human
That's what I call a very cowardly explanation, she said.
gpt
You know as well as I do that it's worthless. It doesn't explain the fact that you let me deceive myself and made me the instrument for deceiving your aunt. I'd have more respect for you if you came out boldly and admitted what you've done.
human
If you think I'm going to throw down my friends in order to get into society, then I'll stay out.
gpt
You'd better change your friends, she advised.
human
So long as you have friends who are an offense to decent people----
gpt
Stop right there! warned Bill.
human
I pick my own friends and I stick by 'em. The Kid has been a good friend of mine and I've tried to be a good friend of his. He's helped me out of more than one hole. And I've helped him. I backed him in his first big fight and got him started on the uproad. I've backed him more than once and I'll back him again, if he asks me to. Why can't you be reasonable about this? Suppose he is a fighter. He's a friend of mine, just the same. And what's a little scrap now and then between friends?
gpt
I didn't choose to go into society, did I? I was dragged into it--and you were hired to drag me. Now you take the job of trying to come between me and my friends. You try to make a Rollo out of me. Would any self-respecting man stand for that?
human
I think you'd better remember your position and mine. If I were you, I'd bear in mind that you're my secretary--not my boss. If I were you----
gpt
I'm _not_ your secretary!
human
Oh, but I think you've already admitted that,
gpt
Well, I'm not now! I was, but not any more. I resign! Do you hear? _I resign!_