human
Pleasant summer weather, hey?
gpt
If you had ever lived where winter was meted out to you in the form of frozen moisture, she said,
human
I know the other kind. Jock nodded reminiscently.
gpt
It is like being slapped in the face with a sheet wet with ice water, isn't it?
human
Ha! ha! so you haven't always lived here? I thought as much. Indeed I have a note to that effect--here.
gpt
No; I've travelled some, Jock confessed,
human
I've been to Hillcrest several times.
gpt
I believe you are masquerading. Constance viewed him keenly.
human
I've written to my married sister about you all up here; I call you and that--that Mr. Gaston, the Masqueraders.
gpt
So! Jock smoothed his chin with his heavily gloved hand.
human
That sister of yours, doubtlessly, could spot us all on sight just by your description. It ain't safe. How's your aunt and the Reverend Kid?
gpt
Ralph is fine ; the clear, gray eyes shone with the joy of the fact;
human
Umph! And you?
gpt
Oh! I'm getting--material.
human
Excuse me. Jock passed his hand over his mouth.
gpt
There are times when I think you're a comicaller little cuss than your brother!
human
Mr. Filmer!
gpt
Oh, come down! Mr. Filmer don't go in the woods in the middle of winter. What do you want for your Christmas?
human
When you make fun of me --the girl was trying hard not to laugh--
gpt
What was you making in your little book when I came up?
human
Character sketches.
gpt
Sho! Let's have a look. I like pictures.
human
They're pen-pictures.
gpt
All the same to me. Pencil, pen, or paint-brush.
human
But you do not understand. They are _word_ pictures. Descriptions, you know.
gpt
Well, now you have got me! Show up, anyhow.
human
I am getting material for a novel, she said impressively.
gpt
The great American novel has yet to be written. I do not want you to think me conceited, Jock, but I have had exceptional advantages--I may be the chosen one to write this--this great novel.
human
Who knows?
gpt
Yes; who knows? You see I can speak freely to you.
human
Sure thing, assented Jock.
gpt
Dumb animals can't blab, and once you turn your back on St. Angé I'll be a dumb beast all right!
human
My back will never be turned permanently on St. Angé, I think! the girl spoke slowly.
gpt
I agree with Ralph that for the future his home will probably be here; and where Ralph is----
human
The lamb will surely come. Go on, child, and hang up your pictures.
gpt
First, Constance folded her hands over the open pages of her book,
human
I wonder, Jock, if you would like to hear--something of my life? It would explain this--this--great ambition of mine.
gpt
Well, Jock drawled,
human
Jock! But I'm in earnest. I have felt that I must have a confidant. Some one who will--sympathize. I'm going to have a woman friend in a day or so--but a man--one who is disinterested, so to speak, is always such a comfort to a girl when she faces a great epoch in her life.
gpt
I have had wonderful advantages, Constance began,
human
Gosh! Jock exploded;
gpt
He sat down on the end of the log, and clutched his knees in his strong arms.
human
Somehow you don't look like such a desperate character, he added blandly,
gpt
Money should only be regarded, she went on,
human
Constance looked dreamily over the stretch of meadow and pine-edged woods, all dazzling with a shimmer of icy snow,
gpt
Crime? Jock suggested.
human
It would seem that that was the natural sequence to such a career.
gpt
Jock Filmer--I took to philanthropy.
human
As bad as that?
gpt
I only tell you this to explain my present position. Constance drew her fur-clad shoulders up.
human
I became a Settlement worker; but, confidently,
gpt
she paused impressively,
human
Ten to one, they're needed, though. Jock was keenly interested.
gpt
Cutting loose from familiar ties and acting up sort of detached that way, must have a queer effect upon some.