quickly sleep came and hurled him down a dark interior slope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was awake before his eyes were open, listening to a noise that was near." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened an eye, found the mold an inch or so from his face and his fingers gripped into it, light filtering between the fronds of fern. He had just time to realize that the age-long nightmares of falling and death were past and that the morning was come, when he heard the sound again. It was an ululation over by the seashore—and now the next savage answered and the next. The cry swept by him across the narrow end of the island from sea to lagoon, like the cry of a flying bird." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took no time to consider but grabbed his sharp stick and wriggled back among the ferns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within seconds he was worming his way into the thicket; but not before he had glimpsed the legs of a savage coming toward him. The ferns were thumped and beaten and he heard legs moving in the long grass. The savage, whoever he was, ululated twice; and the cry was repeated in both directions, then died away. Ralph crouched still, tangled in the ferns, and for a time he heard nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last he examined the thicket itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly no one could attack him here—and moreover he had a stroke of luck. The great rock that had killed Piggy had bounded into this thicket and bounced there, right in the center, making a smashed space a few feet in extent each way. When Ralph had wriggled into this he felt secure, and clever. He sat down carefully among the smashed stems and waited for the hunt to pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking up between the leaves he caught a glimpse of something red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That must be the top of the Castle Rock, distant and unmenacing. He composed himself triumphantly, to hear the sounds of the hunt dying away.\n\nYet no one made a sound; and as the minutes passed, in the green shade, his feeling of triumph faded.\n\nAt last he heard a voice—Jack's voice, but hushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you certain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The savage addressed said nothing. Perhaps he made a gesture.\n\nRoger spoke.\n\n\"If you're fooling us—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Immediately after this, there came a gasp, and a squeal of pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph crouched instinctively. One of the twins was there, outside the thicket, with Jack and Roger.\n\n\"You're sure he meant in there?\"\n\nThe twin moaned faintly and then squealed again.\n\n\"He meant he'd hide in there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes—yes—oh—!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silvery laughter scattered among the trees.\n\nSo they knew.\n\nRalph picked up his stick and prepared for battle. But what could they do?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would take them a week to break a path through the thicket; and anyone who wormed his way in would be helpless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt the point of his spear with his thumb and grinned without amusement Whoever tried that would be stuck, squealing like a pig.\n\nThey were going away, back to the tower rock. He could hear feet moving and then someone sniggered. There came again that high, bird-like cry that swept along the line, So some were still watching for him; but some—?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a long, breathless silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph found that he had bark in his mouth from the gnawed spear. He stood and peered upwards to the Castle Rock.\n\nAs he did so, he heard Jack's voice from the top.\n\n\"Heave! Heave! Heave!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The red rock that he could see at the top of the cliff vanished like a curtain, and he could see figures and blue sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A moment later the earth jolted, there was a rushing sound in the air, and the top of the thicket was cuffed as with a gigantic hand. The rock bounded on, thumping and smashing toward the beach, while a shower of broken twigs and leaves fell on him. Beyond the thicket, the tribe was cheering.\n\nSilence again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph put his fingers in his mouth and bit them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was only one other rock up there that they might conceivably move; but that was half as big as a cottage, big as a car, a tank. He visualized its probable progress with agonizing clearness—that one would start slowly, drop from ledge to ledge, trundle across the neck like an outsize steam roller.\n\n\"Heave! Heave! Heave!\"\n\nRalph put down his spear, then picked it up again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed his hair back irritably, took two hasty steps across the little space and then came back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood looking at the broken ends of branches.\n\nStill silence.\n\nHe caught sight of the rise and fall of his diaphragm and was surprised to see how quickly he was breathing. Just left of center his heart-beats were visible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put the spear down again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heave! Heave! Heave!\"\n\nA shrill, prolonged cheer.\n\nSomething boomed up on the red rock, then the earth jumped and began to shake steadily, while the noise as steadily increased. Ralph was shot into the air, thrown down, dashed against branches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At his right hand, and only a few feet away, the whole thicket bent and the roots screamed as they came out of the earth together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw something red that turned over slowly as a mill wheel. Then the red thing was past and the elephantine progress diminished toward the sea.\n\nRalph knelt on the plowed-up soil, and waited for the earth to come back. Presently the white, broken stumps, the split sticks and the tangle of the thicket refocused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a kind of heavy feeling in his body where he had watched his own pulse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silence again.\n\nYet not entirely so. They were whispering out there; and suddenly the branches were shaken furiously at two places on his right. The pointed end of a stick appeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In panic, Ralph thrust his own stick through the crack and struck with all his might." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aaa-ah!\"\n\nHis spear twisted a little in his hands and then he withdrew it again.\n\n\"Ooh-ooh—\"\n\nSomeone was moaning outside and a babble of voices rose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A fierce argument was going on and the wounded savage kept groaning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then when there was silence, a single voice spoke and Ralph decided that it was not Jack's.\n\n\"See? I told you—he's dangerous.\"\n\nThe wounded savage moaned again.\n\nWhat else? What next?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph fastened his hands round the chewed spear and his hair fell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone was muttering, only a few yards away toward the Castle Rock. He heard a savage say \"No!\" in a shocked voice; and then there was suppressed laughter. He squatted back on his heels and showed his teeth at the wall of branches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised his spear, snarled a little, and waited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once more the invisible group sniggered. He heard a curious trickling sound and then a louder crepitation as if someone were unwrapping great sheets of cellophane. A stick snapped and he stifled a cough. Smoke was seeping through the branches in white and yellow wisps, the patch of blue sky overhead turned to the color of a storm cloud, and then the smoke billowed round him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone laughed excitedly, and a voice shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Smoke!