human
Alec! Oh, how glad I am to see you! How ever in the world did you happen to come? How's Uncle Cliff, and Uncle Joe, and everybody on the ranch? Have you been to Woodford or are you just going?
gpt
One question at a time--please. Let's see, the first--Oh, yes; I happened to come because I got my appointment to West Point--
human
You did? How perfectly splendid! When?
gpt
A couple of weeks ago. I came on immediately to prepare. Mr. Ashe is well, so is Uncle Joe. They sent you all sorts of messages. I have been in Woodford for several days. I came through here the first of the week, but I wasn't in shape to call--exactly--not on a young lady in a fashionable boarding-school. I'm afraid I wouldn't have been admitted. I had to have some clothes--
human
How awfully well you're looking,
gpt
Oh, I'm fine--can hold my own now, I think; thanks to Texas. That's a great country you've got down there.
human
Isn't it, though! Is Benita well?
gpt
Fine.
human
How's Uncle Joe's rheumatism?
gpt
Better, I guess. Haven't heard him complain.
human
Then it _is_ better, Blue Bonnet said.
gpt
And old Gertrudis--and Juanita? How are they?
human
Fine--all of them.
gpt
Oh, how I should love to see them! When is Uncle Cliff coming to see me?
human
Along about Easter vacation, I think.
gpt
He is? Really--aren't you joking, Alec? He hasn't said anything about it to me.
human
Maybe I've let the cat out, then. Well--it's true just the same. That's the way he talks now. Hadn't we better sit down?
gpt
Oh, I'm awfully rude. Sit here.
human
You took me so by surprise that I forgot my manners.
gpt
I expected to find you over-stocked on 'em, to tell the truth. My, but you look grown up! What have you been doing to your hair? Does Miss Clyde stand for that?
human
Aunt Lucinda hasn't seen it yet. It's something new.
gpt
The We Are Sevens are still clinging to hair-ribbons. I saw Kitty Clark this morning. She was on her way to school.
human
You did? I'm wild to see the girls. I'm going home next week to stay over Sunday. That is, I am, if I can manage to keep the rules. I'm doing penance this week.
gpt
What have you been up to?
human
We'll talk of that another time. And you got your appointment! How pleased the General must be.
gpt
Yes--rather! He's no end pleased. It's been his dream, you know. As far as I'm concerned I'd as lief take to ranching. I'm pretty much in love with that Texas of yours. Look at the brawn it's put on me.
human
It's certainly made you over, she said.
gpt
You look as if you could fight now. You'd have made a poor soldier before!
human
It seems very--inhospitable, she said,
gpt
Go? Why, I've just come!
human
I know, but Miss North said you could stay fifteen minutes--that's all. I don't know how she ever happened to let me see you in the first place. I'm just a bit in disgrace this week.
gpt
I had a very pressing note from your aunt, that's why, I fancy. I sent it on up before I saw you. Miss Clyde said I was to see you; she doesn't usually mince matters.
human
She certainly does not,
gpt
Couldn't you ask to have the time extended? Alec looked wistful.
human
Why, I haven't given you half the messages from the ranch yet.
gpt
I might try. I'll see.
human
Miss Ashe tells me that you have just come from her home in Texas, Miss North said.
gpt
I can quite appreciate how much you have to tell her of her friends. Perhaps you would stay and dine with us?
human
Oh, do, Alec--please!