human
You will become bankrupt, Alec.
gpt
Not while there are blossoms in the market, and you to accept them; I am a canny Scotchman, you know; you should always wear this gown,
human
You said so of my old gold dress, you fickle man;
gpt
Don't, Alec, it breaks my heart to hear you sigh like that, and I am trying so hard to keep up.
human
I sigh that I am forbidden to take you in my arms,
gpt
But, you know, I am acting for the best.
human
Do you allow him?
gpt
Never, when I can prevent it.
human
These flowers remind me of an incident I have often thought to tell you, Elaine. Do you remember one time, about a year and a half ago, going to make a call upon some people who were transient guests at the Walker House? they had left town; and while you waited, while this fact was being ascertained, a wee lady, an invalid, was carried in by an attendant, and placed on a sofa; she was emaciated and fair complexioned. On your leaving the parlor you asked her to accept a bouquet you carried; it was composed almost entirely of roses. Passionately fond of flowers, she was very pleased, telling you so; do you remember? but your face tells me you do. That poor little lady was she whom you had frequently met in the street with me, before she became too weak to walk; that was my poor little wife.
gpt
And I met you as I was entering the hotel,
human
Yes; I was going to Brown's livery stables for a cab; I generally went myself, instead of using the telephone, as Jessie thought I got an easier one.
gpt
Poor little creature; I did not recognize her, because meeting her with you, she had always been veiled. I remember how pleased she was with the flowers; my kind friend, Mrs. Tremaine, had given them to me to brighten my room; I could not afford such luxuries then, she said, sadly.
human
Your wee wife had a sweet little face, and I frequently thought of her again. Meeting the manager, Mr. Wright, one day, I asked him about her, when he said 'she and her husband had left town.' It was all very sad for you, Alec.
gpt
It was, she told me, a winsome lady, bonnie, and so strong-looking, had given them to her, and from her description, I knew it must be you. I endeavored, even then, to ascertain your name, but failed,