human
I saw you with Cap'n Amazon going to church this morning, Lawford said.
gpt
To the First Church, I presume?
human
And you?
gpt
Oh, I drove the folks over to Paulmouth. There is an Episcopal Church there and the girls think it's more fashionable. You don't see many soft-collared shirts among the Paulmouth Episcopalians.
human
It scarcely matters, I fancy, which denomination one attends. It is the spirit in which we worship that counts.
gpt
You're a thoughtful girl, I guess. I should not have looked for that--in your business.
human
In my business? Oh!
gpt
We outsiders have an idea that people in the theatrical line are a peculiar class unto themselves,
human
But I----
gpt
I guess I'm pretty green after all. I don't know much about the world--your world, at least. I love the sea, and sailing, and all the seashore has to offer. Sometimes I'm out here alone all day long.
human
But what is it doing for you? she asked him rather sharply.
gpt
Surely there can be very little in it, when all's said and done. A man with your intelligence--you have evidently had a good education.
human
I suppose I don't properly appreciate that,
gpt
And to really waste your time like this--loafing longshore, and sailing boats, and--and driving an automobile. Why! you are a regular beach comber, Mr. Tapp. It's not much of an outlook for a man I should think.
human
Don't you think it is a nice way to live? he asked.
gpt
The sea is really wonderful. I have learned more about sea and shore already than you can find in all the books. Do you know where the gulls nest, and how they hatch their young? Did you ever watch a starfish feeding? Do you know what part of the shellfish is the scallop of commerce? Do you know that every seventh wave is almost sure to be larger than its fellows? Do you----
human
Oh, it may be very delightful, Louise interrupted this flow of badly catalogued information to say. He expressed exactly her own desires. Nothing could be pleasanter than spending the time, day after day, learning things
gpt
about nature. For her father--and of course for her--to do this was quite proper, Louise thought. But not for this young fisherman, who should be making his way in the world.
human
Where is it getting you?
gpt
Getting me?
human
Yes, she declared with vigor, yet coloring a little.
gpt
A man should work.
human
But I'm not idle.
gpt
He should work to get ahead--to save--to make something of himself--to establish himself in life--to have a home.
human
I--I------A man can't do that alone. Especially the home-making part.
gpt
You don't suppose any of these girls about here--the nice girls, I mean--want a man who is not a home provider?
human
Some of them get that kind, I fear, Miss Grayling. Mandy Card, for instance.
gpt
Are you planning to be another Milt Baker?
human
Oh, now, you're hard on a fellow, he complained.
gpt
I'm always busy. And, fixed as I am, I don't see why I should grub and moil at unpleasant things.
human
You are impossible, I fear,