\"\n\nHe wormed his way through the thicket toward the forest, keeping as far as possible beneath the smoke. Presently he saw open space, and the green leaves of the edge of the thicket. A smallish savage was standing between him and the rest of the forest, a savage striped red and white, and carrying a spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was coughing and smearing the paint about his eyes with the back of his hand as he tried to see through the increasing smoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph launched himself like a cat; stabbed, snarling, with the spear, and the savage doubled up. There was a shout from beyond the thicket and then Ralph was running with the swiftness of fear through the undergrowth. He came to a pig-run, followed it for perhaps a hundred yards, and then swerved off. Behind him the ululation swept across the island once more and a single voice shouted three times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He guessed that was the signal to advance and sped away again, till his chest was like fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he flung himself down under a bush and waited for a moment till his breathing steadied. He passed his tongue tentatively over his teeth and lips and heard far off the ululation of the pursuers.\n\nThere were many things he could do. He could climb a tree; but that was putting all his eggs in one basket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he were detected, they had nothing more difficult to do than wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If only one had time to think!\n\nAnother double cry at the same distance gave him a clue to their plan. Any savage balked in the forest would utter the double shout and hold up the line till he was free again. That way they might hope to keep the cordon unbroken right across the island." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph thought of the boar that had broken through them with such ease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If necessary, when the chase came too close, he could charge the cordon while it was still thin, burst through, and run back. But run back where? The cordon would turn and sweep again. Sooner or later he would have to sleep or eat—and then he would awaken with hands clawing at him; and the hunt would become a running down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was to be done, then?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tree? Burst the line like a boar? Either way the choice was terrible.\n\nA single cry quickened his heart-beat and, leaping up, be dashed away toward the ocean side and the thick jungle till he was hung up among creepers; he stayed there for a moment with his calves quivering. If only one could have quiet, a long pause, a time to think!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And there again, shrill and inevitable, was the ululation sweeping across the island." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that sound he shied like a horse among the creepers and ran once more till he was panting. He flung himself down by some ferns. The tree, or the charge? He mastered his breathing for a moment, wiped his mouth, and told himself to be calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samneric were somewhere in that line, and hating it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or were they? And supposing, instead of them, he met the chief, or Roger who carried death in his hands?\n\nRalph pushed back his tangled hair and wiped the sweat out of his best eye. He spoke aloud.\n\n\"Think.\"\n\nWhat was the sensible thing to do?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no Piggy to talk sense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no solemn assembly for debate nor dignity of the conch.\n\n\"Think.\"\n\nMost, he was beginning to dread the curtain that might waver in his brain, blacking out the sense of danger, making a simpleton of him.\n\nA third idea would be to hide so well that the advancing line would pass without discovering him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jerked his head off the ground and listened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was another noise to attend to now, a deep grumbling noise, as though the forest itself were angry with him, a somber noise across which the ululations were scribbled excruciatingly as on slate. He knew he had heard it before somewhere, but had no time to remember.\n\nBreak the line.\n\nA tree." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hide, and let them pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A nearer cry stood him on his feet and immediately he was away again, running fast among thorns and brambles. Suddenly he blundered into the open, found himself again in that open space—and there was the fathom-wide grin of the skull, no longer ridiculing a deep blue patch of sky but jeering up into a blanket of smoke. Then Ralph was running beneath trees, with the grumble of the forest explained. They had smoked him out and set the island on fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hide was better than a tree because you had a chance of breaking the line if you were discovered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hide, then.\n\nHe wondered it a pig would agree, and grimaced at nothing. Find the deepest thicket, the darkest hole on the island, and creep in. Now, as he ran, he peered about him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bars and splashes of sunlight flitted over him and sweat made glistening streaks on his dirty body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cries were far now, and faint.\n\nAt last he found what seemed to him the right place, though the decision was desperate. Here, bushes and a wild tangle of creeper made a mat that kept out all the light of the sun. Beneath it was a space, perhaps a foot high, though it was pierced everywhere by parallel and rising stems." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you wormed into the middle of that you would be five yards from the edge, and hidden, unless the savage chose to lie down and look for you; and even then, you would be in darkness—and if the worst happened and he saw you, then you had a chance to burst out at him, fling the whole line out of step and double back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cautiously, his stick trailing behind him, Ralph wormed between the rising stems. When he reached the middle of the mat he lay and listened.\n\nThe fire was a big one and the drum-roll that he had thought was left so far behind was nearer. Couldn't a fire outrun a galloping horse?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see the sun-splashed ground over an area of perhaps fifty yards from where he lay, and as he watched, the sunlight in every patch blinked at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was so like the curtain that flapped in his brain that for a moment he thought the blinking was inside him. But then the patches blinked more rapidly, dulled and went out, so that he saw that a great heaviness of smoke lay between the island and the sun.\n\nIf anyone peered under the bushes and chanced to glimpse human flesh it might be Samneric who would pretend not to see and say nothing. He laid his cheek against the chocolate-colored earth, licked his dry lips and closed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Under the thicket, the earth was vibrating very slightly; or perhaps there was a sound beneath the obvious thunder of the fire and scribbled ululations that was too low to hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone cried out. Ralph jerked his cheek off the earth and looked into the dulled light. They must be near now, he thought, and his chest began to thump. Hide, break the line, climb a tree—which was the best after all? The trouble was you only had one chance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the fire was nearer; those volleying shots were great limbs, trunks even, bursting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fools! The fools! The fire must be almost at the fruit trees—what would they eat tomorrow?