human
Polly, has anyone ever proposed to you?
gpt
Is that little head of yours entirely void of memory, Dodo?
human
Did not Jimmy propose to me, as well as to every one of you girls?
gpt
Oh, but I didn't mean that sort of an affair, explained Dorothy.
human
I mean--were you ever in love with anyone who thought he loved _you_?
gpt
Oh, isn't this a delightful conversation? I wouldn't have missed it for anything in the world!
human
Nolla, rebuked Polly, seriously,
gpt
Dodo, if I answer your question for Polly, what will you do for me, some day?
human
Nolla, you mind your own affairs! exclaimed Polly, flushing again.
gpt
Dodo is such a tactless child that she never stops to consider whether her questions are too personal, or not. But _you_--well, you know better, and I forbid you to discuss me any further.
human
Come, come, girls! This little joke is really going too far, if Polly feels hurt about it. Let us drop the subject and talk about the dance the Captain is going to give us tonight,
gpt
I'm going to wear the new gown mother got in Paris, announced Dorothy.
human
Ma says we can save duty on it if I wear it before it reaches shore.
gpt
That's a good plan, Dodo. I guess I will follow your example. I've got so many dutiable things in my trunks, that I really ought to economise on something.
human
Well, I won't wear one of my new dresses tonight for just that reason. If I want them badly enough, to bring them all the way from Paris where we get them so much cheaper than on this side, then I'm willing to pay Uncle Sam his revenue on them,
gpt
Ho! I don't believe it is duty you are saving, as much as indulging in perverseness by not donning one of your most fetching gowns,
human
Maybe it is, said Polly, smiling tantalizingly at her chum.
gpt
Perhaps I want to keep the freshness of them for someone in New York, eh?
human
Certainly! _He_ will be there to meet you, sure thing!
gpt
Do tell me who he is?
human
I dare not! That is Polly's secret!