human
You have not told me yet, Robert, Baumann began,
gpt
I have a good secretary and do a great deal of my work here, Gustav.
human
But one does not always work. What else? I remember, he continued, turning to Nelson,
gpt
Baumann radiated interest in everything American.
human
Those men were busy men. Not alone sugar-refining, but horses, steamboats, opera-houses, women--always, always some excitement.
gpt
Other times, other manners, Baumann, suggested Nelson.
human
In those days a fine horse had a national interest; to-day, everybody’s horse does his mile in two minutes. The railroads long ago killed the steamboats; newsboys build the opera-houses now; sugar refines itself. Mere money-making, Baumann, has become so absorbing that a Kimberly of this generation doesn’t have time to look at a woman.
gpt
Nelson! protested the good-natured and perspiring German,
human
Not quite. But I imagine the interest has waned, said Kimberly.
gpt
When a man took his life in his hand on such a venture the excitement gave it a double zest--the reflection that you were an outlaw but prepared, if necessary, to pay the price with your life. Nowadays, the husband has fallen lower than the libertine. If you break up his home--he sues you. There is nothing hair-raising in that. Will you dance, Gustav?
human
I want very much to dance. Your women dance better than ours.
gpt
Why, your women dance beautifully. Nelson will find you a partner, suggested Kimberly.
human
I must hunt up Mrs. Nelson. I have a dance with her, myself.