human
Good-morning, Jerry dear. Isn't this jolly?
gpt
You ought to be spanked!
human
Oh, come off! Don't use that stage-father tone. I hoped you would be glad to see your little Cricket, Jerry.
gpt
Well, I'm not.
human
You may as well cheer up, because, glad or mad, you've got to see me.
gpt
What on earth made you do such a crazy thing?
human
I couldn't stand it to be left alone with that dull bunch. I told you I'd come north with you, and I always do what I say I will.
gpt
It must be comfortable to be so unhampered by consideration of others!
human
What others?
gpt
Your parents.
human
Oh--them!
gpt
And me.
human
You mean you don't want me.
gpt
Certainly I don't want you. You have put me in a very uncomfortable position.
human
I wanted to.
gpt
What have I done to you, to make you displease me this way?
human
You've done enough,
gpt
What, for instance?
human
You've put a crimp in everything for me.
gpt
I'm sorry to hear that. I thought we were good chums.
human
I don't want to be your chum.
gpt
Look here, kid----
human
Don't you call me kid,
gpt
Let's talk this over calmly, just as if I were your big brother. Maybe there is something I don't understand about it. In the first place, how did you manage it? How did you get on the train without being seen?
human
I came aboard as soon as the car was opened, and went to bed. I tried to get your upper, but you had bought the whole section. I wanted to pop my head down and say 'boo' at you this morning. But I must have gone to sleep because I didn't know when we started.
gpt
Did you have some money?
human
I touched Wally for some yesterday.
gpt
Is your ticket for New York?
human
Yes.
gpt
Then what are you going to do?
human
That depends on you.
gpt
On me?
human
Yes, of course. Don't you see that it does? I left a note for mother, saying I had run away with you, so I think you'll have to marry me, Jerry.
gpt
I beg your pardon, but that strikes me as a little high-handed, your running off with me, like this, and then demanding that I marry you. Modern, but extreme, I should say. How old are you?
human
I am sixteen and a half,
gpt
Well, even at that advanced age we do make mistakes, and this is one of yours, Isabelle. I expect a wire from your father saying that he will follow us to Jacksonville, and take charge of you.
human
I'm not going back on that damned yacht!
gpt
My child, the decision as to your destination lies with your respected father. In the meantime, you must be starving, so we'll go to lunch.
human
Sorry. She's a devil. Take her to New York. Wiring head mistress of school to meet her there. Wally.