human
I've saved a lovely seat for you, said Laurence Cromer, advancing to Patty;
gpt
Why, what have I done to be forgiven for?
human
You've spoiled your good looks, for one thing. You HAD a little head sunning over with curls, and now you have the effect of a nice little girl who has washed her face and hands and neatly brushed her hair.
gpt
But one can't go around like Slovenly Peter,
human
Why not, if one is a Pretty Peter?
gpt
Oh, pshaw, I see you don't know me very well. I never talk to people who talk about me.
human
Good gracious, how can they help it?
gpt
Well, you see, I'm accustomed to my girl and boy friends, whom I've known for years. But here, somehow, everybody seems more grown up and societyfied.
human
How old are you?
gpt
It's my impression that that's a rude question, though I'm not sure.
human
It isn't, because you're not old enough to make it rude. Come, how old?
gpt
Nineteen, please, sir.
human
Well, that's quite old enough to drop boy and girl ways and behave as a grown-up.
gpt
But I don't want to,
human
That doesn't matter. Your 'reluctant feet' have to move on whether they wish to or not. Are you bashful?
gpt
Sorta,
human
You're anything but bashful! You're a coquette!
gpt
Oh, no! and Patty opened her eyes wide in horror.
human
Oh, kind sir, DON'T say THAT!
gpt
I'm going to paint you, he announced,
human
Oh, Roger! cried Patty, as young Farrington came toward her.
gpt
What DO you think? Mr. Cromer is going to paint a picture of my head and call it 'Reluctant Feet'! He says so.
human
Yes, said Cromer, unconscious of any absurdity;
gpt
Miss Fairfield is a fine subject.
human
That's better than being called an object, said Roger, joining them,
gpt
You haven't a soul for art?
human
No, I haven't an artful soul, I fear. How are you getting along, Patty, down here without your fond but strict parents?
gpt
Getting along finely, Roger. Aunt Adelaide plays propriety, and Mona and I keep house.
human
H'm, I'm 'fraid I scared off our long-haired friend, said Roger, as Cromer rose and drifted away.
gpt
Never mind, I want to talk to you a little myself. I say, Patsy, don't you let these men flatter you till you're all puffed up with pride and vanity.
human
Now, Roger, AM I that kind of a goose?
gpt
Well, you're blossoming out so, and getting so growny-uppy looking, I'm 'fraid you won't be my little Patty-friend much longer.
human
Fine! Lots better than when I saw her in May. She dresses better, don't you think?
gpt
Yes, I guess she does, said Patty, demurely, with no hint as to WHY Mona's appearance had improved.
human
She's an awfully nice girl, Roger.
gpt
Yes, I always said so. And you and she help each other. Sort of reaction, you know. What do we do down here?
human
Oh, there are oceans of things planned. Parties of all sorts, and picnics, and dances, and motor trips, and every old thing. How long can you stay?
gpt
I'm invited for a week, but I may have to go home sooner. Isn't that Western chap immense?
human
What the--oh, I say, Patty! You're not favouring him, are you? Why, you've only just met him to-day, haven't you?
gpt
Yes, certainly; I never saw him before. No, I'm not favouring him, as you call it.
human
Then why are you the colour of a hard-boiled lobster? Patty! quit blushing, or you'll burn up!
gpt
Don't, Roger; don't be silly. I'm NOT blushing.
human
Oh, no! You're only a delicate shade of crimson vermilion! Well, if you want him, Patty, I'll get him for you. Do you want him now?
gpt
No! of course I don't! Do be still, Roger! And stop that foolish smiling! Well, then, I'm going to talk to Adele Kenerley.
human
Such a GOOD child, Mrs. Kenerley was saying;
gpt
Oh, she's a heavenly baby!
human
You must choke off my wife, he said, smiling,
gpt
And why not? cried Mona.
human
SUCH a baby deserves appreciation. I can hardly wait till to-morrow to wake her up and play with her.
gpt
She's a good enough kiddy,
human
Now, Jim, cried his wife,
gpt
There, there, Adele, if you're going to tell anecdotes of my parental devotion, I'm going to run away! Come on, Farnsworth, let's go for a stroll, and talk over old times.