human
I want you to grow up a gentleman, Dodger,
gpt
I'm too rough for that, Florence. I'm only an ignorant street boy.
human
You are not going to be an ignorant street boy all your life. I don't see why you should not grow up a polished gentleman.
gpt
I shall never be like that de Brabazon young man,
human
No, Dodger; I don't think you will, said Florence, laughing.
gpt
I don't want you to become effeminate nor a dude. I think I would like you less than I do now.
human
Do you like me, Florence?
gpt
To be sure I do. I hope you don't doubt it.
human
Why, it don't seem natural-like. You're a fashionable young lady----
gpt
Not very fashionable, Dodger, just at present.
human
Well, a high-toned young lady--one of the tip-tops, and I am a rough Bowery boy.
gpt
You were once, but you are getting over that rapidly. Did you ever hear of Andy Johnson?
human
Who was he?
gpt
He became President of the United States. Well, at the age of twenty-one he could neither read nor write.
human
At twenty-one? repeated Dodger.
gpt
Why, I'm only eighteen, and I do know something of readin' and writin'.
human
To be sure! Well, Andy Johnson was taught to read and write by his wife. He kept on improving himself till, in course of time, he became a United States Senator, Vice-President, and afterward, President. Now, I don't expect you to equal him, but I see no reason why you should not become a well-educated man if you are content to work, and keep on working.
gpt
I will keep on, Florence,
human
If I ever find my relations I don't want them to be ashamed of me.
gpt
Won't Tim Bolton tell you anything about your family?
human
No; I've asked him more'n once. He always says he's my father, and that makes me mad.
gpt
It is strange, said Florence, thoughtfully.
human
I had a young cousin stolen many years ago.
gpt
Was it the son of the old gentleman you lived with on Madison Avenue?
human
Yes; it was the son of Uncle John. It quite broke him down. After my cousin's loss he felt that he had nothing to live for.
gpt
I wish I was your cousin, Florence,
human
Well, then, I will adopt you as my cousin, or brother, whichever you prefer!
gpt
I would rather be your cousin.
human
Then cousin let it be! Now we are bound to each other by strong and near ties.
gpt
But when your uncle takes you back you'll forget all about poor Dodger.
human
No, I won't, Dodger. There's my hand on it. Whatever comes, we are friends forever.
gpt
Then I'll try not to disgrace you, Florence. I'll learn as fast as I can, and see if I don't grow up to be a gentleman.