human
So Jeanie felt a call to visit her own kin, did she? said Jack as they sat at table.
gpt
She is so much a part of the house I miss her.
human
Yes; she could not be tempted from her project even by the prospect of the Fair. ’What do I want with the Fair?’ she asked contemptuously. ’Chicago’s just got unbearable since they started it.’ But she wanted me to promise to take her back when all the excitement is over and she returns to America, said Clover.
gpt
Of course we miss her very much; but at present we get on finely.
human
Yes, remarked Mildred,
gpt
I don’t know that Jeanie would be pleased to know how well. I believe she was right. No doubt a person of her sort would be more fatigued than interested by the Fair.
human
I was wondering this morning, said Jack,
gpt
I think Chicago and everything connected with it seems as far off to her as the Sandwich Islands;
human
I have had a brilliant idea,
gpt
That is nothing new, returned her sister.
human
A quarter, please,
gpt
We can’t selfishly keep this comfortable house just for our own two selves the next six months.
human
I could, just as easy, returned Mildred nonchalantly, dropping into an armchair.
gpt
Aren’t you glad now that we have lived a life of resorts for two years, and are not under obligations to anybody? Moreover, that we haven’t had time to make any intimate friends anywhere? Why, everybody we know here has either rented his house and fled, or is wondering how servants and expenses are to be managed through the summer.
human
I feel that we ought to do exactly what Mr. Van Tassel would do if he were alive.
gpt
Yes, that is so, agreed Mildred promptly;
human
Why, it is perfectly plain that he would entertain his near relatives.
gpt
Stop that nonsensical song.
human
My dear, Gilbert never writes any nonsense. It gives me the utmost pleasure to warble his lays. He is the only librettist in the world who says just what he wants to say, and it happens to rhyme. Pardon me if I appeared to be personal. That was another happening. So you think you ought to have sonny at home. Anybody else?
gpt
Certainly. Mr. Page.
human
Mr. Van Tassel’s sister’s child, went on Clover firmly.
gpt
He has a right to expect an invitation. What is the matter? Don’t you like him?
human
I’ve had a good deal of him by proxy, she answered.
gpt
I’m very much afraid he’s a worthy young man.
human
Well, what of it?
gpt
Oh, you know I can’t endure worthy young men,
human
Jack says he is a noble fellow,
gpt
Of course; but alas, if that was only one of those things that go without saying! His sister-in-law adores him madly. Well, then we are to have sterling cousin Page. Anybody else? It seems to me you are drawing about us a possibly charming, but certainly unconventional family circle.
human
No, no. There are the other Pages. Of course we must ask the married brother, just as much as Gorham, and we are under obligation to Mrs. Page for kindness to you.
gpt
So she is to be the chaperone. Is it your expectation that she will wish to stay here all summer? What a perfect goose you were, Clover, not to have your bright idea before you let Jeanie go. After you have thought up three meals a day for guests, for about three months, your opinion of the brilliance of that idea will probably decline and fall.
human
Just wait, said Clover triumphantly.
gpt
You haven’t even heard my bright thought yet. It is Aunt Love.
human
It is nothing to me, continued Clover,
gpt
Do you suppose she will do it?
human
Yes, I do. I shall ask her, anyway, before one day more passes over my head,—that is, if you agree, Mildred.
gpt
Oh, if I agree! repeated the latter with light scorn.
human
I notice you didn’t trouble yourself to consult me about Strephon and cousin Page.
gpt
You would like to have Aunt Love, of course,
human
Yes; but she must be sure to bring Blitzen.