human
Is this your first appearance since last night, Mr. Delancy?
gpt
Oh no; I've been racing about on errands all day. It is very restful to sit down by a calm person.
human
Well, I never shut my eyes till nine o'clock. I kept seeing that Spanish woman whirl around and contort, and--do you mind my telling you? --I couldn't just help it, I (leaning forward to Jack)
gpt
Not so much shocked as excluded, Jack dared to say.
human
But do you think--
gpt
Yes, I know. There isn't anything that an American girl cannot do. I've made up my mind to try it. You'll see.
human
Will I?
gpt
No, you won't. Don't flatter yourself. Only girls. I don't want men around.
human
Neither do I,
gpt
You are too forward, Mr. Delancy. Perhaps some time, when we have learned, we will let in a few of you, to look in at the door, fifty dollars a ticket, for some charity. I don't see why dancing isn't just as good an accomplishment as playing the harp in a Greek dress.
human
Nor do I; I'd rather see it. Besides, you've got Scripture warrant for dancing off the heads of people. And then it is such a sweet way of doing a charity. Dancing for the East Side is the best thing I have heard yet.
gpt
You needn't mock. You won't when you find out what it costs you.
human
What are you two plotting?
gpt
Charity,
human
Your wife was here this morning to get me to go and see some of her friends in Hester Street.
gpt
You went?
human
Not today. It's awfully interesting, but I've been.
gpt
Edith seems to be devoted to that sort of thing,
human
Yes, said Jack, slowly,
gpt
Goodness knows, I'd like to understand my own.
human
And were you trying, Mr. Delancy, to persuade Miss Tavish into that sort of charity?
gpt
Oh dear, no, said Jack;
human
I was trying to interest the East End in something, for the benefit of Miss Tavish.
gpt
You'll find that's one of the most expensive remarks you ever made,
human
I wish Lily Tavish would marry, said Mrs. Trafton, watching the girl's slender figure as it passed through the portiere;
gpt
Yes, she'd be a lovely wife for somebody; and then he added, as if reminiscently,
human
That's just a fashion of talking. I never knew a time when so many people afforded to do what they wanted to do. But you men are all alike. Good-by.