human
This is pretty rough, Top Step. You don't have to tell me.
gpt
Stepper, dear, I don't want to be a goose----
human
You're not, Top Step.
gpt
But I'm anxious. When Jimsy gave me this ring, and told me what he had told his father--that he was not going to be another 'Wild King' and asked me if I believed him, I told him I'd never stop believing him, and I won't, Skipper. I won't!
human
Right, T. S.
gpt
But--things Carter says,--things he doesn't say--Stepper, I think Jimsy needs me _now_.
human
Even if you came home with us, Top Step, you wouldn't be near him, would you, unless you went to college? And you'd hardly care to do that now--to enter your Freshman year two years behind the boys.
gpt
No.
human
And if you stayed in Los Angeles--you might almost as well be here. The number of miles doesn't matter.
gpt
But--perhaps Jimsy wouldn't stay at Stanford then. Oh, Stepper, dear, haven't we waited long enough?
human
He's only twenty, T. S.
gpt
Being young is the cruelest thing in the world!
human
You are blaspheming! said her stepfather, sternly.
gpt
T. S., that's the only stupid and wicked thing you've ever said in the years I've known you! Don't ever dare to say it--or think it--again! Being young is the most golden and glorious thing in the world! Being young-- he ran a worried hand over his thinning hair and sighed.
human
Ah, well, you'll know, some day. Meanwhile, girl, it looks as if you'd have to stick. That's your part in 'playing the game!' But I promise you this. I shall keep an eye on things for you; keep in touch with the boy, see him, hear from him, hear _of_ him, and if the time comes when I believe that his need of you is instant and vital, I'll write--no, I'll cable you to come.
gpt
Stepper!
human
It's a promise, Top Step --he grinned,--