\n\nRalph stirred restlessly in his narrow bed. One chanced nothing! What could they do? Beat him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "So what?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kill him? A stick sharpened at both ends.\n\nThe cries, suddenly nearer, jerked him up. He could see a striped savage moving hastily out of a green tangle, and coming toward the mat where he hid, a savage who carried a spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph gripped his fingers into the earth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be ready now, in case.\n\nRalph fumbled to hold his spear so that it was point foremost; and now he saw that the stick was sharpened at both ends.\n\nThe savage stopped fifteen yards away and uttered his cry.\n\nPerhaps he can hear my heart over the noises of the fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't scream. Get ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The savage moved forward so that you could only see him from the waist down. That was the butt of his spear. Now you could see him from the knee down. Don't scream. A herd of pigs came squealing out of the greenery behind the savage and rushed away into the forest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Birds were screaming, mice shrieking, and a little hopping thing came under the mat and cowered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five yards away the savage stopped, standing right by the thicket, and cried out. Ralph drew his feet up and crouched. The stake was in his hands, the stake sharpened at both ends, the stake that vibrated so wildly, that grew long, short, light, heavy, light again.\n\nThe ululation spread from shore to shore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The savage knelt down by the edge of the thicket, and there were lights flickering in the forest behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could see a knee disturb the mold. Now the other. Two hands. A spear.\n\nA face.\n\nThe savage peered into the obscurity beneath the thicket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You could tell that he saw light on this side and on that, but not in the middle—there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the middle was a blob of dark and the savage wrinkled up his face, trying to decipher the darkness.\n\nThe seconds lengthened Ralph was looking straight into the savage's eyes.\n\nDon't scream.\n\nYou'll get back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he's seen you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's making sure. A stick sharpened.\n\nRalph screamed, a scream of fright and anger and desperation. His legs straightened, the screams became continuous and foaming. He shot forward, burst the thicket, was in the open, screaming, snarling, bloody." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He swung the stake and the savage tumbled over; but there were others coming toward him, crying out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He swerved as a spear flew past and then was silent, running. All at once the lights flickering ahead of him merged together, the roar of the forest rose to thunder and a tall bush directly in his path burst into a great fan-shaped flame. He swung to the right, running desperately fast, with the heat beating on his left side and the fire racing forward like a tide. The ululation rose behind him and spread along, a series of short sharp cries, the sighting call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A brown figure showed up at his right and fell away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were all running, all crying out madly. He could hear them crashing in the undergrowth and on the left was the hot, bright thunder of the fire. He forgot his wounds, his hunger and thirst, and became fear; hopeless fear on flying feet, rushing through the forest toward the open beach. Spots jumped before his eyes and turned into red circles that expanded quickly till they passed out of sight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Below him someone's legs were getting tired and the desperate ululation advanced like a jagged fringe of menace and was almost overhead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stumbled over a root and the cry that pursued him rose even higher. He saw a shelter burst into flames and the fire flapped at his right shoulder and there was the glitter of water. Then he was down, rolling over and over in the warm sand, crouching with arm up to ward off, trying to cry for mercy.\n\nHe staggered to his feet, tensed for more terrors, and looked up at a huge peaked cap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a white-topped cap, and above the green shade or the peak was a crown, an anchor, gold foliage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw white drill, epaulettes, a revolver, a row of gilt buttons down the front of a uniform.\n\nA naval officer stood on the sand, looking down at Ralph in wary astonishment. On the beach behind him was a cutter, her bows hauled up and held by two ratings. In the stern-sheets another rating held a sub-machine gun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ululation faltered and died away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer looked at Ralph doubtfully for a moment, then took his hand away from the butt of the revolver.\n\n\"Hullo.\"\n\nSquirming a little, conscious of his filthy appearance, Ralph answered shyly.\n\n\"Hullo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer nodded, as if a question had been answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are there any adults—any grownups with you?\"\n\nDumbly, Ralph shook his head. He turned a half-pace on the sand. A semicircle of little boys, their bodies streaked with colored clay, sharp sticks in their hands, were standing on the beach making no noise at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fun and games,\" said the officer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fire reached the coconut palms by the beach and swallowed them noisily. A flame, seemingly detached, swung like an acrobat and licked up the palm heads on the platfonn. The sky was black.\n\nThe officer grinned cheerfully at Ralph." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We saw your smoke. What have you been doing? Having a war or something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ralph nodded.\n\nThe officer inspected the little scarecrow in front of him. The kid needed a bath, a haircut, a nose-wipe and a good deal of ointment.\n\n\"Nobody killed, I hope? Any dead bodies?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only two. And they've gone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer leaned down and looked closely at Ralph.\n\n\"Two? Killed?\"\n\nRalph nodded again. Behind him, the whole island was shuddering with flame. The officer knew, as a rule, when people were telling the truth. He whistled softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other boys were appearing now, tiny tots some of them, brown, with the distended bellies of small savages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them came dose to the officer and looked up.\n\n\"I'm, I'm—\"\n\nBut there was no more to come. Percival Wemys Madison sought in his head for an incantation that had faded clean away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer turned back to Ralph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll take you off. How many of you are there?\"\n\nRalph shook his head. The officer looked past him to the group of painted boys.\n\n\"Who's boss here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am,\" said Ralph loudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A little boy who wore the remains of an extraordinary black cap on his red hair and who carried the remains of a pair of spectacles at his waist, started forward, then changed his mind and stood still.\n\n\"We saw your smoke. And you don't know how many of you there are?\"\n\n\"No, sir.