human
You people, began Patty, after Nan had left them,
gpt
I know it, said Beatrice,
human
Not at all, Bee. She has stayed here three months to please me, and turn about is fair play.
gpt
It's Fairfield play, at any rate, put in Jack.
human
You're a trump, Patty, to take it so sweetly. I wish you didn't have to go, though.
gpt
So say we all of us,
human
You must write me all about the Pageant, girls,
gpt
Can't I write too, though I'm not a girl?
human
No! cried Patty, holding up her hands in pretended horror.
gpt
I couldn't receive a letter from a young man!
human
Oh, try it, said Jack, laughing.
gpt
I'll help you. You've no idea how easy it is! Have you never had a letter from a man?
human
From papa,
gpt
Papa, nothing! You get letters from those New York chaps, don't you, now?
human
Who New York chaps?
gpt
Oh, that Harper kid and that Farrington cub and that Hepworth old gentleman!
human
What pretty pet names you call them! Yes, I get letters from them, but they're my lifelong friends.
gpt
That's the position I'm applying for. Don't you need one more L. L. F.?
human
I'd have a farewell party myself, said Patty, thoughtfully,
gpt
And our house party comes that very day! said Beatrice, regretfully.
human
And Captain Sayre is coming. He's the most stunning man! He's our second cousin, and older than we are, but he's just grand, isn't he, Lora?
gpt
Yes; and he'd adore Patty. Oh, girlie, DON'T go!
human
I think I'll kidnap Patty, said Jack.
gpt
The day they start, I'll waylay the party as they board the train, and carry Patty off by force.
human
You'd have to get out a force of militia, laughed Patty.
gpt
My father Fairfield is of a sharp-eyed disposition. You couldn't carry off his daughter under his nose.
human
Strategy! whispered Jack, in a deep, mysterious voice.
gpt
I could manage it, somehow, I'm sure.
human
Well, it wouldn't do any good. He'd just come back after me, and we'd take the next train. But, oh, girls, I do wish I could stay here! I never had such a disappointment before. I've grown to love this place; and all you people; and my dear Camilla!
gpt
It's a shame! declared Jack, as he noted the drops trembling on the long, curled lashes.
human
Come on, girls, I'm going home before I express myself too strongly.