human
You're shiftless and idle, Hickory, and you don't know what's good for yourself. Now do stop fiddling with that straw. First thing you know, you'll be poking it in your ear. I cut out a newspaper clipping only yesterday, about a man who poked a straw in his ear, and it killed him. That's what you'll come to some day.
gpt
No, I won't.
human
Yes, you will! But just you remember this safe rule: never put anything in your ear, but your elbow. But you're so forgetful. I am surprised that a man _can_ be as forgetful as you are! Throw that straw away,--it's safer.
gpt
Yes, it's safer, Susan, and Mr. Hickox threw his straw away.
human
And when you sit down to dinner, I hope you will tie yourself into your chair. You may not fall off, but it's safer.
gpt
That big dog is a ridiculous extravagance, she went on.
human
He must eat as much as a man. I am surprised that people as poor as they are should keep such a raft of animals.
gpt
Why the Dorrances aren't poor.
human
Yes they are; and if they aren't they soon will be. Throwin' open that great big house for them few people, is enough to ruin a millionaire. That little girl says they use nearly every room in it.
gpt
So they do, said Mr. Hickox, chuckling;
human
They're a terrible lot! I never saw anything like them.
gpt
That Dorothy is a smart one, declared Mr. Hickox, with an air of great conviction.
human
Some day she'll set Lake Ponetcong on fire!
gpt
I wouldn't be at all surprised,