human
Mamma.
gpt
Yes?
human
Mamma, I have something to--to tell you.
gpt
Well? she said cheerfully; and glanced up at her stepdaughter over her steel-rimmed spectacles, with kind eyes;
human
Then she drew out a fresh sheet of paper, and began to write:
gpt
My dear Sir:--Yours received, and con--
human
Mamma . . . Blair is married.
gpt
She rubbed the blotter over this line, put the pen in a cup of shot, and turned around.
human
What did you say?
gpt
I said . . . Blair is married.
human
He asked me to tell you.
gpt
He hopes you will not be angry. He says he is going to be a--a tremendous business man, now, because he is so happy.
human
How long has this been going on?
gpt
Oh, Mamma, not any time at all, truly! I am perfectly sure it--it was on the spur of the moment.
human
Married, 'on the spur of the moment'? Good God!
gpt
I only mean he hasn't been planning it. He--
human
And what kind of woman has married him, 'on the spur of the moment'?
gpt
Oh,--Mamma . . .
human
Don't be frightened, Nannie, she said kindly.
gpt
What is it? You have something more to tell me, I can see that. Come, out with it! Is she bad?
human
Oh, _Mamma!_ don't! don't! It is--she is--Elizabeth--