human
What will the others say?
gpt
Nothing at all, responded Bill, promptly.
human
Simply announce that you and Daisy have agreed to change parts. Then Daisy can be 'Maid of the Mist,' and you can be the Water Sprite of old Neptune's float.
gpt
I'll do it, on one condition, said Patty;
human
Gee! You're a wonder!
gpt
Oh, don't give me undue credit, Patty said, laughing;
human
You're perfectly sweet in everything, Patty; I never saw any one like you!
gpt
Neither did I,
human
Oh, here you are, drawled a slow voice, and Laurence Cromer came sauntering along in search of Patty.
gpt
Don't you want to discuss your costume now? There's only a half-hour before luncheon time.
human
Well, you see, Mr. Cromer, said Patty, smiling at him,
gpt
All right, agreed Cromer.
human
It makes no difference to me, personally, of course. I'm merely designing the Niagara Float as an architect would. I think perhaps a brunette would be better adapted to the part of Maid of the Mist, as I have planned it, but it's as you choose.
gpt
Then we choose this way,
human
Run along, Daisy, and Mr. Cromer will tell you just what to get for your misty robes.
gpt
You let her off too easy, he said.
human
A girl who would do a thing like that ought to be punished.
gpt
Punished, how?
human
Her deceit ought to be exposed before the others. It oughtn't to be hushed up,--it makes it too easy for her.
gpt
Her deceit, as you call it, affected no one but me. Therefore, there's no reason for any one else to know of it. And Daisy has been punished quite enough. I read in her eyes the sorrow and remorse she has suffered for what she did. And I know she did it on a sudden impulse,--an uncontrollable desire to have that particular part in the Pageant. Now, I have forgiven and forgotten it all, it's but a trifle. And I can see no reason why YOU should still hold it against her.
human
You're bigger than I am, Little Girl,