human
He's going to be just exactly the same good pal he was before, she went on, speaking softly.
gpt
And he's going to bring some water so I can wash the dishes, and then bring Blue so I can go home, and he isn't going to say a single thing more about--anything that matters two whoops.
human
You do like me--a little bit, don't you?
gpt
I like you two little bits. Billy Louise took his face between her two palms and smiled down at him bravely, with the pure candor that was a part of her.
human
But I don't want us to be anything but pals; not for a long while. It's so good, just being friends. And once we get away from that point, we can't go back to it again, ever. And I'm sure it's good enough to be worth while making it last as long as we can. So now--
gpt
It's going to be quite a contract, Wilhemina.
human
Oh, no, it won't! You've had lots of practice, Billy Louise assured him confidently and began putting the few dishes in a neat little pile.
gpt
And, anyway, you are perfectly able to handle any kind of a contract. All you need do is make up your mind. And that's made up already. So the next thing on the programme is to bring a bucket of water. Did you notice anything different about your cabin? I thought you bragged to me about being such a good housekeeper! Why, you hadn't swept the floor, even, since goodness knows when. And I've made up a bundle of your dirty shirts and things that I found under the bed, and I'm going to take them home and let Phoebe wash them. She can do them this evening and have them ready for you to bring back to-morrow. When I was a kid and went to see Marthy and Jase, I used to promise them cookies with 'raisings' in the middle. I thought there was nothing better in the world. I was just thinking--I'll maybe bake you some cookies with raisings on top, to bring home. You don't seem to waste much time cooking stuff. Bacon and beans, and potatoes and sour-dough bread: that seems to be your regular bill of fare. And tomatoes for Sunday, I reckon; I saw some empty cans outside. Don't you ever feel like coming down to the ranch and getting a square meal?
human
Oh, you William the Conqueror! Ward stood with the water bucket in his hand, and looked at her with that smile hidden just behind his lips and his eyes.
gpt
You sure sabe how to make things come your way, don't you? He started for the door, stopped with his toes over the threshold, and looked back at her.
human
If I knew how to get what I want, as easily as you do, he said,
gpt
He laughed grimly at the start she gave.
human
As it is, you're the doctor, William Louisa. We remain mere friends!