human
Dad's away, said Dot.
gpt
He was sent for early this morning.
human
Is he though? That means a holiday. What shall we do?
gpt
I don't know what you will do, said Dot.
human
I am going to bake cakes.
gpt
I'll come and bake cakes too, said Bertie promptly.
human
I'm rather a swell at that. I can make fudge too, real American fudge, the most aristocratic thing on the market. It's a secret, of course, but I'll let you into it, if you'll promise not to tell.
gpt
How do you know I can keep a secret?
human
You would keep a promise,
gpt
If I made one,
human
I would trust you without,
gpt
Very rash of you! I wonder if you are as trustworthy as that.
human
My word is my bond--always,
gpt
Yes, I think it is, she admitted.
human
You are quite the honestest boy I ever met. They ought to have called you George Washington.
gpt
You may if you like,
human
All right, George! It suits you perfectly. I always did think Bertie was a silly name. Why didn't you go to the Hunt Ball last night?
gpt
My brother wasn't so well yesterday. I was reading to him half the night. He couldn't sleep, and Tawny Hudson is no good for that sort of thing.
human
You are very good to your brother,
gpt
Good to him! Great Scot! Why, he's miles too good for any of us. Don't ever class him with Nap or me! We're just ordinary sinners. But he--he's a king.
human
I like you for saying that,
gpt
Why, of course I say it! he protested.
human
It's true! He's the finest chap in the world, all true gold and not a grain of dross. That's how it is we all knock under to him. Even Nap does that, though he doesn't care a tinker's curse for anyone else on this muddy little planet.
gpt
You are awfully fond of him, aren't you?
human
Fond of Lucas! I'd die for him! the boy declared with feeling.
gpt
He's father and brother and friend to me. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for him. Did you ever hear how he came to be a cripple?
human
Never,
gpt
He was knocked down by an electric car, Bertie said, rushing through the story with headlong ardour,
human
And the girl?
gpt
Married an English nobleman, he rejoined, with a brevity that spoke volumes.
human
I say, what about those cakes? Hadn't we better begin?
gpt
I should like to meet your brother, she remarked.
human
I've never spoken to a real flesh-and-blood hero in my life.
gpt
Nothing easier, said Bertie promptly.
human
Come over and have tea. Come this afternoon, you and Ralph.
gpt
I don't know what Dad would say,
human
Oh, rats! He wouldn't mind. And my mother would be delighted. Come early and I'll show you the hunters. Nap has just bought a beauty. She's a blood mare, black as ink.
gpt
Like Nap, said Dot absently; then in haste,
human
No, I didn't mean that. I wasn't thinking.
gpt
What do you know about Nap?
human
Nothing, nothing whatever. I only know him by sight.
gpt
And you don't like him?
human
I--I think he looks rather wicked,
gpt
Do you think I look wicked too?
human
Of course I don't. No one could.
gpt
That's all right. You can think what you like of Nap. Everybody does. But even he is not all bad, you know.
human
I'm sure he isn't. But--but-- Desperately Dot turned from the fire and faced him.
gpt
I've got to say it, Bertie, she said rather piteously.
human
Please don't be offended. You know I--I'm young. I don't know many people. And--and--though I would like to know your eldest brother immensely, I think I won't come to Baronmead if Nap is there. My father doesn't want me to meet him--unless I am obliged.