human
I don't know--I never asked. It came wrapped up in brown paper, perhaps, with a string round it.
gpt
You have lived in America all your life, and you look more like an Englishwoman than any other girl I have ever seen.
human
Do I? So much the better for the English girls; they can't do better than take after me. But perhaps--most likely, in fact--you think that American girls all squint, perhaps, or have got humpbacks? Anything else?
gpt
You were brought up in a little American village, and yet you play in the style of a girl who has had the best masters.
human
I can't help it, can I? she asked;
gpt
I can't help it if I turned out different to what you expected. People sometimes do, you know. And when you don't approve of a girl, it's English manners, I suppose, to tell her so--kind of encourages her to persevere, and pray for better luck next time, doesn't it? It's simple too, and prevents any foolish errors--no mistake afterward, you see. I say, are you going to come here often; because, if you are, I shall go away back to the States or somewhere, or stay upstairs in my own room. You and me won't get on very well together, I am afraid.
human
I don't think you will see me very often, he replied.
gpt
That is improbable; yet I dare say I shall come here as often as I usually do.
human
What do you mean by that?
gpt
I don't understand at all, she said;
human
Clara tells me that this house is mine. Now--don't you know--I don't intend to invite any but my own friends to visit me in my own house?
gpt
That seems reasonable. No one can expect you to invite people who are not your friends.
human
Well, then, I ain't likely to call you my friend --Arnold inclined his head--
gpt
Nothing more, I think, at present, thank you.
human
If there is, you know, don't mind me--have it out--I'm nobody, of course. I'm not expected to have any manners--I'm only a girl. You can say what you please to me, and be as rude as you please; Englishmen always are as rude as they can be to American girls--I've always heard that.
gpt
At all events, he said,
human
Good-night, old man, she said, laughing, because she bore no malice, and had given him a candid opinion;
gpt
I dare say when you get rid of your fine company manners, and put off your swallow tail, you're not a bad sort, after all. Perhaps, if you would confess, you are as fond of a kick-up on your way home as anybody. Trust you quiet chaps!