human
Could we go over to those gardens?
gpt
Why, certainly. I am glad to see that you are interested in real gardens, replied Miss Beckwith.
human
Those are called the Italian gardens because Italians work there, not because they bear any resemblance to the wonderful gardens of Italy.
gpt
You will never tell,
human
I don't like those horrid women, said Alma.
gpt
Why don't you want to go over the other way, out into the pretty woodlands, Nora? Come on and let's run back. I am almost afraid of that ugly creature coming over that dug-up place,
human
I don't like her, either, admitted Nora.
gpt
I only wanted to see--them work--close by.
human
Going in for scientific gardening when we make you a real Scout? Alma continued, as they both hurried back to the uncultivated territory.
gpt
Lots of girls are trying it, but it's wickedly hard on the hands.
human
Oh, I hadn't thought of that, Alma. But I just---- She stopped and looked frankly into Alma's gray eyes.
gpt
Alma, she began again with an unexpected sigh,
human
Why, no, certainly not, Nora. You must have good reason for not wanting to confide----
gpt
I do want to confide, Nora quickly took up the charge.
human
But this is not my own affair. I have promised not to tell.
gpt
Then don't bother to explain, said Alma, generously.
human
I'll do all I can to help you. I am sure it's for a good cause.
gpt
The noblest charity---- Nora checked herself.
human
I'll tell you. I want to take my picnic lunch to--some place----
gpt
Nora, darling! You are truly a brave Scout! declared the admiring Alma.
human
There you haven't touched your lovely lunch. Saved it for a secret charity. Just you wait until you are received into the band of Chickadees! I'll be your sponsor if I am allowed it, and I'll find a way----
gpt
Alma! Alma! gasped Nora, tragically.
human
You really must do nothing of the kind. As happy as I am now at the idea of being a Scout, I shouldn't even join if I thought that in any way this secret would become known.
gpt
Oh, don't worry, soothed Alma.
human
I had no idea of telling any part of the secret, that, of course, I really don't know anything about. I was just planning what I might say to your especial credit if the promoter should call upon me,
gpt
Then help me carry my lunch back to--the woods near our house,
human
I hope you are not going to give it away to some wild animal,
gpt
Oh, no indeed,
human
Then why do you not eat it?
gpt
I have promised----
human
Maybe it's Jimmie,
gpt
Jimmie! Why I have never spoken to him!
human
Oh, you should, the Scout assured her.
gpt
He is such a nice, useful boy.
human
Does he work on the farms?
gpt
I guess he doesn't really work any place in particular, but almost every place in general, replied Alma.
human
But let's hurry. The others will think we got hoed in with the corn.