human
I wish you wouldn't always say that your things are better than any one else's, said Alice.
gpt
It's ex-exaspering to talk like that, and Mamma said when we exasperated it was almost as bad as telling lies.
human
She didn't say exasperate.
gpt
Yes, so it is, confessed candid Alice.
human
Mine is quite old now. This is younger, and, besides, the top of mine is broken off. But yours isn't really any prettier than Mary's.
gpt
It is too! It's a great deal more beautiful and a great deal more fascinating.
human
What is that which is so fascinating? asked their sister Mary, coming into the room.
gpt
The new parasol? My! that is strong language to use about a parasol. It should at least be an umbrella, I think. See, Madge, here is another birthday gift.
human
Oh, lovely! delicious! cried Madge, jumping up and down.
gpt
I think this is the best birthday that ever was! Are they from you, Mary, darling? Thank you ever so much! They are the most perfectly beautiful things I ever saw.
human
The parasol was the most beautiful just now,
gpt
Oh, these are much beautifuller than that, because they are alive,
human
I wish you'd make me a birthday present in return, said Mary.
gpt
I wish you'd drop that bad habit of exaggerating everything you like, and everything you don't like. All your 'bads' are 'dreadfuls,'--all your pinks are scarlets.
human
I don't know what you mean,
gpt
It's only what Mamma has often spoken to you about, dear Madgie. It is saying more than is quite true, and more than you quite feel. I am sure you don't mean to be false, but people who are not used to you might think you so.
human
It's because I like things so much.
gpt
No, for when you don't like them, it's just as bad. I have heard you say fifty times, at least, 'It is the horridest thing I ever saw,' and you know there couldn't be fifty 'horridest' things.
human
But you all know what I mean.
gpt
Well, we can guess, but you ought to be more exact. And, besides, Papa says if we use up all our strong words about little every-day things, we sha'n't have any to use when we are talking about really great things. If you call a heavy muffin 'awful,' what are you going to say about an earthquake or tornado?
human
We don't have any earthquakes in Groton, and I don't ever mean to go to places where they do,
gpt
Madge, how bad you are! cried little Alice.
human
You ought to promise Mary right away, because it's your birthday.
gpt
Well, I'll try,