human
He's here! He's come!
gpt
And he's got, oh, such a dandy!
human
Who's here, and what has he?
gpt
You shouldn't say anything is a 'dandy,'
human
Well it is, and you told me always to tell the truth,
gpt
It's Mr. Howbridge and he's out in front with a--the--er the beautifulest automobile! cried Tess.
human
It's all shiny an' it's got wheels, an'--an' everything! It's newer than our car.
gpt
It _is_ Mr. Howbridge,
human
And he must have a new auto, added Agnes.
gpt
Oh, he has!
human
What has happened?
gpt
Won't you come in?
human
I'd much rather you would come out, Miss Ruth, the man responded.
gpt
It is just the sort of day to be out--not in.
human
Especially in such a car as that! exclaimed Agnes.
gpt
It's a--
human
Be careful, murmured Ruth, with an admonishing glance from Agnes to the smaller girls.
gpt
Little pitchers, you know--
human
It's a wonderful car! went on Agnes.
gpt
Is it yours?
human
Well, I sometimes doubt a little, when I recall what it cost me, her guardian answered with a laugh.
gpt
But I am supposed to be the owner, and I have come to take you for a ride.
human
Oh, can't we go?
gpt
Yes, all of you! laughed Mr. Howbridge.
human
That's why I waited until school was out. They may come, may they not, Miss Ruth?
gpt
Yes, I think so, was the low-voiced answer.
human
But we planned to have an early tea and--
gpt
Oh, I promise to get you back home in plenty of time, the lawyer said, with a laugh.
human
And after that, if you like, we might take another ride.
gpt
How wonderful!
human
Won't you stay to tea?
gpt
I was waiting for that! exclaimed Mr. Howbridge.
human
I shall be delighted. Now then, youngsters, run out and hop in, but don't touch anything, or you may be in a worse predicament than when you were in the clothes basket elevator.
gpt
We won't!
human
You must come back and be washed!