human
Well, she began in a tone which she evidently intended to be quite cheerful and indifferent,
gpt
I've gotten rid of Hortense. She seemed to think she ought to stay till Papa and Mamma came home, but I told her we didn't need her. Now you can tell me what you said you would when we got home. Do be quick about it, though, for I'm awfully sleepy, and I want to go to bed.
human
Elsie, she said gently,
gpt
I'm so sorry; I hate to say it, but I've got to. It's--about that poem; I've read it before. You didn't think you really made it up, did you?
human
Of course I made it up, she said angrily;
gpt
Oh, Elsie, how can you say such dreadful things? cried poor Marjorie, clasping her hands in her distress, and on the verge of tears.
human
How could I possibly be jealous of any one so much cleverer than myself? I've been so proud of you, Elsie--indeed, indeed I have--but I read that poem in an old 'St. Nicholas' at home. I remembered it because it was so pretty. Beverly Randolph remembers it, too; he--
gpt
Beverly Randolph! cried Elsie, her eyes flashing ominously;
human
I'm not a sneak, retorted Marjorie, her own eyes beginning to flash.
gpt
I wouldn't have told Beverly Randolph or any one else such a thing for the world; I would have been ashamed to have them know. He recognized the poem, too. I saw he did the minute you began to read--and afterwards he spoke of it. But he won't tell; he promised not to, and--oh, Elsie I thought you might be able to explain it in some way.
human
There isn't anything to explain, said Elsie, obstinately.
gpt
If you and that horrid Randolph boy choose to say wicked things about me you can, but you are not everybody, and when my friends hear about it I think they'll have something to say.