human
How sweet you look! said Daisy, sitting beside her.
gpt
When are you coming downstairs? The boys are moping all over the place. I believe you're staying up here for coquetry.
human
Oh, I'm going down for tea. I'm just writing to my father. Then I'll dress and go downstairs. I'm all right, you know.
gpt
Yes, you look so, said Daisy, glancing at the bright eyes and roseleaf complexion.
human
You don't look a bit tired.
gpt
I'm not now; but I was when I reached home this morning. Weren't you?
human
Not very. I'm stronger than you are. Guy Martin and Lora Sayre were here to talk about the Pageant.
gpt
Were they? Is Lora going to be Spirit of the Sea?
human
No; her mother won't let her. They asked me to take the part, but I don't want to.
gpt
Why not?
human
Oh, I think they'd better have a Spring Beach girl. You, for instance.
gpt
They asked me before, but if you'll do it, I'll take something else. Who's going to be Neptune?
human
Bill. That's another reason why you'd better be the Sea Spirit.
gpt
Nonsense!
human
Patty, write a note for me, will you? I've run a sliver into my forefinger and I can't hold a pen.
gpt
A sliver? Oh, Daisy, does it hurt?
human
No, not much now. I got it out. But the tip of my finger is painful if I write. You've your pen in your hand, so just scribble a line for me. I can sign it.
gpt
Of course I will. Dictate, please!
human
I really would rather not be the Spirit of the Sea, dictated Daisy, and Patty wrote obediently.
gpt
Please try to get some one else for the part. But may I ask you as a personal favour not to speak of the matter to me at any time.
human
Thank you, said Daisy, taking the paper from Patty and folding it.
gpt
I can sign it, even if I have to use my left hand. I'm going to give it to Mr. Martin for, somehow, I don't want to talk about the matter to him.
human
I don't see why,
gpt
Never mind, girlie. You know sometimes there are little foolish reasons we don't like to tell of. Don't say anything about all this to anybody, will you?
human
No, certainly not,
gpt
Don't tell any one I asked you to write the note.
human
No.
gpt
You see, I hate to acknowledge a hurt finger. It sounds so silly.