human
Mr. Anderson, I don't want your money. I would not accept a penny of it. I only request that you allow your wife to keep her promise and appear to-night. I would not ask this if I thought there would be anything disagreeable to her in fulfilling her promise, but----
gpt
Why, of course there would not, she said.
human
You know, John, I am so anxious to make my début on the professional stage. Now, do let me go, won't you? You cannot refuse now!
gpt
No, I cannot. You shall go.
human
There is not a moment to be lost,
gpt
I know it, cried Mrs. Anderson.
human
Oh, I am so glad you came! Now, don't look so downcast, John; you will be very proud of me when you see me on the stage.
gpt
Humph! Well, we shall see.
human
You will not change your mind again, Mrs. Anderson?
gpt
No, no, laughed the lady.
human
I have never changed it at all. I shall be there.
gpt
I would have granted almost any other request you might have made with more willingness, he said.
human
I have a strongly rooted objection to my wife appearing on the stage.
gpt
I am very sorry, sir, said Al.
human
But, perhaps, as Mrs. Anderson says, you will feel differently when you see her.
gpt
I doubt it very much. Now, tell me, why did you insist upon this sacrifice on my part? What is it to you whether my wife appears or not?
human
I haven't time to tell you now, sir, the boy replied.
gpt
I must return to the theater at once.
human
Can you call at my office, at the City Hall, to-morrow?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
Do so, then, at, say, ten in the morning. I should like to have a talk with you; I want to know more of you.
gpt
I will be there, Mr. Anderson. Good-evening, sir.
human
Good-evening, my lad.
gpt
Well, I didn't think I had so much cheek. I wouldn't have insisted upon Mrs. Anderson's appearing if there had really been any harm in it, but I'm sure it can't damage her or her husband much. Besides, she gave her promise, and she ought to keep it.