human
And then your hair, Katherine dear. It's so wispy; it's always hanging in your face. Doesn't it hurt your eyes to look through it?
gpt
There! she said.
human
You see how it is! It just won't stay up!
gpt
Maybe it would if you arranged it a little differently, said Gladys.
human
Couldn't you curl it?
gpt
I curl my hair! she scoffed.
human
My child, life is too short to waste it on anything like that.
gpt
I don't know, said Gladys slowly.
human
I don't think anything is a waste of time that helps to make a person attractive. You know we Camp Fire Girls are supposed to 'seek beauty.' That means personal attractiveness as much as anything else.
gpt
I might take the curling iron for my symbol, said Katherine whimsically.
human
Go on with the recital.
gpt
Go on, continued Katherine.
human
Isn't there a way to shorten up arms that are two yards long?
gpt
No, you can't shorten them, she said,
human
I won't say another word! she declared.
gpt
Oh, I'm a brute! Katherine dear, have I hurt your feelings?
human
Not at all, answered Katherine calmly.
gpt
You remember I asked you to tell me what was the matter. I thank you for being so frank. I've worried and worried about it, but I couldn't figure out what the matter was and nobody ever took the trouble to tell me.
human
Oh, Gladys, she went on, with such an under-current of wistfulness in her tone that Gladys was almost moved to tears,
gpt
Of course you will! said Gladys emphatically.
human
Do you know what I heard papa saying to Uncle Teddy one night? He said, 'Wouldn't Katherine be a stunning looking girl if she carried herself better and was well dressed?' Did you hear that? He said 'stunning,' mind you. Not only 'nice looking,' but 'stunning.'
gpt
Did he really say that? asked Katherine in amazement.
human
I didn't think anybody cared how I looked; men least of all.
gpt
I think myself you would be stunning if you only took more care in putting your clothes on. You're so bright and breezy. And you'd be so stately if you stood straight.
human
How shall I go about to acquire this majestic carriage?
gpt
Well, replied Gladys judicially,
human
Thank--you,
gpt
Mercy on us! thought Gladys.
human
Whatever is going to happen? Katherine has begun to worry about her looks!
gpt
You're sure you're not offended at what I said?
human
Not in the least, answered Katherine.
gpt
But say, would you mind writing out what you told me? I'll never remember it if you don't. You write it out and I'll tack it up and check off the items as I dress.
human
All right, said Gladys, laughing.
gpt
I'll do that and if it works I'll get out a book, 'How to Be Neat, in one Volume.' And now let's start the fire. I see the bold fishermen are coming in.
human
How many did you catch, Anthony?
gpt
None, replied Anthony,
human
I don't doubt it,