human
We've got to have those people down here to tea, Jane,
gpt
What people?
human
Mrs. Brendon, Miss Morton, and the Bryces.
gpt
Oh.
human
I must play up and get those portrait orders.
gpt
Besides, they are your friends. When shall we have them?
human
I would better see Mrs. Brendon, break the news to her of our marriage.
gpt
Jerry, you haven't told her?
human
No. Waited till she got back.
gpt
She won't come to the tea.
human
Why not?
gpt
She'll be so angry that her plans for your marriage have miscarried.
human
What do you know about that?
gpt
I know.
human
Jerry, you wicked boy, why did you run away?
gpt
Wait. Hear the worst, then empty the vials all at once. I'm married.
human
You've married somebody?
gpt
I have.
human
Who is she?
gpt
The girl who played Salome in the pageant.
human
You were in love with her at the time! Were you engaged to her then?
gpt
No, we had no engagement.
human
I think you behaved very badly to Althea and to me.
gpt
Dear lady, how?
human
You led her to believe that you cared for her.
gpt
On my solemn honour, I never made love to Miss Morton.
human
You acted it, then. She got the idea, and so did I.
gpt
I acted with her as I do with any woman I like.
human
You admit you liked her?
gpt
I like to look at her, she is beautiful.
human
Has this girl you have gone and married any money or position?
gpt
No.
human
You've made a great big fool of yourself, Jerry Paxton, if you want my frank opinion. The Morton millions would have been no drawback to an artist of your tastes.
gpt
I haven't the faintest reason for believing that Miss Morton would have accepted me, even if I had proposed to her.
human
Well, I have,
gpt
I'm very sorry you think so badly of me. Your friendship and kindness have meant a great deal to me, and I am deeply regretful if I have forfeited them.
human
Who said you'd forfeited them? I say I arranged a splendid match for you, and you wouldn't do your part. You are a fool, that's all.
gpt
Granted. Now, when will you and the rest of the cruising party come to tea and meet Mrs. Paxton?
human
I don't want to meet her. I'm furious at her.
gpt
You won't be when you know her. Nobody would be furious, and stay furious at Jane.
human
Althea won't come and see you making eyes at her.
gpt
I shall ask her anyway. What day suits you, or don't you want to come?
human
Of course, I want to come. I'm curious about the woman. Say Wednesday at five. Now, when are you going to begin work on my portrait?
gpt
We'll make an appointment for next week, if you like.
human
Jerry, we nearly died of laughter over your letters about the Bryce child. You sounded so noble and so furious. Has she gotten over her trouble?
gpt
She still writes to me. They ought to shut that child up, right now, for the rest of her life,