human
Carmen, said Margaret,
gpt
Mr. Ponsonby says that all Newport is just an imitation.
human
Of course it is. We are all imitations, except Count Crispo. I'll bet a cup of tea against a pair of gloves, said Carmen, who had facility in picking up information,
gpt
Well, I was only three years old when I left Halifax.
human
I knew it! cried Carmen, clapping her hands.
gpt
Now come in and have a cup of English breakfast tea. That's imitation, too.
human
The mistake you made, said Margaret,
gpt
Perhaps it's not irreparable,
human
No, no, said Carmen, audaciously;
gpt
I can't remember. But it is a pleasure to sojourn in any land with Miss Eschelle.
human
Thank you. Now you shall have two cups. Come.
gpt
We all know Mr. Hollowell,
human
That's not always an advantage, retorted Uncle Jerry, seating himself, and depositing his hat beside his chair.
gpt
When do you expect your husband, Mrs. Henderson?
human
Tomorrow. But I don't mean to tell him that you are here--not at first.
gpt
No, said Carmen;
human
And you get it in Newport?
gpt
Well, my wife and children get what they call quiet. I guess a month of it would use me up. She says if I had a place here I'd like it. Perhaps so. You are very comfortably fixed, Miss Eschelle.
human
It does very well for us, but something more would be expected of Mr. Hollowell. We are just camping-out here. What Newport needs is a real palace, just to show those foreigners who come here and patronize us. Why is it, Mr. Hollowell, that all you millionaires can't think of anything better to do with your money than to put up a big hotel or a great elevator or a business block?
gpt
I suppose, said Uncle Jerry, blandly,
human
Oh, I'm anxious about the public also. I'm on your side, Mr. Hollowell; but you don't go far enough. You just throw in a college now and then to keep us quiet, but you owe it to the country to show the English that a democrat can have as fine a house as anybody.
gpt
I call that real patriotism. When I get rich, Miss Eschelle, I'll bear it in mind.
human
Oh, you never will be rich, said Carmen, sweetly, bound to pursue her whim.
gpt
You might come to me for a start to begin the house. I was very lucky last spring in A. and B. bonds.
human
How was that? Are you interested in A. and B.?
gpt
Oh, no; we sold out. We sold when we heard what an interest there was in the road. Mamma said it would never do for two capitalists to have their eggs in the same basket.
human
What do you mean, Carmen? asked Margaret, startled.
gpt
Why, that is the road Mr. Henderson is in.
human
Yes, I know, dear. There were too many in it.
gpt
Isn't it safe?
human
A great deal more solid than it was, he replied.
gpt
It is part of a through line. I suppose Miss Eschelle found a better investment.
human
One nearer home,
gpt
Henderson must have given the girl points,