\"\n\n\"I should have thought,\" said the officer as he visualized the search before him, \"I should have thought that a pack of British boys—you're all British, aren't you?—would have been able to put up a better show than that—I mean—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was like that at first,\" said Ralph, \"before things—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped.\n\n\"We were together then—\"\n\nThe officer nodded helpfully.\n\n\"I know. Jolly good show. Like the Coral Island.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ralph looked at him dumbly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment he had a fleeting picture of the strange glamour that had once invested the beaches. But the island was scorched up like dead wood—Simon was dead—and Jack had... The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as George Orwell" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors of Victory Mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with him.\n\nThe hallway smelt of boiled cabbage and old rag mats. At one end of it a coloured poster, too large for indoor display, had been tacked to the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It depicted simply an enormous face, more than a metre wide: the face of a man of about forty-five, with a heavy black moustache and ruggedly handsome features." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Winston made for the stairs. It was no use trying the lift. Even at the best of times it was seldom working, and at present the electric current was cut off during daylight hours. It was part of the economy drive in preparation for Hate Week." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flat was seven flights up, and Winston, who was thirty-nine and had a varicose ulcer above his right ankle, went slowly, resting several times on the way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On each landing, opposite the lift shaft, the poster with the enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption beneath it ran.\n\nInside the flat a fruity voice was reading out a list of figures which had something to do with the production of pig-iron." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice came from an oblong metal plaque like a dulled mirror which formed part of the surface of the right-hand wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Winston turned a switch and the voice sank somewhat, though the words were still distinguishable. The instrument (the telescreen, it was called) could be dimmed, but there was no way of shutting it off completely. He moved over to the window: a smallish, frail figure, the meagreness of his body merely emphasized by the blue overalls which were the uniform of the Party. His hair was very fair, his face naturally sanguine, his skin roughened by coarse soap and blunt razor blades and the cold of the winter that had just ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside, even through the shut window-pane, the world looked cold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Down in the street little eddies of wind were whirling dust and torn paper into spirals, and though the sun was shining and the sky a harsh blue, there seemed to be no colour in anything, except the posters that were plastered everywhere. The black-moustachio'd face gazed down from every commanding corner. There was one on the house-front immediately opposite. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption said, while the dark eyes looked deep into Winston's own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down at street level another poster, torn at one corner, flapped fitfully in the wind, alternately covering and uncovering the single word INGSOC." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the far distance a helicopter skimmed down between the roofs, hovered for an instant like a bluebottle, and darted away again with a curving flight. It was the police patrol, snooping into people's windows. The patrols did not matter, however. Only the Thought Police mattered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind Winston's back the voice from the telescreen was still babbling away about pig-iron and the overfulfilment of the Ninth Three-Year Plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The telescreen received and transmitted simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it; moreover, so long as he remained within the field of vision which the metal plaque commanded, he could be seen as well as heard. There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment. How often, or on what system, the Thought Police plugged in on any individual wire was guesswork." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was even conceivable that they watched everybody all the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But at any rate they could plug in your wire whenever they wanted to. You had to live – did live, from habit that became instinct – in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinised.\n\nWinston kept his back turned to the telescreen. It was safer; though, as he well knew, even a back can be revealing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A kilometre away the Ministry of Truth, his place of work, towered vast and white above the grimy landscape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This, he thought with a sort of vague distaste – this was London, chief city of Airstrip One, itself the third most populous of the provinces of Oceania. He tried to squeeze out some childhood memory that should tell him whether London had always been quite like this. Were there always these vistas of rotting nineteenth-century houses, their sides shored up with baulks of timber, their windows patched with cardboard and their roofs with corrugated iron, their crazy garden walls sagging in all directions? And the bombed sites where the plaster dust swirled in the air and the willowherb straggled over the heaps of rubble; and the places where the bombs had cleared a larger patch and there had sprung up sordid colonies of wooden dwellings like chicken-houses?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it was no use, he could not remember: nothing remained of his childhood except a series of bright-lit tableaux, occurring against no background and mostly unintelligible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Ministry of Truth – Minitrue, in Newspeak1 – was startlingly different from any other object in sight. It was an enormous pyramidal structure of glittering white concrete, soaring up, terrace after terrace, three hundred metres into the air. From where Winston stood it was just possible to read, picked out on its white face in elegant lettering, the three slogans of the Party:\n\nWAR IS PEACE" }, { "from": "human", "value": "FREEDOM IS SLAVERY" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.\n\nThe Ministry of Truth contained, it was said, three thousand rooms above ground level, and corresponding ramifications below. Scattered about London there were just three other buildings of similar appearance and size. So completely did they dwarf the surrounding architecture that from the roof of Victory Mansions you could see all four of them simultaneously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were the homes of the four Ministries between which the entire apparatus of government was divided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Ministry of Truth, which concerned itself with news, entertainment, education and the fine arts. The Ministry of Peace, which concerned itself with war. The Ministry of Love, which maintained law and order. And the Ministry of Plenty, which was responsible for economic affairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their names, in Newspeak: Minitrue, Minipax, Miniluv and Miniplenty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Ministry of Love was the really frightening one. There were no windows in it at all. Winston had never been inside the Ministry of Love, nor within half a kilometre of it. It was a place impossible to enter except on official business, and then only by penetrating through a maze of barbed-wire entanglements, steel doors and hidden machine-gun nests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even the streets leading up to its outer barriers were roamed by gorilla-faced guards in black uniforms, armed with jointed truncheons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Winston turned round abruptly. He had set his features into the expression of quiet optimism which it was advisable to wear when facing the telescreen. He crossed the room into the tiny kitchen. By leaving the Ministry at this time of day he had sacrificed his lunch in the canteen, and he was aware that there was no food in the kitchen except a hunk of dark-coloured bread which had got to be saved for tomorrow's breakfast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took down from the shelf a bottle of colourless liquid with a plain white label marked VICTORY GIN." