human
Ain't goin' to starve them folks, be you?
gpt
I hope not, said Dorothy, politely, for she knew Mr. Bill Hodges pretty well by this time, and so did not resent what she knew was not meant as a rudeness.
human
When our house was last run as a hotel, did they buy their provisions from you?
gpt
Yes, ma'am, they did; and a shade more of respectful deference crept into the voice and manner of Mr. Bill Hodges, as he instinctively realized the touch of added dignity in Dorothy's demeanor.
human
Mr. Perkins, he used to do the marketin', and gracious snakes! but he calc'lated close. He give his boarders just enough to keep them alive and no more.
gpt
Well, I don't want to be quite so mean as that, said Dorothy;
human
That's right, that's right! exclaimed Mr. Bill Hodges, whose own shrewd business mind readily recognized similar qualities in another.
gpt
That's right; treat 'em good, but not too good.
human
Treat'em good, but not too good.