human
But I am so glad the subject has come up, Miss Dane, she went on.
gpt
I was meaning to ask you whether you thought I could get Mr. Thayer to sing for our Fresh Air Fund.
human
Really, I have no idea of Mr. Thayer's engagements,
gpt
But I thought you knew him so well.
human
I know him as I know any number of people, Mrs. Avalons. That doesn't mean that Mr. Thayer consults me in regard to his plans.
gpt
Oh, no, Mrs. Lloyd Avalons responded vivaciously.
human
But couldn't you just say a good word for us?
gpt
I am afraid it wouldn't count for much.
human
You are too modest, Miss Dane. We all know your powers of persuasion, and we are counting on you.
gpt
Who are _we_?
human
Mrs. Van Bleeker and Mrs. Knickerbocker and I. We are the committee, this year, and we are trying to have an uncommonly good concert.
gpt
It must be very hard for you to work on a music committee with Mrs. Van Bleeker, Bobby suggested.
human
She doesn't know a fugue from a bass viol, and she never hesitates to say so.
gpt
Therein she differs from most unmusical people, Sally responded, in a swift aside.
human
Even truthful people will fib valiantly, where music is concerned, and go into raptures, when they have hard work to suppress their yawns. It was a sorry day for music, when it became the fashion.
gpt
How droll you are, Miss Van Osdel! Mrs. Lloyd Avalons was nothing, if not direct, in her personal comments. Then she answered Bobby.
human
Even if Mrs. Van Bleeker isn't really musical, it is a delight to work with her, she is so very charming and so business-like. Strange as it may seem, I actually take pleasure in our committee meetings, Mr. Dane.
gpt
I haven't the slightest doubt of it,
human
When is the concert to be, Mrs. Avalons?
gpt
The first week in May, if we can possibly be ready for it. There was so much, just before Lent, that we postponed it until after Easter. Now we are no better off, for every day is full, so we are delaying it again. We want to make it a large affair, don't you know, something that will attract the swell set and the musical people, too.