human
Well, Laura, it's rather late, and I have an engagement down town--do you care about my calling with you? You know it's only necessary for you to leave your card. You need not go in even, if you don't care about it.
gpt
Oh, certainly, she replied.
human
No, don't wait for me.
gpt
human
If Harry were nervous already, what would he be on Thursday evening.
gpt
Are you going to ask the Hazletons,
human
No, said Mrs. Castleton;
gpt
I don't want to have too large a party. I want just enough to fill my rooms prettily, so that you can see everybody, and how they are dressed--just one of those small, select, pretty parties, where everybody is noticed. I have hardly asked a person--I don't know one--who is not in some way distinguished for either dress, manner, air, or beauty. I have taken pains to cull the most choice of my acquaintance. The rooms will be beautifully lighted--and I expect it to be a brilliant affair.
human
If it were not for that Miss Dawson to spoil all, said Emma, dejectedly--for she had never liked the scheme, though she did not oppose it.
gpt
I declare, Laura, I wonder at your moral courage in having her. I don't think _I_ could introduce her among such a set, even to be sure of breaking it off. You will be terribly ashamed of her. You don't know, I think, what you have undertaken.
human
Not I, Emma--why should I be ashamed of her. If she were Harry's wife, or if even he were engaged to her, the case would be different--I should blush for her then, if she is vulgar. But merely as a guest, how can her dress or manners affect _me_. My position is not to be altered by my happening to visit a girl who dresses vilely, and flirts _à discretion_.
gpt
Well, don't introduce me.
human
Don't be alarmed, replied her sister.
gpt
I don't mean to. Come, come, Emma, she continued, laughing,
human
I see you are nervous about it, but I think you may trust me for carrying it off well,
gpt
Well, Laura, if any one _can_ get out of such a scrape gracefully, you will.