human
They are nearly a hundred miles away, said Marjorie, with a glance in the direction of the great snow-tipped mountains, which certainly did look very near in that wonderful atmosphere.
gpt
We could go there, though, if we had an automobile. What wonderful things automobiles must be.
human
I suppose they are--there were plenty of them in California--but nothing could be half as nice as a gallop in this wonderful air. A pony like this is worth all the automobiles in San Francisco.
gpt
I believe you love riding as much as I do, said Marjorie, sympathetically.
human
I wonder where you learned to ride. I shall never forget how astonished Father and I were that first day, when we made you get on a pony just for fun, and you took the reins, and started off as if you had been accustomed to riding every day of your life.
gpt
It's all very strange, and I can't explain it, but it seemed quite natural, and as if I had done it often before. Even when the pony jumped, and your father thought I would be frightened, I wasn't. I seemed to know just what to do, though I couldn't tell how I knew.
human
Perhaps you lived on a ranch once, Marjorie suggested.
gpt
That would explain it.
human
I don't think so, she said,
gpt
There's another curious thing that I haven't told you. That book I'm reading to your aunt--'Lorna Doone,' you know--I'm sure I've read it before. I know what is going to happen in every chapter.
human
Have you told Aunt Jessie about it?
gpt
No, I was afraid it might bother her. I don't think she or your mother like to have me talk about the things I remember.
human
That's only because they're afraid you will worry and make yourself ill, Marjorie explained.
gpt
You remember what a dreadful headache you had the day you heard Jim singing 'Mandalay.' They're really tremendously interested.
human
Are they? said Undine, looking pleased.
gpt
I was afraid they thought me silly. At first I know they thought I was a fraud, and I'm sure I don't blame them. How could any one believe such a queer story? And yet it's all true, every word.
human
They believe it now, at any rate, said Marjorie,
gpt
Miss Brent said she didn't believe I had any friends or they would have come to look for me,
human
But you must have belonged to somebody, persisted Marjorie,
gpt
But I can't remember who it was; I only know there was somebody who used to sing it. I almost remembered for a minute that day, but it was gone in a flash, and it has never come back since.
human
Well, don't let's talk any more about worrying things this glorious afternoon, broke in Marjorie, noticing the troubled sound in her friend's voice.
gpt
Let's have a good gallop, and forget everything else. Come along, Roland.