human
She's fine! he declared.
gpt
Not too fine, but fine enough for me.
human
Do you know, I talk to her just as I would to a man.
gpt
Johnny!
human
Well, what's wrong? Ever said anything much out of the way to you? Ever heard me say anything to any other fellow?
gpt
Why, no....
human
Then why the row? It's all easy as an old shoe. _She_ likes it.
gpt
I know. But--talking with a woman ... It isn't quite like....
human
Don't make any mistake. Just have the big things right, and they'll overlook lots of the little ones.
gpt
H'm, I said doubtfully.
human
I supposed it was just the other way. Lay a lot of stress on certain little things, and larger shortcomings won't bother them. Bring her a bunch of flowers to-day, and she'll help you deed away the house and lot to-morrow.
gpt
Fudge! said Johnny.
human
I mean the really big things. There's only two. Ground to stand on and air to breathe.
gpt
That is to say...?
human
A platform under her feet and an atmosphere about her. Well, she's got me to stand on and to surround her. She understands it. She likes it. Nothing else matters much.
gpt
Ah!
human
I'm her bedrock, and I'm her--How do they say it? I'm her--envelopment, as those painting fellows put it.
gpt
See here, Johnny, I protested;
human
Don't get anachronistic. We are only in 1884. That expression won't reach America for ten or fifteen years. Have some regard for dates.
gpt
It won't? Wasn't it in your friend's letter?
human
What friend?
gpt
Why, Prince; when he was in Paris. Didn't you read it to me?
human
Do you know, he went on,
gpt
I've been straight as a string--ever since. And I'm going to keep so.
human
I should hope so, indeed.
gpt
Whatever I may have been before. But I think it's better for a young fellow to dash in and find out than to keep standing on the edge and just wonder.
human
Well, I don't know, Johnny, I returned soberly.
gpt
I'm going to be married myself, next month. And I expect to go to my bride just as pure--
human
No preaching, said Johnny.
gpt
The slate's wiped clean. Adele's all right for me, and I'm all right to her.
human
We're going to move shortly, he stated.
gpt
The business can go on where it is, for a while, but we're going to live somewhere else.