human
I know what you think of me, she said.
gpt
But I'm so sorry, so frightfully sorry! Won't you have mercy on me--let bygones be bygones, if I give you my word of honor I've reformed?
human
It's true that I tried to snatch your father's business, but oh, I was desperate! If you could know what it is to be poor--to have an ambition to fly, and not be able to fulfill it! Oh, Miss Carlton, you ought to understand what the longing is! Suppose you didn't have a father to buy you a plane! Remember, I had to fly an old Jenny from the Army, while you piloted an Arrow Sport!
gpt
But you wrecked my Arrow,
human
Yes. In a fit of jealousy. I'm sorry. Oh, please believe that I am truly sorry now! And if you let me go ahead without showing me up, and if I can win that prize for the flight to Paris, I'll buy you a new plane. Honest I will! I'll give you a written promise!
gpt
But why should I make it possible for you to win the prize, when Miss Haydock and I want to win it ourselves?
human
To be sporting! Oh, won't you please! You see, I now owe Kitty Clavering ten thousand dollars, and I can never repay her unless I win. I've got a job here, but it would take me years to save that much.... If you throw me into prison, I'll never get out of debt. It will ruin my life.
gpt
Didn't you try to ruin Linda's life?
human
No--only the plane. I didn't mean to kill you, Miss Carlton! I'm not so bad as that! I'd never do anything like that again--I've learned my lesson, living these months in a constant dread of arrest and disgrace.... Maybe you haven't heard that my brother is engaged to Kitty Clavering, she added, changing the subject.
gpt
But he could never marry her if I brought a terrible disgrace on the family!
human
When do you plan to fly across the ocean?
gpt
April. Early in the month, I hope.
human
With another girl?
gpt
No. Alone.
human
No mechanic--no navigator with you?
gpt
No. I'm relying a lot on luck.
human
That's a bad idea. You better get somebody to help you.
gpt
You are going to let me go? she cried, snatching Linda's hand in relief.
human
Oh, you angel!
gpt
I'm not sure yet, replied Linda.
human
I'll have to talk it over with Lou--Miss Haydock. After all, she has a right to some say in the matter.... But meanwhile, my friend and I do not care to go by plane with you to St. Louis.
gpt
You won't trust me! Even now, when you have my confession--when I tell you I've reformed?
human
Sorry, replied Linda, coldly.
gpt
But a burnt child dreads the fire. So I don't feel like risking it.... Now, if we decide to let you off, it is just as you said, because of the sport of the thing--to give you a chance to compete for the big honor. But Miss Haydock and I could never really trust you again.
human
You are going to tell Mr. Harris?
gpt
No, I guess not, replied Linda.
human
That wouldn't do us any good.... We want to get to a hotel now, and look up our trains, and change our clothing. Can you get us a taxi?
gpt
Certainly, replied Bess, meekly. How different she was from the haughty girl they had met at the Flying Club in the fall!
human
And when shall I hear definitely from you?
gpt
If we decide to take any steps against you, we'll inform the officials this week, and you'll hear from them. But I wouldn't run away this time--you have an even chance of getting free, if you stick to the job. And, if you hear nothing before the tenth of March, say, you can go ahead with your plans.
human
Thank you! Thank you!