human
I'm sorry I've been so restless, she said,
gpt
Of course I know it's the most exciting thing that ever happened, Elsie admitted, with resignation,
human
I don't believe I have, agreed Marjorie,
gpt
I wonder how they are going to break the news to Mrs. Randolph, remarked Elsie, without heeding her cousin's last observation.
human
I should think it would be dreadfully dangerous; the shock might kill her.
gpt
I can't help worrying about it, she said,
human
I really don't see how you managed to keep her from suspecting when you were on the way home, said Elsie;
gpt
I'm afraid I should have let out something without intending to.
human
I couldn't do that, said Marjorie, gravely.
gpt
Think how terrible it would have been if Mrs. Randolph had hoped and then been disappointed. I was sure myself, but neither Dr. Randolph nor Beverly believed it could be true. I shall never forget that last evening in Virginia. Beverly and I were both almost ill from excitement, and yet we had to act just as if nothing unusual had happened. Fortunately the doctor and Beverly were to start the first thing in the morning, so we all went to bed early. I don't believe any of us slept a wink; I know I didn't. The day on the train wasn't quite so bad, because Mrs. Patterson was with us, and she hadn't been told anything, and could be natural without trying. I pretended to be very much interested in a book, so as not to have to talk much, but I couldn't tell you what it was about. And all the time Mrs. Randolph was just as sweet and calm as possible, and worried about me because my hands were cold, and I couldn't eat.
human
I think you were very plucky,
gpt
I wasn't at all plucky, she said, modestly;
human
Of course I like you, said Elsie, reddening in her turn.
gpt
There's the door-bell; I wonder if it's Mamma.
human
Perhaps it's a letter, cried Marjorie, springing to her feet;
gpt
I ought to have a letter from home to-day. I haven't heard a word since that little note from Aunt Jessie the morning after Barbara was found.
human
Madame Randolph has sent to inquire if Mademoiselle Marjorie will come to her apartment for a short time. Her friend has been obliged to go out, and she is alone.
gpt
Send word you're very busy, and can't possibly come,
human
I shall have to go, she said, with a little gasp.
gpt
Mrs. Randolph has been so good to me; she would think it so strange if I didn't come when she sent for me. Say I will be there in a few minutes, Hortense.
human
You really are a wonder, Marjorie, remarked Elsie, with involuntary admiration, as Hortense left the room with the message.
gpt
I'm sure I should never be able to do it.
human
Yes, you would,