human
Well, its quite clear we must take an entirely different course if we wish to succeed, concluded Minnie,
gpt
Why, Minnie, are you crazy!
human
Well, no, not quite yet I hope, replied Minnie, enjoying the sensation she had created,
gpt
But I suppose that was rather a big way to put it, I don't wonder it took away your breath. The style of entertainment I have in my head is a very small, innocent kind of affair, as you will perceive when I tell you that they are to be carried out by ourselves, and, moreover, that they are not to consist of anything more formidable (for the present at anyrate) than the preparation of tea or coffee, and the adjuncts pertaining thereunto.
human
But how is it to be done? asked Mabel, scarcely less mystified than before,
gpt
It can't be done without money, and a good deal of money too.
human
That's just what bothered me at first, Minnie replied,
gpt
Of course, I knew I could get the money from papa if I asked him for it, and could assure him it was for a good purpose, but I wasn't going to do that, because, in the first place, I wished to keep the thing a secret between ourselves till we see how it will work, and in the next place I didn't want to take the money from papa at all; so I thought out a plan, but to carry it out we _must_ take papa into our secret.
human
Perhaps it would be as well to do that in any case, remarked Mabel,
gpt
You remember I told you I was laying past money for a sealskin jacket. Papa thought I was too young to have one last year, but he promised me that if I had a certain sum by my next birthday he would give me the rest. I have saved a good deal, for I have done without some things--a good many things--and given the money they would have cost to papa to keep for me because I was always afraid I might use it for something else. I should have, I think, about seven or eight pounds by this time, which will, I am sure, with part of our pocket-money, and clever management go a good way to start us fairly on our expedition, don't you think so?
human
Why, yes, that is quite a fortune; but are you sure you won't be sorry for it when your birthday comes and you can't have the jacket you've wished for so long?
gpt
O, I suppose I _shall_ be sorry that I can't have the jacket, but that won't matter much, I shall be so much more happy that it has been spent in doing good that it will be recompense for any amount of jackets.
human
But we must have some more definite plan than this to work upon, and there will be no end of arrangements to be made. How about a place where the entertainments may be held?
gpt
I've thought of that too, said Minnie, her eyes sparkling with delight.
human
Such a glorious idea occurred to me yesterday, as I was coming home; after I left you I went round by the Hollow--I was sorry I did not think of it sooner, I might have gone along with you as far as that--well, I noticed that one of the houses in the corner is not occupied, and it struck me we might have that, as long as it is empty at anyrate, to hold our meetings in. I am sure papa will consent.
gpt
The very thing! exclaimed Mabel, clapping her hands.
human
I noticed that house also, and it did occur to me that it would be a promising spot, but the idea of asking it, or even hinting at such a thing never entered my mind.
gpt
I am so glad that you like it. Now, confess that the exact direction in which my genius lies has at last been revealed. I was sure you would discover it some day.
human
Pray, be more explicit, my talented friend, requested Mabel.
gpt
I am doubtless very dull, but I should like to be quite certain about the direction to which you alluded just now.
human
Well I'm afraid I can't enlighten you very much, said Minnie, with a look of comical dismay,
gpt
I am about as uncertain as yourself. I was just trusting to your general stupidity not to go any deeper into the subject, but simply to take my word for it.
human
I think I won't cause you any further confusion by discussing the matter more fully, but proceed to business. What do you think of taking a walk down there this afternoon, and viewing the battlefield?
gpt
I am quite agreeable, responded Minnie,
human
Very well, agreed Mabel.
gpt
But I shall only have an hour to spare, remember, I must be back by five.
human
All right, we won't put off any time, you may count on my being ready.