human
Pardon me, please, the voice somewhat high-pitched,
gpt
Yes, that is my home; won't you come in?
human
Sure I will. Why I was so lonesome in this hole I simply couldn't stand it any longer. Have you only one chair? She glanced about, her eyes widening.
gpt
Heavens, what a funny room! Why, I thought mine was the limit, but it's a palace beside this. You been here long?
human
Since yesterday; take the chair, please; I am used to the bed--no, really, I don't mind in the least. It is rather funny, but then I haven't always lived at the Ritz-Carlton, so I don't mind.
gpt
Huh! for the matter of that no more have I, but believe me, there would be some howl if they ever gave me a room like this--even in Haskell. I know your name; it's Stella Donovan--well, mine is Celeste La Rue.
human
A very pretty name; rather unusual. Are you French?
gpt
French? Well, I guess not. You don't mind if I smoke, do you? Thanks. Have one yourself--they're imported. No? All right. I suppose it is a beastly habit, but most of the girls I know have picked it up. Seems sociable, somehow. No, I'm not French. My dad's name was Capley, and I annexed this other when I went on the stage. It tickles the Johnnies, and sounds better than Sadie Capley. You liked it yourself.
human
It is better adapted to that purpose--you are an actress then?
gpt
Well, nobody ever said so. I can dance and sing a bit, and know how to wear clothes. It's an easier job than some others I've had, and gets me into a swell set. Tell me, when were you in New York?
human
About a month ago.
gpt
Well, didn't you see the Revue?
human
The last one? Certainly.
gpt
That's where I shone--second girl on the right in the chorus, and I was in the eccentric dance with Joe Steams; some hit--what?
human
Yes, I remember now; they called you the Red Fairy--because of your ruby ring. What in the world ever brought you out here?
gpt
Some joke, isn't it? Well, it's no engagement at the Good Luck Dance Hall yonder, you can bet on that. The fact is I've quit the business, and am going to take a flier in mining.
human
Mining? That sounds like money in these days. They tell me there is no placer-mining any longer, and that it requires a fortune to develop. I wouldn't suppose a chorus girl----
gpt
Oh, pshaw! and Miss La Rue leaned forward, a bright glow on each cheek.
human
There are more ways of making money in New York than drawing a salary. Still, that wasn't so bad. I pulled down fifty a week, but of course that was only a drop in the bucket. I don't mind telling you, but all a good-looking girl needs is a chance before the public--there's plenty of rich fools in the world yet. I've caught on to a few things in the last five years. It pays better to be Celeste La Rue than it ever did to be Sadie Capley. Do you get me?