human
What are you both up to? I asked one day.
gpt
Why do you keep winking at your grandfather, Molly?
human
It's . . . only in fun, Daddy.
gpt
Quite so! But what is the fun?
human
Don't bully her, George!
gpt
Is this _my_ child, or yours?
human
I'm remotely responsible,
gpt
You're directly responsible for some other underhand work that is going on. Since you two have joined forces, Molly's behavior has become the last word in 'Frightfulness.' That's bad enough in all conscience, after the years of good example I've set her, but what really hurts is the fact that she neglects me, too. I might easily be a stranger in my own house!
human
You never play with me,
gpt
Oo--oo--oo! . . . I did last night!
human
Merely out of pity. You didn't want to.
gpt
Only because I was tired, Daddy. . . .
human
There you are! Why are you so tired nowadays? You didn't used to be. It's because you waste all your energy larking with Gran'pa, while I'm slaving at the office all day. Then there is nothing left for me in the evenings.
gpt
Gran'pa, I said.
human
What is this terrible secret which is eating into my daughter's life and destroying our happy home?
gpt
Don't be absurd, George!
human
Very well! I shall find out sooner or later. . . .
gpt
Is it, I asked,
human
You silly old Daddy! Of course it isn't!
gpt
Nothing whatever to do with it, George!
human
Shall I tell him?
gpt
It's not fair to worry her like this, George!
human
All right! Don't bother! The day has evidently come when even my own child turns against me.