human
Jimmy Lufton has had our chairs placed on deck and lashed to the railing. He said he knew we would never look out for ourselves, and unless he saw to it, we would go abroad standing up or sitting on the floor! He tagged our chairs, too, as our names were on the backs only. He said there were always some 'chair hogs' who would push the chairs against the wall with the name out of sight and refuse to budge,
gpt
Where are your chairs? asked Pierce.
human
Let's go find them and afterward we can get Uncle's and mine and have a snug foursome of a chat. Oh, Miss Brown, how lovely your mother is! I want to paint her; but I should have to put you in the picture, too, so that I could catch the wonderful expression on her face. It is when she is looking at _you_ that she is most lovely.
gpt
Well, don't you think I could be present to inspire the desired expression without being in the picture? laughed Molly, delighted by the praise of her beloved mother.
human
But can you paint? I have been wondering what you are and what your uncle is, but I did not like to be too inquisitive.
gpt
Well, one does not have to be with me long to hear the story of my life, said the boy.
human
You ask if I can paint: yes, I can paint; not as well as I want to by a long shot, but I mean to be a great painter. That sounds conceited, but it is not. I have talent and there is no use in being mealy-mouthed over it. To be a great painter means work, work, work; and I am prepared to do that with every breath I breathe. Painting isn't work to me; it is joy and life. Besides, I mean to make it up to Uncle for his disappointment in life, and the only way I can do it is by succeeding.
gpt
Rather warm for October,
human
There are our chairs,
gpt
Here, Marie, place the rugs and cushions in these chairs. They will do quite nicely.
human
Excuse me, but these chairs are ours, mine and my mother's, said Molly.
gpt
But we are not going to use them until after supper, I mean dinner, so you are welcome to them until then.
human
Some mistake surely, rejoined the older woman, eying Molly scornfully through her lorgnette.
gpt
You will have to complain to the steward if you cannot find your chairs, young woman; these are mine, engaged and paid for.