human
Jane, why, Jane....
gpt
I can hardly believe it--I couldn't lay it down.
human
I'm so glad. I came and peeped at you at three o'clock and I was so excited that I couldn't sleep any more after that. I wanted so to know what you thought about it.
gpt
I almost came in to wake you up, but I thought I'd just take the rest of the night to think it over.
human
You--liked it?
gpt
No. I think you've done it wonderfully. I couldn't believe that you could do it, he broke off.
human
I suppose the whole truth is that I don't know you at all, any more than if we met last night.
gpt
Oh, you know some of me, Jerry. You couldn't know what I kept secret.
human
How did you learn all that, in that book?
gpt
Well, I've read a great deal of other people's wisdom. I've lived and watched and studied people. I don't know; how does any artist acquire what he gives out? It's like breath, you inhale atmosphere outside of you, make it part of your blood and tissue, exhale it something quite different--essentially yours!
human
And I've been living along with you, just thinking you were any woman.
gpt
I am--just that--and I've written the story of any woman in the world to-day. Why didn't you like it, Jerry?
human
Because I don't like what you say--we've gone over it so often.
gpt
It wasn't convincing to you, then?
human
I don't know. I was mainly interested in how you were doing it. I'm going to read it again and see if what you say is really sense.
gpt
Jerry, promise. Read it with an open mind. Pretend you haven't any prejudices in the matter and give me a chance.
human
This business is terribly upsetting, Jane. I'm all in. I'm going for a walk before lunch. By the way, the announcement is in the morning papers,
gpt
Sonny boy, this is about your little sister. She was born of your mother, just as truly as you were. Will you love her and be proud of her? She already knows and loves you.
human
You've seen the announcements?
gpt
Yes, yes--and you?
human
I've only just read it. I'm so thrilled--I feel as if I could sing or cry.
gpt
Dear child! I could not come to tell you my congratulations, because I must go away again this afternoon, so this is my compromise.
human
I never was so happy, Martin.
gpt
Oh, that is right; I'm happy, too, and I prophesy again a fine future for you, Jane Judd.
human
My dear master!
gpt
Master? Humph, not I!
human
I told Jerry. He read the book last night.
gpt
Oh? What does our Jerry say to that?
human
He's very upset. He hates careers for married women--he doesn't want me to have one--but he sat up all night to read the book.
gpt
Thank Heaven, his artist instinct is quite unrelated to his mind!
human
He is impressed with my artistry but he dislikes my ideas.
gpt
Dear soul, you've got a problem there, but I know your faculty for solving them.
human
It's easier in books than in life, Martin.
gpt
Yes, but the satisfaction is greater.
human
I'm so used to the thought of my work, that I had never foreseen what a bomb it would explode among my family and friends.
gpt
Well, here's to a big, public explosion and subsequent fame. My thoughts will be with you.
human
Thanks, dear friend, come back to us soon.
gpt
No sleep, nor food, nor work in my house since I got home last night!
human
Bobs, you dear.
gpt
Jane, you....