human
I am afraid, she said softly,
gpt
She said that you had gone for a walk, but she didn't know where. I waited a long time, thinking you might come in. Your mother and I had a long talk.
human
It--it isn't true, Fox,
gpt
What! It is true, too. We talked for an hour and forty minutes, while I was waiting. I know.
human
I--I meant that anything you may hear about me isn't true.
gpt
Clear as mud, Sally. Well, I'll remember. Anything that I hear about you isn't true. But I'm not likely to hear the voice of rumor especially if it's about you.
human
When it began to grow dark, I made some inquiries, and I found a certain person who had seen you go out; and you had met a man at the next corner--Who was the man, Sally?
gpt
Everett,
human
Oh, yes, she said she thought it was Everett. I thought that, perhaps, she was mistaken.
gpt
No, said Sally,
human
Hum! said Fox, smiling to himself; but Sally could not see that.
gpt
And this exceedingly well-informed person said that you and Everett evidently had a spat on the street corner, and that he went off, mad.
human
Yes,
gpt
Too bad! said Fox.
human
Exemplary young man--especially one who has seen the world and who has as perfect manners as Everett wishes it to be thought that he has--shouldn't go off mad. Very young. It reminds one of your young friend, Spencer. We should expect him to go off mad, shouldn't we, Sally?
gpt
We should.
human
Well, Fox resumed,
gpt
Oh, Fox, said Sally faintly,
human
They do, Fox insisted;
gpt
He laughed.
human
Speaking of Dick reminds me that I have something to tell you if you don't let me forget it. Well, loping along that way, I came to the historic corner--of what street?
gpt
River Street. How did you happen to come that way?
human
Followed my nose. You had gone along this street. So did I. You came to the corner. So did I, and I nearly ran into you.
gpt
Are you cold, Sally?
human
No. She spoke low.
gpt
But I'm glad you came, Fox. I'm very glad.
human
So am I, for several reasons not to be catalogued at present. They had almost reached Mrs. Stump's.
gpt
Oh, I was going to tell you something in connection with Dick. Henrietta's engaged. She wanted me to tell you. So, it is to be presumed, is Dick.
human
I'm very glad, but I'm not surprised. I don't suppose Henrietta expected me to be.
gpt
She didn't mention it, so you don't have to be.
human
I'll write to her to-night. So that accounts for Dick's mysterious disappearances.
gpt
He's been visiting us at your old place, Sally. He was so much interested in seeing your favorite trees and in hearing about you, that Henrietta felt rather jealous.
human
I know, he said at last thoughtfully,
gpt
I know where there are some gynesaurus trees near Whitby.
human
Could a person climb them, Fox?
gpt
A person about twenty-two years old? asked Fox.
human
I should think she might if she is able.
gpt
She is able, she returned, nodding emphatically.
human
Will you tell me where they are?
gpt
Some day, Fox answered, not looking at her,
human
I will show them to you.