human
What have you there? Miss Lottie asked at once.
gpt
You can't have pets in this flat, you know.
human
You can have canary birds, Mary Rose told her quickly.
gpt
Uncle Larry said the law never spoke of them.
human
Uncle Larry said that, did he?
gpt
I've got to have something alive here to keep me company. You don't know how lonesome it is for a woman to have nothing to do when she's been as busy as I was. There isn't anyone for me to talk to but Mina, and she's paid to work, not to listen. You and Louise bought a phonograph. I guess I can have a bird if I want one.
human
My word! Miss Lottie put her hands on her hips and stared at her mother. She laughed softly, indulgently.
gpt
Sure, you can have a bird if you want one. But don't let it wake me up mornings.
human
Wouldn't you just as soon be wakened by a bird singing as a steam radiator sizzling? asked Mary Rose.
gpt
Unless you live all by yourself on a desert island you've got to be wakened by some kind of a noise. I think a bird singing is just about the most beautiful noise that ever was.
human
So do I, agreed Mrs. Schuneman.
gpt
And you needn't worry, Lottie Schuneman. I don't complain of your phonograph nights, I leave that to Mr. Wells, and you needn't find fault with my bird mornings.
human
I'm not finding fault, far be it from me; only when Mr. Wells sends down word that your new pet is a nuisance you can answer him yourself.
gpt
How could anyone say a bird was a nuisance? Mary Rose was shocked.
human
Why, it can't be that late! for the dock on the mantel called out five times and she looked at it in wide-eyed amazement. Never had an afternoon run away any faster.
gpt
I must go. I've had a perfectly wonderful time, Mrs. Schuneman, and I hope that Germania will be happy with you in her new home.