human
Presence of mind sometimes means absence of body,
gpt
I was speaking to Mamma, said Dolly, with dignity.
human
I wasn't asking you.
gpt
I am aware of the fact, but I overlooked the formality, for once. What makes you want to know, midget?
human
There was a story in the paper about a girl who hid the kerosene can when the new cook came, and it said she showed true presence of mind,
gpt
Oh, that was only fun! It didn't mean anything.
human
Isn't there any such thing, then?
gpt
Why, of course there is. Picking up a shell just before it bursts in a hospital tent, and throwing it out of the door, is presence of mind.
human
Yes, and tying a string round the right place on your leg when you've cut an artery,
gpt
Swallowing a quart of whiskey when a rattlesnake bites you,
human
Saving the silver, instead of the waste-paper basket, when the house is on fire,
gpt
What funny things! she cried.
human
I don't believe you know anything about it. Mamma, tell me what it really means.
gpt
I think, said Mrs. Ware, in those gentle tones to which her children always listened,
human
Should you be proud of me if I showed presence of mind?
gpt
Very proud, replied Mrs. Ware, smiling as she stroked the brown head,--
human
I mean to do it,
gpt
How will you go to work? asked Jack.
human
Shall I step down to Hussey's, and get a shell for you to practise on?
gpt
She'll be setting the house on fire some night, to show what she can do,
human
I shall do no such thing, protested Dolly, indignantly.
gpt
How foolish you are! You don't understand a bit! I don't want to make things happen; but, if they do happen, I shall try to keep cool and have my wits about me, and perhaps I shall.
human
It would be lovely to be brave and do heroic things,
gpt
You could at least be brave enough to use your common sense, said her mother.
human
Yours is a very good resolution, Dolly dear, and I hope you'll keep to it.
gpt
I will, said Dolly, and marched undauntedly off to bed. Later, she found herself repeating, as if it were a lesson to be learned,
human
Presence of mind means keeping cool, and having your wits about you;