human
Everything's topsy-turvy, said he, coming alongside.
gpt
Here you are frivolously walking downtown with a dog. Usually at this time you are most earnestly walking uptown, and not a sign of a dog as far as the eye can see. What on earth's happened?
human
Oh, how do you do? said she, apparently not displeased to find herself thus surprised from the rear.
gpt
I too have a mad kind of feeling, as though the world had gone upside down. Don't be amazed if I suddenly clutch out at you to keep from falling. But the name of it--of this feeling--is having a holiday. Mr. Dayne went to New York at 12.20.
human
Ah, I see. When the cat's away?
gpt
Not at all. I am taking this richly earned vacation by his express command.
human
In that case, why mightn't we turn about and go a real walk--cease picking our way through the noisome hum of commerce and set brisk evening faces toward the open road--and all that? You and I and the dog. What is his name? Rollo, I suppose?
gpt
Rollo! No! Or Tray or Fido, either! His name is Bee, short for Behemoth--and I think that a very captivating little name, don't you? His old name, the one I bought him by, was Fred--_Fred_!--but already he answers to the pretty name of Bee as though he were born to it. Watch. She pursed her lips and gave a whistle, unexpectedly loud and clear.
human
Here, Bee, here! Here, sir! Look, look. He turned around _right away_!
gpt
Wonderfully gifted dog. But I believe you mentioned taking a walk in the November air. I can only say that physicians strongly recommend it, valetudinarians swear by it--
human
Oh--if I only could!--but I simply cannot think of it. Do you know, I never have a holiday without wondering how on earth I could have gotten on another day without it. You can't imagine what loads of things I've done since two o'clock, and loads remain. The very worst job of them all still hangs by a hair over my head. I must cross here.