human
Cunning!
gpt
Real library place cards!
human
What a pretty idea!
gpt
But _what_ do they mean?
human
No one can sit down till he has found his proper place, said Algernon sternly.
gpt
This is a well-conducted library!
human
They all have the same number, cried Bert.
gpt
I'm on to that. See! It's the date, fixed up to look like the mystic symbols they mark the books with. 190.9 Se 16. September 16th, 1909. That's so much, gained. Now some of you others can figure out the rest. I've done my share.
human
read Polly, disgustedly.
gpt
Imagine any one of us owning up to that! Of course, we all know we have them both, but who is going to claim them?
human
It's going to be a conflict between modesty and hunger soon, I can see that,
gpt
I never did, either, said Dorcas, shortly.
human
They must have hunted around in very queer places to find things that none of us know. _Star of the Sea_, though, does sound familiar. Isn't it one of Tennyson's?
gpt
Hurry up, and find yours, the rest of you, said Tom suddenly,
human
I'm fixed and I'm ready to eat.
gpt
I'm the only fellow here who ever wore a mustache, he said,
human
It's not your place, though, Tom, truly, said Bertha.
gpt
I'm afraid we'll have to help. The librarian always does help stupid people.
human
We won't ask him, though! If you two were bright enough to make these cards, we'll figure out the meanings or go without our supper,
gpt
Now, listen, said Polly.
human
I'm president of this club, and I call you all to order. I'll read the cards, one after another and you must all think, and perhaps we'll be able to get on to the system--I mean, to understand it.
gpt
O!
human
I have it! she cried joyfully.
gpt
I used to study and study the meanings of names when I was a youngster, and here they are. Mine means Grace and I know where I'm going to sit, and the rest of you can find out in a minute.