human
Elsie, he said abruptly,
gpt
You mean Harriet White? She's living with the Norrises in Prairieville.
human
Wouldn't you like to have her here? he asked suddenly.
gpt
It doesn't seem just right--decent--to let strangers look after your own relations.
human
But we can't have her here. That was the trouble after her mother died. Children aren't allowed in the house and we didn't want to move.
gpt
How old is she?
human
Thirteen or fourteen. I'm not just sure which.
gpt
A girl of thirteen isn't a child. Send for her, Elsie, and if anyone objects, we can move. But I guess a tenant means something to a landlord and there won't be any objections. We need her, Elsie, as much as she needs us. We need someone young with us. That kid, he nodded toward the kitchen where Mary Rose was lustily singing the many verses of
human
Where Have You Been, Billy Boy?
gpt
he colored slightly,
human
I'll be glad to send for her, Joe. I haven't felt just right to leave her with the Whites but I thought you didn't want her and I told myself that my first duty was to you. I'll write today. No, I'll go for her, if you don't mind.
gpt
That's a good girl.
human
I'm all through. Didn't I say it wouldn't take a jiffy? It's been very pleasant but Aunt Kate'll be wondering where I am and so will Grandma Johnson. Good-by.
gpt
Good-by, they chorused.
human
Come again,
gpt
I shall, Mary Rose called back.
human
Sure, I'll come again.
gpt
And Mr. Jerry said that if you weren't so much of an angel you'd be a splendid artist or if you weren't so much of an artist you'd be a splendid angel. It sounds queer the way I say it but I know he meant it for a compliment.