human
This is no matter for flippancy, said Aunt Dora, sternly.
gpt
I intend to take my namesake home with me, and to bring her up, educate her, and finally share my fortune with her. Do you understand this fully?
human
Yes, ma'am,
gpt
I am speaking to Dora,
human
I am separating Dora from her sister for her own good. As you girls grow older you will find that the income your father has remaining will barely support one girl in a proper manner. To divide his responsibility is a kindness to him----
gpt
That is not so, interjected the mild Mr. Lockwood.
human
You are more than welcome, girls, to all I have. And--possibly--I might look about and get a little more money for you to use, as time goes on. If you need it----
gpt
We know all about it, Papa, chimed the twins.
human
We are satisfied.
gpt
Does that mean you are satisfied to remain here, Dora?
human
We are both satisfied,
gpt
But I am _not_ satisfied with the affair, declared Aunt Dora.
human
It has long been both my intention and desire to take my namesake--my godchild--away from here. While you two girls were small it was all very well to declare it cruel to separate you. But you are old enough now----
gpt
We shall never be old enough, Auntie, to wish to be separated,
human
Nonsense, child! exclaimed Aunt Dora, her eyes sparkling as she thought she had at last obtained an inkling to the identity of the two girls.
gpt
You will soon get over all that, Dora--of course you will.
human
I am sure I should not so soon get over separation from my sister,
gpt
Do you mean to tell me that you scorn my offer?
human
If I were Dora I should beg to be excused,
gpt
But Dora, I feel sure, will go with her aunt gladly,
human
If I were Dora I should beg to be excused,
gpt
I declare! gasped Aunt Dora, in complete exasperation.
human
You've managed to get me puzzled, now. Which--which of you is t'other?
gpt
That is for you to find out, Auntie,
human
You saucy minxes!
gpt
Oh, no. We don't mean to be saucy. But we have agreed not to tell on the other. Father leaves it to us and to you, Auntie. Neither of us wish to leave our dear, dear home. Therefore we shall not tell you which is Dora, and which is Dorothy.
human
That is quite true, Auntie,
gpt
Well, I declare to Nature! exclaimed their Aunt
human
Here I come offering Dora everything that a girl of her age should count as worthy--a home of wealth, a better education than she can get here in Centerport--college to follow--the open sesame into society--real society----And do you two girls mean to tell me that neither will say which is Dora?
gpt
That is exactly what we have agreed upon,
human
Then, let me tell you, Miss, I shall find out for myself! exclaimed the angry lady.
gpt
I consider you at fault for this, Lemuel. Shows your bringing up. It is sheer impudence!
human
I--I have washed my hands of it, Dora,
gpt
Well, you can wipe 'em, too! snapped the lady.
human
But I mean to take Dora home with me when I go back--and that will be very soon,