human
I'm willing to pay,
gpt
It is not that,
human
I don't know, said the dressmaker, innocently deepening the offence,
gpt
That has nothing to do with it, Anderson repeated, with an inflection of irritated patience.
human
I cannot give any advice because I know nothing whatever about the matter.
gpt
Can't you find out?
human
That belongs to the business which I have given up.
gpt
Well, I s'pose it does, admitted Madame Griggs, with a sigh.
human
I wouldn't have bothered you if I hadn't been at my wit's end.
gpt
I am willing to do anything in my power-- began Anderson, with a softened glance at the absurdly pathetic little figure,
human
Then you think I had better not trust them?
gpt
No; I said--
human
You think I had better send her word I've changed my mind, and can't do her work?
gpt
No; I did not say so, he replied, vehemently.
human
I merely said that you must settle--
gpt
Then you think I had better keep on with it?
human
If you think best, said Anderson, emphatically.
gpt
Really, Mrs. Griggs, I cannot settle this matter for you. You often trust people in your business. You must decide yourself.
human
Well, I guess it's all right, said she.
gpt
She's a lovely girl, and so are they all. Her mother seems sort of childish, but she's real sweet-spoken. I guess it's all right, but I'd heard some things, and I thought I would ask you what you thought. I thought it wouldn't do any harm. Now I feel a good deal easier about it. Good-afternoon. What a tempest we've had!
human
Yes, said Anderson.
gpt
Good-afternoon.
human
We needed it, and I do think it has cooled the air a little. I'm very much obliged. I don't suppose there is any use in my offering to pay you, now you're in the grocery business?
gpt
Certainly not. I have done nothing to admit of any question of payment,
human
Well, I s'pose you throw it in along with the butter and eggs, said Madame Griggs, with a return of her slight coquetry.
gpt
By-the-way, I wish you'd send over five pounds of that best butter. Good-afternoon.
human
Good-afternoon.
gpt
I'm so glad to have my mind settled about it, she said, with a pathos which overcame her absurdity and vulgarity.
human
I do work awful hard, and it doesn't seem as if I could lose my money.
gpt
Where? Oh, I see; all covered up so nicely. Thank you. I did not come before, because the trees were dripping. Thank you.
human
That young lady came for her hat,
gpt
Did she?
human
Yes. She's a pretty-spoken girl. Her sister's goin' to git married before long, I hear.
gpt
No; this is the one.
human
No; her sister. I had it straight.