human
But I want to do it as a special favor to Pete,
gpt
Or as a special penance, perhaps, said Mary, with a wise look.
human
No; and besides, your valet will doubtless have his duties that evening. He'll be needed in the gentlemen's dressing-room.
gpt
Say, if you can squeeze a bishop in at this stage of the game I ought to be entitled to invite somebody else, hadn't I?
human
Of course. I asked for suggestions.
gpt
Well, I want to invite a very, very good friend of mine.
human
Who?
gpt
He's an Italian.
human
An artist,
gpt
Oh! Now that sounds promising.
human
A wop artist. His name is Valentino.
gpt
Why, of course we've got room for him, she said.
human
I think it's a splendid idea, Mr. Marshall. I hadn't any notion that you had friends in the art world. I'm very much interested in art myself. What does he paint?
gpt
He's a sculptor,
human
Better yet. That's even more distinguished. He must have the true temperament.
gpt
Oh, barrels of it.
human
An impressionist or a realist.
gpt
I'd say he was a little of both. He's very strong on impressions, but he produces them in a realistic way, if you can get what I mean.
human
His work has strength,
gpt
You've got it. That's exactly it, Miss Norcross. He's young, but he's already made a name for himself. He makes a specialty of working on heads and busts.
human
His full name?
gpt
Antonio Valentino.
human
Oh, I like it, she exclaimed.
gpt
He's the only artist we'll have. Perhaps another time we can get him to bring his friends. What is the address, please?
human
He has a studio over on the East Side. Wait a second.
gpt
And when you write, he advised,
human
Signor Antonio Valentino, said Mary, reading from her list.
gpt
Quite the most distinguished name at the party, Mr. Marshall. That's the best suggestion you've made yet.
human
And now, if you've nothing more for the present, I have errands to do, she announced.
gpt
Will you excuse me?
human
Don't I get another dancing lesson? I thought you said----
gpt
I've been thinking about your dancing, she said.
human
And I've come to the conclusion, Mr. Marshall, that there isn't anything more I can teach you. You've done so well that sometimes I suspect----