human
I wish you hadn't said that, Amy--about the ideals.
gpt
Why shouldn't I say it? I _had_ to say it.
human
I can't afford to play with too many fine distinctions. I have accepted the one great handicap. I may owe it to myself--and to some others--not to take on any more.
gpt
I don't know what you mean now,
human
Perhaps it is just as well that you don't. Let's talk about something else; about the railroad. I told you that President Ford is coming over to have a wrestle with the Cortwright people, but I didn't tell you that he has already had his talk with Mr. Cortwright in person--in Chicago. He hasn't decided; he won't decide until he has looked the ground over and had a chance to confer with me.
gpt
He means to give you the casting vote? He will build the Extension if you advise it?
human
It is something like that, I fancy; yes.
gpt
And you think--you feel----
human
It is a matter of absolute indifference to me, officially. But in any event, Ford would ask for nothing more than a friendly opinion.
gpt
Then it will lie in your hand to make us rich or to keep us poor, she laughed.
human
Be a good god-in-the-car, please, and your petitioners will ever pray. Then, with an instant return to seriousness:
gpt
But you mustn't think of that--of course, you won't--with so many other and greater things to consider.
human
On the contrary, I shall think very pointedly of that; pointedly and regretfully--because your brother has made it practically impossible for me to help.
gpt
My brother?
human
Yes. He offered to buy my vote with a block of 'Little Susan' stock. That wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't talked about it--told other people what he was going to do. But he did that, as well.