human
Daddy! she cried, happily.
gpt
Just the person I want to see!
human
Well, that's nice, he said, kissing her affectionately.
gpt
I wouldn't want it otherwise. Now sit down and tell me all about your latest experiences while you eat your breakfast.
human
No, first you must tell me how you are! Are you all well again after that terrible accident?
gpt
Much better, but not quite all well, he replied.
human
I have to stay away from horses, I guess, for the rest of my life. I'm selling the ranch.
gpt
Daddy!
human
Well, it wasn't paying anyhow. But sit down, dear, and tell me about yourself. I know you were at a party last night--the servants told me, for I haven't seen your Aunt Emily yet.
gpt
Everything's just fine with me, Linda told him, as she sat down beside him and took a bunch of grapes.
human
It isn't the past I want to talk about, Daddy--it's the future.
gpt
Of course, of course, murmured her father.
human
It's always the future with you.... Well, what's on your mind now?
gpt
I want to go to a ground school. I want to be a commercial pilot--maybe even a 'transport pilot,' the highest of all, you know. And a licensed mechanic.
human
What for?
gpt
So that I can earn my living in aviation. I want to go in for it seriously, Daddy. Not just play!
human
You're afraid I won't be able to support you, later on?
gpt
No, no--not that----
human
Of course such an event is possible. In fact, Daughter, it was that very thing I especially want to talk about to you.... I have decided to go into business.
gpt
Into business?
human
Yes. I want something to do, now that I am selling my ranch. Besides, I have lost a good deal of money in stocks, and I think it's time I made some.
gpt
But what?
human
Importing some very lovely lace-work, and selling it wholesale to the better stores all over the country. This needle-work is made in a convent in Canada, and has never been sold before. But I have been able to persuade the Mother Superior to sell it, because they really are dreadfully in need of money.
gpt
But how did you happen on such a thing as this?
human
Two years ago--the summer you went to camp with Louise in Maine, you remember--Emily and I visited you and went on into Canada. One day your aunt stopped at this convent--it's near Montreal--and one of the nuns took such a fancy to her that she gave her a handkerchief of this work. When we got home, your aunt sent a contribution for the convent, and really the letter of gratitude was touching.
gpt
And they've actually agreed to sell this to you?
human
Yes. All they have. And they are making more. If I hadn't come along, they would have had to give up their convent.
gpt
Of course it's expensive?
human
Yes, and there's nothing like it in America. Nobody in our country would ever have the patience to do it. Of course I have to pay a tax, besides, on every piece. But the stores are enthusiastic, they ordered all I had. Except---- he dug smilingly into his pocket--