human
Why, it's you!
gpt
Yes, and Big Bill smiled at her over the armful of roses he still held.
human
I've completely stripped the rose garden, but I had to bombard you with something!
gpt
Are you a bombardier?
human
No, I'm a beggar. I'm begging you to come out here for a few minutes and see the moonlight on the ocean.
gpt
Why, there isn't any moon!
human
That's so! I mean the sun.
gpt
Well, the sun isn't QUITE up yet!
human
That's so! Well, I mean the--the stars,--there, I knew SOMETHING was shining!
gpt
I can't, Little Billee. It's too late, and I'm too tired, and--
human
But I'm going away to-morrow.
gpt
You are! I didn't know.
human
Do you CARE? Oh, Patty, come out for a minute, I want to tell you something.
gpt
Just for a tiny minute, then.
human
You were fine as Neptune, said Patty, looking at him critically as he stood against a veranda pillar,
gpt
Thank you!
human
Fishing! Well, I DIDN'T mean that you're plain, but,--I won't say what I did mean.
gpt
Oh, dear! Another fond hope shattered! I WISH I knew what you DID mean!
human
Don't be silly, or I'll run back. If you'll promise not to be silly, I'll stay another minute.
gpt
But, you see, I never know when I am silly.
human
Almost always! Now let's talk about the Pageant. Didn't Daisy look pretty?
gpt
Yes. But I fancy blondes myself.
human
Now that's ambiguous. I don't know whether you mean because you're one or because I'm one.
gpt
Why! So you ARE a blonde, aren't you? I never noticed it before!
human
Really? How nice! I've always wondered how I'd strike an entire stranger!
gpt
Why strike him at all?
human
Now you're silly again! But I mean, I'd like to know what an utter stranger would think of me.
gpt
I hate to be called an utter stranger, but I haven't the least objection to saying what I think of you. In fact, I'd like to! May I?
human
Is it nice?
gpt
Judge for yourself. I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,--and the most fascinating. I think you have the sweetest nature and disposition imaginable. I think you have just enough perversity to give you the Zip you need.
human
What is Zip?
gpt
Never mind; don't interrupt. I think you are the most adorable fluff of femininity in the world,--and I KNOW I love you, and I want you for all my very own. Patty,--DARLING,--tell me now what you think of ME.
human
Oh, Bill, DON'T say such things to me,--PLEASE, don't!
gpt
I won't, dear,--I won't, if it bothers you,
human
Don't,--don't think me a silly, she said, smiling up at him through her tears,
gpt
Very well, dear, I'll wait.
human
No, you needn't, I'll tell you now, and Patty suddenly drew away from Bill's arm and faced him bravely.
gpt
I'm a coward,--that's what I am! And I cried because,--because I can't say what you want me to, and--and I HATE to hurt your feelings,--because I LIKE you so much.
human
Patty! do you KNOW what you're talking about?
gpt
Yes, I do! But I can't seem to say it out plain, without hurting your nice, big, kind heart.
human
Let me say it for you, little girl. Is it this? Is it that you like me as a friend, and a comrade--chum, but you don't love me as I love you, and you're afraid it will hurt me to know it?
gpt
Yes, yes, that's it! How did you know?
human
You told me yourself, unconsciously. Now, listen, my girl. I only love you MORE for being brave and honest about it. And I love you more still for your dear, kind heart that can't bear to hurt anybody. And to prove that love, I'm not going to say any more to you on this subject,--at least, not now. Forget what I have said; let us go back to our good comradeship. I startled you; I spoke too soon, I know. So forget it, my apple blossom, and remember only that Little Billee is your friend, who would do anything in the world for you.
gpt
You're an awfully nice man,
human
Now you HAVE told me what you think of me! cried Farnsworth, gaily, and taking the little hand he held it lightly clasped in his own.
gpt
And I thank you, lady, for those kind words! Now, you can look at the moon just a minute longer, and then you must fly, little bird, to your nest in the tree.
human
Yes, I must go. Tell me, Little Billee, where did you learn to dance so well?
gpt
It's mostly my natural grace! I took a few lessons of a wandering minstrel, out home, but I don't know the technique of it, as you and that ornamental captain do.
human
But you could learn easily. Shall I teach you?
gpt
No,--Apple Blossom, I think not.
human
Oh, there won't be time. You said you're leaving to-morrow! Must you go?
gpt
It doesn't matter whether I must or not. If you look at me like that, I WON'T! There, there, Sea Witch, run away, or--or I'll flirt with you!
human
Yes, it's time I went, said Patty, demurely, gathering up her draperies.
gpt
But, Billee, how can I thank you for the dear, sweet lovely wreath?
human
Well, there are several ways in which you COULD thank me,--though I'm not sure you WOULD. Suppose we just consider me thanked?
gpt
That doesn't seem much. Shall I write you a note?
human
That doesn't seem VERY much. Why don't you give me a gift in return?
gpt
I will! What do you want? A penknife?
human
Mercy, no! I'll have to think it over. Wait! I have it! Have your picture taken--with the wreath on, and give me that.
gpt
All right, I will. Or perhaps Mr. Cromer would sketch me in this whole rig.
human
PERHAPS he WOULD! and Farnsworth caught his breath, as he looked at the vision of loveliness before him.
gpt
But we'll see about that later. Skip to bed now, Apple Blossom, and don't appear below decks before noon to-morrow.
human
No, I won't. I'm awful tired. Good-night, Little Billee.
gpt
Good-night, Apple Blossom Girl,