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It gave off a sickly, oily smell, as of Chinese rice-spirit. Winston poured out nearly a teacupful, nerved himself for a shock, and gulped it down like a dose of medicine.\n\nInstantly his face turned scarlet and the water ran out of his eyes. The stuff was like nitric acid, and moreover, in swallowing it one had the sensation of being hit on the back of the head with a rubber club." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next moment, however, the burning in his belly died down and the world began to look more cheerful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a cigarette from a crumpled packet marked VICTORY CIGARETTES and incautiously held it upright, whereupon the tobacco fell out onto the floor. With the next he was more successful. He went back to the living room and sat down at a small table that stood to the left of the telescreen. From the table drawer he took out a penholder, a bottle of ink and a thick, quarto-sized blank book with a red back and a marbled cover." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For some reason the telescreen in the living room was in an unusual position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of being placed, as was normal, in the end wall, where it could command the whole room, it was in the longer wall, opposite the window. To one side of it there was a shallow alcove in which Winston was now sitting, and which, when the flats were built, had probably been intended to hold bookshelves. By sitting in the alcove, and keeping well back, Winston was able to remain outside the range of the telescreen, so far as sight went. He could be heard, of course, but so long as he stayed in his present position he could not be seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was partly the unusual geography of the room that had suggested to him the thing that he was now about to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it had also been suggested by the book that he had just taken out of the drawer. It was a peculiarly beautiful book. Its smooth creamy paper, a little yellowed by age, was of a kind that had not been manufactured for at least forty years past. He could guess, however, that the book was much older than that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had seen it lying in the window of a frowzy little junk-shop in a slummy quarter of the town (just what quarter he did not now remember) and had been stricken immediately by an overwhelming desire to possess it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Party members were supposed not to go into ordinary shops (\"dealing on the free market\", it was called), but the rule was not strictly kept, because there were various things such as shoelaces and razor blades which it was impossible to get hold of in any other way. He had given a quick glance up and down the street and then had slipped inside and bought the book for two dollars fifty. At the time he was not conscious of wanting it for any particular purpose. He had carried it guiltily home in his briefcase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even with nothing written in it, it was a compromising possession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thing that he was about to do was to open a diary. This was not illegal (nothing was illegal, since there were no longer any laws), but if detected it was reasonably certain that it would be punished by death, or at least by twenty-five years in a forced-labour camp. Winston fitted a nib into the penholder and sucked it to get the grease off. The pen was an archaic instrument, seldom used even for signatures, and he had procured one, furtively and with some difficulty, simply because of a feeling that the beautiful creamy paper deserved to be written on with a real nib instead of being scratched with an ink-pencil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Actually he was not used to writing by hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Apart from very short notes, it was usual to dictate everything into the speakwrite, which was of course impossible for his present purpose. He dipped the pen into the ink and then faltered for just a second. A tremor had gone through his bowels. To mark the paper was the decisive act." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In small clumsy letters he wrote:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April 4th, 1984.\n\nHe sat back. A sense of complete helplessness had descended upon him. To begin with he did not know with any certainty that this was 1984. It must be round about that date, since he was fairly sure that his age was thirty-nine, and he believed that he had been born in 1944 or 1945; but it was never possible nowadays to pin down any date within a year or two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For whom, it suddenly occurred to him to wonder, was he writing this diary?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the future, for the unborn. His mind hovered for a moment round the doubtful date on the page, and then fetched up with a bump against the Newspeak word doublethink. For the first time the magnitude of what he had undertaken came home to him. How could you communicate with the future?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was of its nature impossible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Either the future would resemble the present, in which case it would not listen to him: or it would be different from it, and his predicament would be meaningless.\n\nFor some time he sat gazing stupidly at the paper. The telescreen had changed over to strident military music. It was curious that he seemed not merely to have lost the power of expressing himself, but even to have forgotten what it was that he had originally intended to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For weeks past he had been making ready for this moment, and it had never crossed his mind that anything would be needed except courage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The actual writing would be easy. All he had to do was to transfer to paper the interminable restless monologue that had been running inside his head, literally for years. At this moment, however, even the monologue had dried up. Moreover his varicose ulcer had begun itching unbearably." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dared not scratch it, because if he did so it always became inflamed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The seconds were ticking by. He was conscious of nothing except the blankness of the page in front of him, the itching of the skin above his ankle, the blaring of the music, and a slight booziness caused by the gin.\n\nSuddenly he began writing in sheer panic, only imperfectly aware of what he was setting down. His small but childish handwriting straggled up and down the page, shedding first its capital letters and finally even its full stops:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "April 4th, 1984. Last night to the flicks. All war films." