human
How? repeated Ellen grimly.
gpt
Well, when a lone female and a lone he-male ain't got nothin' to keep 'em apart but an alley-fence, and her with paint on her face till she looks like a fat sixteen, and food on her table every day as good as a two-dollar table d'hôte, what can you expect? I wa'n't surprised myself. Nor, she added quietly,
human
I don't believe your ma would be, Joan.
gpt
Oh, but how it must have hurt her!
human
I ain't so sure about that, mused Ellen.
gpt
I ain't so sure! Your ma always set great store on havin' the Major comfortable--'Ellen,' she said to me that last day, when we knew what was comin'--'Ellen, be sure to keep him _comfortable_ here at home, so he won't be lookin' for it somewheres else.' There's worse things can happen to a widow-man than gettin' married again.
human
Oh, but if I'd been here to look after him myself! wailed Joan.
gpt
If you had only told me what was happening! I might have come back and stopped it!
human
About as much chance as stopping a fire-hydrant that's blown the top off. You're a smart child, Joan, always was; but you don't stand a show against that woman your pa's married--nor I wouldn't want you to, she added cryptically.
gpt
You wasn't raised that way.--Anyhow it wasn't none of my business. And just remember this, child, it's none of yours. It's none of yours!
human
There's nothing that makes a person contented with the place she's in like knowing she can go somewheres else if she's a mind to.
gpt
At least, she thought suddenly,
human
I'm independent of father. Mother left her property to me--I can get it whenever I ask for it.... And now I understand why!