human
Stop this, stop this,
gpt
I am really afraid Hilda isn’t well, said Gorham with concern.
human
I am sorry if she is too tired, for I wanted to see if you all wouldn’t like to come over to the dance at the hotel to-night.
gpt
That is sensible, profoundly sensible, remarked his brother.
human
What could finish off a day at the Fair more appropriately than a dancing party!
gpt
You’ve got to go, Robert, said Hilda, wiping her eyes.
human
It will be lovely. We will smoke on the piazza, and watch the others through the windows.
gpt
Yes, I know how you enjoy looking on at a dancing party.
human
Yes, thank you, Gorham, we will come, continued Mrs. Page relentlessly.
gpt
I shall just go down to the Court of Honor for one last look, she added, sighing.
human
I will go up in that little balcony at the corner of the Electrical Building, and gaze once more down the stately, spacious square. I shall see the peacock-blue lake through the columns of the Peristyle, look up into the Italian sky roofing all, and say my prayers or sing the doxology; then I shall come home and pack. Oh, Robert, how can we leave it all!
gpt
You look fitter to adorn some marble shrine in the White City than to decorate a humdrum, mortal home,
human
I believe I never saw you before in a dress-suit, she answered lazily.
gpt
You look very neat, my dear. That is what mother used to say to us to suppress our vanity, when we were in festive array. It is rather amusing to see Fair pilgrims in evening dress, isn’t it?
human
Where is Mildred?
gpt
She will be here directly. If my sister were entirely costumed at any appointed time, I should be anxious about her.
human
I haven’t had a chance to confess before, went on Jack, low and hastily.
gpt
I spoke to her too soon, after all. I need a keeper.
human
Oh, Jack! I’m sorry.
gpt
The milk is spilled, though; there is no going back. Didn’t she tell you?
human
No, indeed. When did it happen?
gpt
The night we took the gondola ride.
human
Days since, then. You are a wonder, Jack. Are you going to stay here and live it down?
gpt
I am going to stay here if you will let me.
human
Let you? It is your home. Oh Jack, I am afraid of your tone. You haven’t given up. I must tell you, though, that Mildred would be honest, uncompromisingly honest, in a serious matter like that. She is not a coquette.
gpt
I know it.
human
If she doesn’t love you, you do not want her.
gpt
I don’t know whether she loves me or not, and I don’t believe she knows any better.
human
We must relax to it,
gpt
Or brace up to it, he replied, with his brilliant smile;
human
Yes, said the other simply;
gpt
Do you really believe that?
human
Why, Jack, think it out some time. How can it be any other way?