human
You'll be wealthy some day, Dick,
gpt
How?
human
Why, you have $100 and a piece of property estimated to be worth $250, and which is likely to increase in value as you grow older.
gpt
Suppose it's worth $500 when I get to be twenty-one, that won't make me wealthy, even with the $100 and the interest on top of it.
human
No, but it'll start you on the road to wealth.
gpt
Maybe it will, and maybe it won't, laughed Dick.
human
You may become wealthy long before I get within hailing distance of big money.
gpt
Nonsense! I haven't got a cent.
human
I know. You girls never have a cent left out of your princely wages, for you spend it all on glad rags in the hope of capturing a husband who will consider it an honor to pay all your bills, furnish you with a fine house, an auto to ride about in, and other et ceteras too numerous to mention.
gpt
Aren't you the horrid boy to say such a thing!
human
Isn't it the truth?
gpt
Indeed, it isn't. I never expect to get married.
human
You don't? Oh, come now, don't get off such whoppers or the bogie man will get you when you aren't looking.
gpt
One must have a beau first, and you know I haven't acquired such a luxury yet.
human
What's the matter with the gent in the tall dicer and lavender kids who calls on you regularly every week, and takes you out to the theater and entertainments? Mr. Clarence Peck. He's clerk in a broker's office, with prospects of advancement, and expectations from two maiden aunts.
gpt
Mr. Peck is merely a friend,
human
Well, he thinks a lot of you.
gpt
How do you know?
human
He didn't tell me so, I admit, but actions speak louder even than his lavender kids.
gpt
I wish you wouldn't make fun of his gloves. I think they are the proper thing for him to wear.
human
He seems to be rather bashful, though. If I visited a girl as long as he has been coming here to see you, I would propose and have it over with.
gpt
Don't be too sure that you would. Mr. Peck is not bashful; he is only a little diffident. He is very clever, but I sometimes fear that he lets his light shine under a bushel.
human
What has a bushel got to do with him? It takes two pecks to make one, and he's only one Peck.
gpt
Aren't you smart! I think we'd better change the subject.
human
Sure I'm smart. I've proved that by helping to catch three crooks and send them to State prison. I think it's about time I shook these knickerbockers and got into trousers. I'm getting tired of being taken for a twelve-year-old kid.
gpt
Why, the idea! You look real cute in knee pants. Mr. Peck says----
human
Cut out what Mr. Half Bushel says. I'm the party to be pleased. I've got a girl now, so it's time----
gpt
A girl!
human
Why not? Got any objection?
gpt
When did this happen? Who is she?
human
She's an heiress. You don't suppose I would consider any girl who hadn't prospects, do you?
gpt
Tell me her name,
human
Sorry, but I couldn't think of giving away such a valuable secret.
gpt
Oh, I know--I know! cried his sister, clapping her hands.
human
If you aren't the sly rogue! It's Madge Mason, the girl you've been talking so much about since you got home from your visit to her parents' home.
gpt
Well, keep it dark, sis,
human
Oh, I couldn't think of it. I must tell Nell and May and mother.
gpt
You tell them and I'll get square with you. The next time Mr. Peck calls I'll tell him how much you're stuck on him, and then maybe he'll get up spunk enough to propose to you.
human
You wouldn't dare, Richard Darling!
gpt
I wouldn't? Well, say, you don't know me! It's up to you. Keep mum about Miss Mason and I'll be good; otherwise--you know what'll happen.