human
Look here, Ethel. He took her arm, in a kind protecting sort of way which made her fairly boil.
gpt
Look here. I can't let you go about with a shady little person like that. I didn't know you'd picked her up. Now, now--I understand, of course--you met her up there in the new apartment. What a fool I was not to have thought of it.
human
Thought of what? For goodness sake!
gpt
She won't do, that's all.
human
Why won't she?
gpt
Yes, he said,
human
I don't believe it! she cried.
gpt
Her taste! The way she dresses! Her--her voice--the things she says!
human
I know, I know, he answered.
gpt
That sort is rare and they come high. I've talked to her--
human
Oh, you have, have you! Then why shouldn't I?
gpt
Because, my dear, I'm one of the owners of this building. My talks were brief--just business.
human
What business had you letting her in?
gpt
Because times were bad three years ago and tenants weren't so easy to find. What harm has she done? This isn't a social club, you know--
human
I know it isn't! Nobody speaks--or even smiles! A lump rose in Ethel's throat.
gpt
And she was so nice and friendly!
human
I'll bet she was--
gpt
I won't believe it! Now her face was reddening with self-mortification.
human
Do you mean to tell me--living like that--with a companion, even--a prim old maid who looks as though she had left Boston only last night--
gpt
My dear, the friend of a big millionaire always keeps some one from Boston close by. His arm went around her.
human
Poor little girl. I guess I won't have to say any more--
gpt
Perhaps you will and perhaps you won't! Now again she was nearly choking with rage and with hurt vanity. Her one and only companion! The only woman she had been clever enough to find! That kind! Oh-h! Suddenly she turned to Joe to tell him that if he could give her no friends she'd pick and choose just where she liked! But quickly she remembered that he would answer,
human
Haven't I tried?
gpt
Well, I must see her, anyway, in the work of moving into her apartment. And am I sorry? Not at all! She was good to me--at least she was that! And besides, reflected Ethel, with the same caution and relief which she had so despised in New Yorkers,