human
You are looking very charming, dear child--one wonders at not seeing you about more? I hear your interesting friend is still in town, however. Perhaps it is he who absorbs so much of your time.
gpt
Oh, really? Your husband is very complaisant!--Still, Mr. Blair would naturally be democratic in his point of view.
human
Democratic? I think I don't understand.
gpt
Oh, these writing-people--it's so difficult to tell who they are, isn't it? But Emily tells me you've always been singularly courageous.
human
It does not take a great deal of courage, said Joan, flushing,
gpt
Doubtless he is brilliant as a writer, she conceded.
human
That is his profession. But even as a writer (I know nothing of him, of course, otherwise!) do you consider him quite safe, my dear? Those plays, for instance.
gpt
Have you read them?
human
Why, not yet. I bought them, of course--one does. But one has so little time for reading. I am told, however, that in one of them a child is born practically on the stage. At least the characters converse about it quite openly.
gpt
Shocking of them, murmured Joan.
human
Those things should be managed by means of asterisks. But it's so hard to find actors who play asterisks acceptably.
gpt
I should be sorry, remarked its owner,
human
Dear me, yes!--life is indelicate enough anyway, without our encouragement, isn't it?
gpt
That might be Spain,