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One very good one of a ship full of refugees being bombed somewhere in the Mediterranean. Audience much amused by shots of a great huge fat man trying to swim away with a helicopter after him, first you saw him wallowing along in the water like a porpoise, then you saw him through the helicopters gunsights, then he was full of holes and the sea round him turned pink and he sank as suddenly as though the holes had let in the water, audience shouting with laughter when he sank, then you saw a lifeboat full of children with a helicopter hovering over it, there was a middleaged woman might have been a jewess sitting up in the bow with a little boy about three years old in her arms, little boy screaming with fright and hiding his head between her breasts as if he was trying to burrow right into her and the woman putting her arms round him and comforting him although she was blue with fright herself, all the time covering him up as much as possible as if she thought her arms could keep the bullets off him, then the helicopter planted a 20 kilo bomb in among them terrific flash and the boat went all to matchwood, then there was a wonderful shot of a child's arm going up up up right up into the air a helicopter with a camera in its nose must have followed it up and there was a lot of applause from the party seats but a woman down in the prole part of the house suddenly started kicking up a fuss and shouting they didnt oughter of showed it not in front of kids they didnt it aint right not in front of kids it aint until the police turned her turned her out i dont suppose anything happened to her nobody cares what the proles say typical prole reaction they never –\n\nWinston stopped writing, partly because he was suffering from cramp. He did not know what had made him pour out this stream of rubbish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the curious thing was that while he was doing so a totally different memory had clarified itself in his mind, to the point where he almost felt equal to writing it down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was, he now realized, because of this other incident that he had suddenly decided to come home and begin the diary today.\n\nIt had happened that morning at the Ministry, if anything so nebulous could be said to happen.\n\nIt was nearly eleven hundred, and in the Records Department, where Winston worked, they were dragging the chairs out of the cubicles and grouping them in the centre of the hall, opposite the big telescreen, in preparation for the Two Minutes Hate. Winston was just taking his place in one of the middle rows when two people whom he knew by sight, but had never spoken to, came unexpectedly into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of them was a girl whom he often passed in the corridors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not know her name, but he knew that she worked in the Fiction Department. Presumably – since he had sometimes seen her with oily hands and carrying a spanner – she had some mechanical job on one of the novel-writing machines. She was a bold-looking girl, of about twenty-seven, with thick dark hair, a freckled face and swift, athletic movements. A narrow scarlet sash, emblem of the Junior Anti-Sex League, was wound several times round the waist of her overalls, just tightly enough to bring out the shapeliness of her hips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Winston had disliked her from the very first moment of seeing her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew the reason. It was because of the atmosphere of hockey-fields and cold baths and community hikes and general clean-mindedness which she managed to carry about with her. He disliked nearly all women, and especially the young and pretty ones. It was always the women, and above all the young ones, who were the most bigoted adherents of the Party, the swallowers of slogans, the amateur spies and nosers-out of unorthodoxy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But this particular girl gave him the impression of being more dangerous than most." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once when they passed in the corridor she had given him a quick sidelong glance which seemed to pierce right into him and for a moment had filled him with black terror. The idea had even crossed his mind that she might be an agent of the Thought Police. That, it was true, was very unlikely. Still, he continued to feel a peculiar uneasiness, which had fear mixed up in it as well as hostility, whenever she was anywhere near him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other person was a man named O'Brien, a member of the Inner Party and holder of some post so important and remote that Winston had only a dim idea of its nature." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A momentary hush passed over the group of people round the chairs as they saw the black overalls of an Inner Party member approaching. O'Brien was a large, burly man with a thick neck and a coarse, humorous, brutal face. In spite of his formidable appearance he had a certain charm of manner. He had a trick of re-settling his spectacles on his nose which was curiously disarming – in some indefinable way, curiously civilised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a gesture which, if anyone had still thought in such terms, might have recalled an eighteenth-century nobleman offering his snuff-box." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Winston had seen O'Brien perhaps a dozen times in almost as many years. He felt deeply drawn to him, and not solely because he was intrigued by the contrast between O'Brien's urbane manner and his prizefighter's physique. Much more it was because of a secretly-held belief – or perhaps not even a belief, merely a hope – that O'Brien's political orthodoxy was not perfect. Something in his face suggested it irresistibly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And again, perhaps it was not even unorthodoxy that was written in his face, but simply intelligence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But at any rate he had the appearance of being a person that you could talk to, if somehow you could cheat the telescreen and get him alone. Winston had never made the smallest effort to verify this guess: indeed, there was no way of doing so. At this moment O'Brien glanced at his wristwatch, saw that it was nearly eleven hundred and evidently decided to stay in the Records Department until the Two Minutes Hate was over. He took a chair in the same row as Winston, a couple of places away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A small, sandy-haired woman who worked in the next cubicle to Winston was between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girl with dark hair was sitting immediately behind.\n\nThe next moment a hideous, grinding screech, as of some monstrous machine running without oil, burst from the big telescreen at the end of the room. It was a noise that set one's teeth on edge and bristled the hair at the back of one's neck. The Hate had started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As usual, the face of Emmanuel Goldstein, the Enemy of the People, had flashed onto the screen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were hisses here and there among the audience. The little sandy-haired woman gave a squeak of mingled fear and disgust. Goldstein was the renegade and backslider who once, long ago (how long ago, nobody quite remembered), had been one of the leading figures of the Party, almost on a level with Big Brother himself, and then had engaged in counter-revolutionary activities, had been condemned to death and had mysteriously escaped and disappeared. The programmes of the Two Minutes Hate varied from day to day, but there was none in which Goldstein was not the principal figure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was the primal traitor, the earliest defiler of the Party's purity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All subsequent crimes against the Party, all treacheries, acts of sabotage, heresies, deviations, sprang directly out of his teaching. Somewhere or other he was still alive and hatching his conspiracies: perhaps somewhere beyond the sea, under the protection of his foreign paymasters, perhaps even – so it was occasionally rumoured – in some hiding-place in Oceania itself.