human
he said, musing.
gpt
Without the shrouding smoke, what would it be? Factory chimneys, iron smoke-stacks, a filtration plant--Ugliness, ugliness! Yet there are people in that town who want to rid themselves of those billowing mists of rose and violet and silver.
human
I suppose, said Joan,
gpt
A question of perspective, you think? Hmnn--yes. Well, then he said reasonably,
human
We haven't all got wings to reach a hilltop with, you see. Nor yet automobiles.
gpt
I haven't, myself, he said.
human
I use trolley-cars.... Did it ever occur to you what a marvel the trolley-car is? For a nickel--or at most a dime--all Nature is yours to command; beechwoods in their autumn field of the cloth of gold; little whispering streams breaking their winter silence, fireflies dancing--to the tune of the 'Merry Widow' waltz, (as that melody of the moment made itself audible from the house beyond).
gpt
What a twilight! Fireflies, an afterglow, and the moonrise set to music, all at once, he said under his breath.
human
And some one to share them with!
gpt
The beauty of such a moment is that one never loses it, he mused.
human
One puts it away as people press flowers in books, to be looked at when--when pleasant things need remembering. I thank God for a mind well stocked with beautiful occasions!
gpt
Wild Evenings I Have Known,
human
With wild people in them. Like you.
gpt
Me! Wild?
human
Oh, I know on the surface you're a demure, well-behaved young miss, but underneath--good gracious! You'd shock these people to death! --he indicated certain hilarious couples who had waltzed onto the terrace near them.
gpt
Yes, you're quite untamed, my dear. Wild as a--chipmunk.
human
How did you guess?
gpt
I've watched you dance. And then--well, I've never quite got used to the cage myself, perhaps.
human
It is a very dreadful thing To be so fat a child, To have to sit around all day And yet to feel so wild.
gpt
At least, laughed Joan,
human
I'm not fat!
gpt
No! he said soberly,