human
What are you laughing at?
gpt
At your definition of a lady. Where on earth did you get it? Out of those laws of human society you write every night at my aunt's?
human
No, said he, the careful scientist at once,
gpt
You shouldn't, she laughed,
human
He has told me about it. In fact he tells me constantly. And this work that you do, he said, not unkindly and not without interest,
gpt
You have guessed my secret. I am a clerk, bookkeeper, stenographer, and office girl. My official title, of course, is a little more frilly, but you describe--
human
Well? What is it?
gpt
They call it Assistant Secretary of the State Department of Charities.
human
You! _You_! Why, how on earth did you get such a position?
gpt
Pull,
human
Who is the real Secretary to whom you are assistant?
gpt
The nicest man in the world. Mr. Dayne--Rev. George Dayne.
human
A parson! Does he know anything about his subject? Is he an expert?--a trained relief worker? Does he know Willoughby? And Smathers? And Conant?
gpt
Knows them by heart. Quotes pages of them at a time in his letters without ever glancing at the books.
human
And you?
gpt
I may claim some familiarity with their theories.
human
I recall defining sociology for you one night at my boarding-house....
gpt
I remember.
human
Well, said he, determined to find something wrong,
gpt
We shall examine your arguments with care and attention. We leave no stone unturned to keep abreast of the best modern thought.
human
It is extraordinary that such a position should be held by a girl like you, who can have no scientific knowledge of the many complex problems.... However, he said, a ray of brightness lightening his displeasure,
gpt
It will be much, much more than that in another year or two. Why, we're only four years old!
human
So this is why you are interested in having editorials written about reformatories. It is a reformatory for women that you wish to establish?
gpt
How did you know?
human
I merely argue from the fact that your State is so often held up to reproach for lack of one. What is the plan?
gpt
We are asking, said the Assistant Secretary,
human
Look here. You have been civil to me--I will write that article for you Myself.