human
I didn't say anything, he answered.
gpt
I was only thinking. I beg your pardon, Mrs. Walbridge.
human
It is awful, isn't it, she said,
gpt
Oh, come, Mrs. Walbridge, he protested,
human
It was a very nice article. After a minute she added anxiously, her thin fingers pressing an old blue enamel brooch that fastened the rather crumpled lace at her throat:
gpt
Tell me, Mr. Wick, do you--do you really think that--that people like my books as much as they used to?
human
You must have a very big public,
gpt
Yes, I know I have, but--you see, of course I'm not young any more, and the children--they know a great many people, and bring some of them here and--I've noticed that while they are all very kind, they don't seem to have--to have really read my books.
human
Don't they? said Wick, full of sympathy.
gpt
Dear me!
human
No, they really don't, and I've been wondering if--if it is that they're beginning to find me--a little old-fashioned.
gpt
But, bless your heart, you _are_ old-fashioned, the old-fashionest old dear that ever lived! What he did say was:
human
Well, I suppose lots of people think Thackeray and Dickens old-fashioned----