\n\nWinston's diaphragm was constricted. He could never see the face of Goldstein without a painful mixture of emotions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a lean Jewish face, with a great fuzzy aureole of white hair and a small goatee beard – a clever face, and yet somehow inherently despicable, with a kind of senile silliness in the long thin nose near the end of which a pair of spectacles was perched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It resembled the face of a sheep, and the voice, too, had a sheeplike quality. Goldstein was delivering his usual venomous attack upon the doctrines of the Party – an attack so exaggerated and perverse that a child should have been able to see through it, and yet just plausible enough to fill one with an alarmed feeling that other people, less level-headed than oneself, might be taken in by it. He was abusing Big Brother, he was denouncing the dictatorship of the Party, he was demanding the immediate conclusion of peace with Eurasia, he was advocating freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of thought, he was crying hysterically that the revolution had been betrayed – and all this in rapid polysyllabic speech which was a sort of parody of the habitual style of the orators of the Party, and even contained Newspeak words: more Newspeak words, indeed, than any Party member would normally use in real life. And all the while, lest one should be in any doubt as to the reality which Goldstein's specious claptrap covered, behind his head on the telescreen there marched the endless columns of the Eurasian army – row after row of solid-looking men with expressionless Asiatic faces, who swam up to the surface of the screen and vanished, to be replaced by others exactly similar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dull rhythmic tramp of the soldiers' boots formed the background to Goldstein's bleating voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before the Hate had proceeded for thirty seconds, uncontrollable exclamations of rage were breaking out from half the people in the room. The self-satisfied sheeplike face on the screen, and the terrifying power of the Eurasian army behind it, were too much to be borne: besides, the sight or even the thought of Goldstein produced fear and anger automatically. He was an object of hatred more constant than either Eurasia or Eastasia, since when Oceania was at war with one of these powers it was generally at peace with the other. But what was strange was that although Goldstein was hated and despised by everybody, although every day, and a thousand times a day, on platforms, on the telescreen, in newspapers, in books, his theories were refuted, smashed, ridiculed, held up to the general gaze for the pitiful rubbish that they were – in spite of all this, his influence never seemed to grow less." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Always there were fresh dupes waiting to be seduced by him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A day never passed when spies and saboteurs acting under his directions were not unmasked by the Thought Police. He was the commander of a vast shadowy army, an underground network of conspirators dedicated to the overthrow of the State. The Brotherhood, its name was supposed to be. There were also whispered stories of a terrible book, a compendium of all the heresies, of which Goldstein was the author and which circulated clandestinely here and there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a book without a title." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People referred to it, if at all, simply as the book. But one knew of such things only through vague rumours. Neither the Brotherhood nor the book was a subject that any ordinary Party member would mention if there was a way of avoiding it.\n\nIn its second minute the Hate rose to a frenzy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People were leaping up and down in their places and shouting at the tops of their voices in an effort to drown the maddening bleating voice that came from the screen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little sandy-haired woman had turned bright pink, and her mouth was opening and shutting like that of a landed fish. Even O'Brien's heavy face was flushed. He was sitting very straight in his chair, his powerful chest swelling and quivering as though he were standing up to the assault of a wave. The dark-haired girl behind Winston had begun crying out \"Swine! Swine! Swine! \", and suddenly she picked up a heavy Newspeak dictionary and flung it at the screen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It struck Goldstein's nose and bounced off: the voice continued inexorably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a lucid moment Winston found that he was shouting with the others and kicking his heel violently against the rung of his chair. The horrible thing about the Two Minutes Hate was not that one was obliged to act a part, but that it was impossible to avoid joining in. Within thirty seconds any pretence was always unnecessary. A hideous ecstasy of fear and vindictiveness, a desire to kill, to torture, to smash faces in with a sledge-hammer, seemed to flow through the whole group of people like an electric current, turning one even against one's will into a grimacing, screaming lunatic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And yet the rage that one felt was an abstract, undirected emotion which could be switched from one object to another like the flame of a blowlamp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus, at one moment Winston's hatred was not turned against Goldstein at all, but, on the contrary, against Big Brother, the Party and the Thought Police; and at such moments his heart went out to the lonely, derided heretic on the screen, sole guardian of truth and sanity in a world of lies. And yet the very next instant he was at one with the people about him, and all that was said of Goldstein seemed to him to be true. At those moments his secret loathing of Big Brother changed into adoration, and Big Brother seemed to tower up, an invincible, fearless protector, standing like a rock against the hordes of Asia, and Goldstein, in spite of his isolation, his helplessness and the doubt that hung about his very existence, seemed like some sinister enchanter, capable by the mere power of his voice of wrecking the structure of civilisation.\n\nIt was even possible, at moments, to switch one's hatred this way or that by a voluntary act." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly, by the sort of violent effort with which one wrenches one's head away from the pillow in a nightmare, Winston succeeded in transferring his hatred from the face on the screen to the dark-haired girl behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vivid, beautiful hallucinations flashed through his mind. He would flog her to death with a rubber truncheon. He would tie her naked to a stake and shoot her full of arrows like Saint Sebastian. He would ravish her and cut her throat at the moment of climax." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Better than before, moreover, he realized why it was that he hated her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hated her because she was young and pretty and sexless, because he wanted to go to bed with her and would never do so, because round her sweet supple waist, which seemed to ask you to encircle it with your arm, there was only the odious scarlet sash, aggressive symbol of chastity.\n\nThe Hate rose to its climax. The voice of Goldstein had become an actual sheep's bleat, and for an instant the face changed into that of a sheep. Then the sheep-face melted into the figure of a Eurasian soldier who seemed to be advancing, huge and terrible, his sub-machine-gun roaring, and seeming to spring out of the surface of the screen, so that some of the people in the front row actually flinched backwards in their seats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But in the same moment, drawing a deep sigh of relief from everybody, the hostile figure melted into the face of Big Brother, black-haired, black-moustachio'd, full of power and mysterious calm, and so vast that it almost filled up the screen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobody heard what Big Brother was saying. It was merely a few words of encouragement, the sort of words that are uttered in the din of battle, not distinguishable individually but restoring confidence by the fact of being spoken. Then the face of Big Brother faded away again and instead the three slogans of the Party stood out in bold capitals:\n\nWAR IS PEACE" }, { "from": "human", "value": "FREEDOM IS SLAVERY" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.