human
Tom, this is our friend, Miss Van Dorn--I was just sending a message by her to a dear--a very dear friend I used to have, named Lila, who is gone. Miss Van Dorn knows Lila, and sees her sometimes. So now that you are here, I'm going to send this to Lila, he raised the girl's hand to his lips and awkwardly kissed it, as he said clumsily,
gpt
Lila--Lila--can't you come here a moment, dear?
human
What is it?
gpt
Well--nothing in particular, child; only I thought maybe you'd like--well, tell me how are you getting along in High School, little girl.
human
Oh, very well; I believe, she answered, but did not lift her eyes to his. Mr. Brotherton moved back to his desk. Again there was silence. The girl did not move away, though the father feared through every painful second that she would. Finally he said:
gpt
I hear your mother is getting on famously down in South Harvey. Our people down there say she is doing wonders with her cooking club for girls.
human
She'll be glad to know it, I'm sure.
gpt
Lila, he cried,