human
I suppose you are going to say 'how happy I'd be with either,' aren't you?
gpt
Since Knight is the guest of honor I think I'd best dance with him,
human
You can't resist this vanity box, Blue Bonnet,
gpt
Want to sit it out?
human
If you please--I think I should rather.
gpt
I say, Blue Bonnet! You're not vexed still about that Chula affair, are you?
human
No; certainly not.
gpt
You're awfully quiet!
human
I just happen to feel quiet, I reckon.
gpt
Sorry to miss this two-step. We won't have many more dances.
human
Oh, there'll be lots of parties.
gpt
Yes, I daresay--but not for me.
human
Why?
gpt
Because--I leave in the morning.
human
In the morning?
gpt
My holiday is over. I'm only here at all through a special dispensation of Providence. I ought to be at school this minute, grinding like the mischief. Our exams begin the last Monday in April, and they're no joke.
human
Why, that's perfectly outrageous! The very idea, only three days!
gpt
But they've been such bully days! It's been so pleasant to see Judson again. He'll be here. He's going to stay on for a week with Grandfather.
human
And when will you get another holiday?
gpt
Two years from next June, if I'm lucky.
human
How do you mean, lucky?
gpt
If I pass the examinations and make the Point. If I do, I enter the twelfth of June for two years.
human
Why, it's just like having a sentence! Why didn't you stay at the ranch? One can do as one pleases there, at any rate.
gpt
That's true, he said.
human
I loved the ranch life, but--you see--Grandfather had chosen the army for me, and when the appointment came, I knew what a disappointment it would be to him if I didn't make a try at it. It's all right though. I like it. There's a fascination about it. Think you don't want to finish this dance?