human
Is this a straight answer, Lawford? Or are you just talking to hear yourself talk?
gpt
I am determined not to marry Dot.
human
And you'll marry that other girl?
gpt
If she'll have me. But whether or no I won't be forced into marriage with a girl I do not love.
human
Love! exploded the Taffy King. Then in a moment he was calm again, only for that inward glow of rage.
gpt
People don't really love each other until after marriage. Love is born of propinquity and thrives on usage and custom. You only _think_ you love this girl. It's after two people have been through a good deal together that they learn what love means.
human
Whether or no, he repeated,
gpt
I think I should have the same right that you had of choosing a wife.
human
Do you understand what this means--if you are determined to disobey me?
gpt
I suppose you won't begrudge me a bite and sup till I find a job, dad? the son said with just a little tremor in his voice.
human
I know I haven't really anything of my own. You have done everything for me. Your money bought the very clothes I stand in. You gave me the means to buy the _Merry Andrew_. I realize that nothing I have called my own actually belongs to me because I did not earn it----
gpt
As long as you are amenable to discipline, put in his father gloomily,
human
But I do feel it now, said Lawford simply.
gpt
You have made me. And, as I say, I'll need to live, I suppose, till I get going for myself.
human
D'you think for a minute that that society girl will stand for your getting a job and trying to support her on your wages?
gpt
She will if she loves me.
human
You poor ninny! burst out I. Tapp.
gpt
You've got about as much idea of women as you have of business. And where are you going to work?
human
Well, and Lawford smiled a little whimsically, serious though the discussion was,
gpt
I've always felt a leaning toward the candy business. I believe I have a natural adaptability for that. Couldn't I find a job in one of your factories, dad?
human
You'll get no leg-up from me, unless you show you're worthy of it.
gpt
But you'll give me a job?
human
I won't interfere if the superintendent of any of the factories takes you on, growled I. Tapp.
gpt
But mind you, he'll hire you on his own responsibility--he'll understand that from me. But I tell you right now this is no time to apply for a job in a candy factory. We're discharging men--not hiring them.
human
I will apply for the first opening,