human
How can I ever thank you for your kindness? said the lady, as she arose from the table.
gpt
You don't know what it is to be famished----
human
Don't I? asked Dodger.
gpt
I have been hungry more than once, without money enough to buy a meal.
human
You don't look it,
gpt
No, for now I have a good place and am earning a good salary.
human
Are you a native of San Francisco?
gpt
No, madam. I can't tell you where I was born, for I know little or nothing of my family. I have only been here a short time. I came from New York.
human
So did I, said the woman, with a sigh.
gpt
I wish I were back there again.
human
How came you to be here? Don't answer if you prefer not to,
gpt
I have no objection. My husband deserted me, and left me to shift for myself and support my child.
human
How have you done it?
gpt
By taking in sewing. But that is a hard way of earning money. There are too many poor women who are ready to work for starvation wages, and so we all suffer.
human
I know that, answered Dodger.
gpt
Do you live near here?
human
I have one poor back room on the third floor, she explained;
gpt
Is there any danger of your being ejected?
human
I am owing for two weeks' rent, and this is the middle of the third week. Unless I can pay up at the end of this week I shall be forced to go out into the streets with my poor child.
gpt
How much rent do you pay?
human
A dollar a week.
gpt
Then three dollars will relieve you for the present?
human
Yes; but it might as well be three hundred,
gpt
Not quite; I can supply you with three dollars, but three hundred would be rather beyond my means.
human
You are too kind, too generous! I ought not to accept such a liberal gift.
gpt
Mamma, I am tired. Take me up in your arms,
human
Poor child! He has been on his feet all day,
gpt
Let me take him! said Dodger.
human
Here, little one, jump up!
gpt
I will see you home, madam,
human
I fear the child will be too heavy for you.
gpt
I hope not. Why, I could carry a child twice as heavy.
human
Don't you ever expect to see your husband again? asked Dodger.
gpt
Can't you compel him to support you?
human
I don't know where he is,
gpt
If you will tell me his name, I may come across him some day.
human
His name, said the woman,
gpt
Curtis Waring! ejaculated Dodger, his face showing intense surprise.
human
Is that the name of your husband?
gpt
Yes. Is it possible that you know him?
human
I know a man by that name. I will describe him, and you can tell me whether it is he. He is rather tall, dark hair, sallow complexion, black eyes, and a long, thin nose.
gpt
It is like him in every particular. Oh, tell me where he is to be found?
human
He lives in New York. He is the nephew of a rich man, and is expecting to inherit his wealth. Through his influence a cousin of his, a young lady, has been driven from home.
gpt
Was he afraid she would deprive him of the estate?
human
That was partly the reason. But it was partly to revenge himself on her because she would not agree to marry him.
gpt
But how could he marry her, exclaimed the unfortunate woman,
human
Neither she nor any one of his family or friends knew that he was already married. I don't think it would trouble him much.
gpt
But it must be stopped! she exclaimed, wildly.
human
He is my husband. I shall not give him up to any one else.
gpt
So far as Florence is concerned--she is the cousin--she has no wish to deprive you of him. But is it possible that you are attached to a man who has treated you so meanly?
human
There was a time when he treated me well, when he appeared to love me, was the murmured reply.
gpt
I cannot forget that he is the father of my child.