human
You look as if you had been given a facer, old man, he said.
gpt
What is the matter? Has Frye been calling you down for something?
human
I do not like Frye, he said instead,
gpt
I have, was the answer,
human
They make me feel creepy every time I look at them, said Albert, and then, as if anxious to change the subject, he added,
gpt
Let's leave here, Frank, and you come with me to my room, where we can have a quiet talk together. I am in the dumps to-night, and want to unbosom my troubles to you.
human
What ails you, old man? asked Frank, after they were seated in Albert's room and were smoking fraternal pipes;
gpt
I did, last June, as you know, was the rather sad answer,
human
I am sorry for the first, responded Frank;
gpt
Yes, and spending a lot of money for very poor fun, replied Albert.
human
I don't think any better of myself for doing it, do you?
gpt
Oh, I don't think about it one way or the other, answered Frank,
human
I have so much time to kill, and that's no worse than any other way. We go to the theatre and see those same girls half nude and hear them say just as naughty things as they said to us that night, so what's the harm? We are a little nearer to them, that is all, and pay extra for the privilege.
gpt
Well, of course it's all right, and as you do not think any the less of yourself for doing it, there is no harm, replied Albert,
human
Then he added, looking curiously at his friend,
gpt
Tell me honestly, Frank, did you enjoy having cigarette smoke puffed in your face, being called 'Cully,' and hearing silly brag about 'mashes,' and how they 'worked' some other fellow? Did it occur to you that those same rouge-finished queens of the ballet would describe us, and how they 'worked' us for a wine supper, to other jays, and that no doubt they have done so to one or a dozen since that night? They were pert and saucy, it is true, and up to date so far as slang goes, but did you really enjoy their society?
human
No, I can't say I did, was the sober answer,
gpt
And while I am about it, continued Albert, warming up,
human
If I had imagined you were going to feel that way, old man, he said at last,
gpt
I would never have urged you to go with me. I never will again, I assure you.
human
Oh, I am as much to blame as you, observed Albert.
gpt
I went willingly, but after it was all over I was sorry I did. I am no prude, I enjoy a little excitement and don't mind a social evening with a few friends, but it doesn't pay to do things you despise yourself for the next day.
human
But, put in his friend with a quizzical look,