\n\nBut the face of Big Brother seemed to persist for several seconds on the screen, as though the impact that it had made on everyone's eyeballs was too vivid to wear off immediately. The little sandy-haired woman had flung herself forward over the back of the chair in front of her. With a tremulous murmur that sounded like \"My Saviour!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she extended her arms towards the screen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she buried her face in her hands. It was apparent that she was uttering a prayer.\n\nAt this moment the entire group of people broke into a deep, slow, rhythmical chant of \"B-B!... B-B!... B-B!\" – over and over again, very slowly, with a long pause between the first \"B\" and the second – a heavy, murmurous sound, somehow curiously savage, in the background of which one seemed to hear the stamp of naked feet and the throbbing of tom-toms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For perhaps as much as thirty seconds they kept it up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a refrain that was often heard in moments of overwhelming emotion. Partly it was a sort of hymn to the wisdom and majesty of Big Brother, but still more it was an act of self-hypnosis, a deliberate drowning of consciousness by means of rhythmic noise. Winston's entrails seemed to grow cold. In the Two Minutes Hate he could not help sharing in the general delirium, but this subhuman chanting of \"B-B!... B-B!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "always filled him with horror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course he chanted with the rest: it was impossible to do otherwise. To dissemble your feelings, to control your face, to do what everyone else was doing, was an instinctive reaction. But there was a space of a couple of seconds during which the expression in his eyes might conceivably have betrayed him. And it was exactly at this moment that the significant thing happened – if, indeed, it did happen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Momentarily he caught O'Brien's eye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "O'Brien had stood up. He had taken off his spectacles and was in the act of re-settling them on his nose with his characteristic gesture. But there was a fraction of a second when their eyes met, and for as long as it took to happen Winston knew – yes, he knew! – that O'Brien was thinking the same thing as himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An unmistakable message had passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as though their two minds had opened and the thoughts were flowing from one into the other through their eyes. \"I am with you,\" O'Brien seemed to be saying to him. \"I know precisely what you are feeling. I know all about your contempt, your hatred, your disgust. But don't worry, I am on your side!\" And then the flash of intelligence was gone, and O'Brien's face was as inscrutable as everybody else's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was all, and he was already uncertain whether it had happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such incidents never had any sequel. All that they did was to keep alive in him the belief, or hope, that others besides himself were the enemies of the Party. Perhaps the rumours of vast underground conspiracies were true after all – perhaps the Brotherhood really existed! It was impossible, in spite of the endless arrests and confessions and executions, to be sure that the Brotherhood was not simply a myth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some days he believed in it, some days not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no evidence, only fleeting glimpses that might mean anything or nothing: snatches of over-heard conversation, faint scribbles on lavatory walls – once, even, when two strangers met, a small movement of the hands which had looked as though it might be a signal of recognition. It was all guesswork: very likely he had imagined everything. He had gone back to his cubicle without looking at O'Brien again. The idea of following up their momentary contact hardly crossed his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would have been inconceivably dangerous even if he had known how to set about doing it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a second, two seconds, they had exchanged an equivocal glance, and that was the end of the story. But even that was a memorable event in the locked loneliness in which one had to live.\n\nWinston roused himself and sat up straighter. He let out a belch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gin was rising from his stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes re-focused on the page. He discovered that while he sat helplessly musing he had also been writing, as though by automatic action. And it was no longer the same cramped awkward handwriting as before. His pen had slid voluptuously over the smooth paper, printing in large neat capitals –" }, { "from": "human", "value": "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER\n\nDOWN WITH BIG BROTHER\n\nDOWN WITH BIG BROTHER\n\nDOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" }, { "from": "human", "value": "over and over again, filling half a page." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not help feeling a twinge of panic. It was absurd, since the writing of those particular words was not more dangerous than the initial act of opening the diary; but for a moment he was tempted to tear out the spoiled pages and abandon the enterprise altogether.\n\nHe did not do so, however, because he knew that it was useless. Whether he wrote DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER, or whether he refrained from writing it, made no difference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whether he went on with the diary, or whether he did not go on with it, made no difference." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Thought Police would get him just the same. He had committed – would still have committed, even if he had never set pen to paper – the essential crime that contained all others in itself. Thoughtcrime, they called it. Thoughtcrime was not a thing that could be concealed for ever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was always at night – the arrests invariably happened at night. The sudden jerk out of sleep, the rough hand shaking your shoulder, the lights glaring in your eyes, the ring of hard faces round the bed. In the vast majority of cases there was no trial, no report of the arrest. People simply disappeared, always during the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your name was removed from the registers, every record of everything you had ever done was wiped out, your one-time existence was denied and then forgotten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You were abolished, annihilated: vaporized was the usual word.\n\nFor a moment he was seized by a kind of hysteria. He began writing in a hurried untidy scrawl:\n\ntheyll shoot me i dont care theyll shoot me in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother they always shoot you in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother –" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sat back in his chair, slightly ashamed of himself, and laid down the pen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next moment he started violently. There was a knocking at the door.\n\nAlready! He sat as still as a mouse, in the futile hope that whoever it was might go away after a single attempt. But no, the knocking was repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The worst thing of all would be to delay." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His heart was thumping like a drum, but his face, from long habit, was probably expressionless. He got up and moved heavily towards the door." } ]