human
All right, the girls agreed,
gpt
May I turn the ice-cream freezer? Knight inquired.
human
I'm quite expert at it.
gpt
You certainly may, Kitty replied.
human
I engage you right now, and you may report at my house any time before noon to-morrow.
gpt
And when Kitty's through with you, you can come over to our house and help stir cakes. I'm down for angel food, and I loathe beating up the eggs,
human
What am I going to furnish? Blue Bonnet inquired.
gpt
Is there any other way you shine in the culinary line, Knight?
human
You furnish the house and the guest of honor! Isn't that enough for one person, I should like to know? Kitty said.
gpt
Seems to me you ought to be satisfied. If I could bring out an Uncle Cliff I should consider that I had done all the community could ask of me.
human
That's right, Kitty Kat. Not many people _can_ produce an Uncle Cliff. But as an especial favor might I contribute candy? I should like to have some claim to Knight's society to-morrow. If he's not utterly worn out with you and Amanda he could help me boil sugar.
gpt
Candy's my specialty, Knight declared.
human
I could come over to-night and we'll make up a lot. I'll show you a Spanish pinoche that's great.
gpt
Thank you, I know that pinoche--it's a Texas product; but you may come over just the same.
human
That will be easy, she remarked.
gpt
You couldn't drive Uncle Cliff away until my vacation is over. He'll be on hand, don't worry.
human
Where's Uncle Cliff?
gpt
Here, Honey. Why, what's the matter? You look as if something dreadful were about to happen.
human
What's your bag doing in the hall, Uncle Cliff?
gpt
Business, Honey, business. I have to run up to Boston for a day or two.
human
To-day? Oh, Uncle Cliff, not to-day! You can't--possibly. We need you here. We've just _got_ to have you. You said you would stay with me _two whole weeks_. How can you leave me a single minute when we've been separated all these months?
gpt
But I'll be back to-morrow, Honey.
human
Yes--but to-morrow isn't to-day! I specially need you to-day.
gpt
Very well then, I'll go to-night. What did you want to do to-day?
human
Ever so many things. There's the visit to Gabriel; and the ride out to the farm; and--oh, heaps of things. And to-night--if you'll just stay over _to-night_, Uncle Cliff, I'll try to spare you to-morrow. Really, I will. Please.
gpt
I'm sorry, Blue Bonnet, but I must go this time. I'll be back in a day or two. Why, here, here, Honey! What's this?
human
Nothing--only--I'm so frightfully disappointed. Uncle Cliff, I need you to-night. I want you!
gpt
I didn't suppose it was as serious as all that, Blue Bonnet. Dry those tears. I'll stay, of course.