human
Gabriel,
gpt
Gabriel! What a beautiful name! Gabriel--what?
human
You couldn't say all of it if I tell you. It's Jewish.
gpt
GABRIEL LOOKED UP IN DISDAIN.
human
Let me try. Perhaps I'll surprise you. Then I'll tell you mine. I have a queer name, too.
gpt
Tell yours first.
human
All right. It's Blue Bonnet. Blue Bonnet Ashe.
gpt
It's pretty, though. I like it.
human
Why do you like it?
gpt
I don't know. Kind of makes me think of flowers.
human
It _is_ the name of a flower, Blue Bonnet said, surprised at his intuition.
gpt
A very pretty flower that grows down in Texas.
human
They'll march this way, he said, half to himself--
gpt
Oh, I wouldn't let them fight, if I were you. Soldiers don't fight any more--not here in America. This is a land of peace.
human
Aw--quit yer kiddin', he paid.
gpt
What's soldiers fer?
human
You haven't told me your other name, she said.
gpt
You took advantage of me. I told you mine.
human
It ain't pretty! The kids call me Gaby. That's enough. Call me that.
gpt
How old are you?
human
Nine--comin' next August.
gpt
August? My birthday is in August; the twenty-first.
human
That's mine, too!
gpt
Really? she said.
human
Aren't you mistaken? Certain it's the twenty-first?
gpt
Sure, I am. Ask her!
human
That's what he has always said,
gpt
Well, we're sort of twins, aren't we, Gabriel? If I'm near Boston next summer we'll have to celebrate, won't we?
human
Come again some day, Gabriel called when Blue Bonnet took leave of him.
gpt
And bring some soldier books with you.
human
If you please, the nurse finished for him.
gpt
Miss Ashe won't come again if you are not polite.
human
If you please,