human
How did it happen, darling?
gpt
I had my mind all made up, papa,
human
That you would come back?
gpt
Yes, papa. I knew there was no use in saying I would not go. I knew if I did, Amy would directly declare that she would not go either, and I should spoil everything. So I decided that I would start with the rest, and come back.
human
How far did you go?
gpt
I went to Lancaster. I did not mean to go so far. I meant to get off at New Sanderson, but I could not manage it. Amy wanted to play pinochle, and I could not get away. But when we got to Lancaster, we stopped awhile, and Amy was having a nap, and Anna was reading, and the train made a long stop, and Eddy and I got out, and I told Eddy what I was going to do, and gave him a little note. I had it all written before I started. I said in the note that I was coming back, that I did not want to go to Kentucky; that I was coming back and would stay with you a little while, and then we would both go to Kentucky and join the others. I said they were not to worry about me.
human
What did you tell Eddy?
gpt
I told Eddy that you could not be left alone with nobody to cook for you, and he must get on the train and not make any fuss, and tell the others, and be a good boy, and he said he would. I saw him safely on the train.
human
How did you get here from Lancaster, child?
gpt
I took the trolley, Charlotte said.
human
There is a trolley from Lancaster to New Sanderson, you know, papa.
gpt
I got the meat in New Sanderson, said she.
human
I got some other things, too. You will see. We have a beautiful supper, papa.
gpt
Aunt Catherine sent me a little money, she said.
human
She sent me twenty-five dollars in a post-office order. She wrote me a letter and sent me the money for myself. She said the shops were not very good down there--you know they are not, papa--and I might like to buy some little things for myself in New York before coming. I said nothing about the money to Amy or the others, because I had this plan. I even let Amy take that extra money and buy me the hat. I was afraid I was mean, but I could not tell her I had the money, because I wanted to carry out this plan, and I did not see how I could get back or do anything unless I kept it, for I had no money at all before. I have written a letter to Aunt Catherine, and she will get it as soon as they get there. I don't think she will be angry; and if she is, I don't care. Charlotte's voice had a ring of charming defiance. She looked gayly at her father.
gpt
Come, papa, said she,
human
I suppose I was extravagant, papa, she said,
gpt
She took her seat opposite her father, and poured the tea. She put in the lumps of sugar daintily with the silver tongs. Her face was beaming; she was lovely; she was a darling. She looked over at her father as she extended his cup of tea, and there was not a trace of self-love in the little face; it was all love for and tender care of him.
human
Oh, I am so glad to be home!