human
I wonder how he happens to be living in a house like this?
gpt
And why wouldn't he be living here? demanded Ellen tartly.
human
It's cheap and decent, and there's some folks that don't like to go forever hoppin' from one place to another, like fleas on a dog's back. He's lived in that same room upstairs ever since he can remember.
gpt
Oh, has he? Joan's eye kindled. It occurred to her that the young man's history might have some connection with the history of the house itself.
human
Ellen, I have it! It's the old family mansion, belonged to his father and grandfather and great-grandfather, and _of course_ he wants to go on living in it. I would myself!
gpt
If there's a romantical notion to be found, trust you for finding it. But if you really want to know, folks do say--
human
Yes, yes? Do go on, Nellen!
gpt
Well, they do say that if he's got a father at all it's more than he knows, let alone a grandfather, and great-grandfather. I had it from a woman downstairs (her that curls feathers, and she got it straight from somebody who used to live in the neighborhood when this was a actors' boardin'-house), that he got left here when he was a little boy, by his mother, in hock for her board-bill. And she never come back for him.
human
Oh, she cried.
gpt
Oh! poor woman!
human
Poor _woman_? I should think you'd say 'poor child'!
gpt
Poor both of them! But can't you see how much greater the tragedy must have been for the woman, who knew--who was to blame? Imagine how she must have dreamed of that pitiful little boy with his nose pressed against the window-pane watching for her--and she not able to come for him! Ellen--That's what he's doing here now! Waiting for his mother to come back!
human
If he is, I hope it's with a club in his hand, muttered the other angrily.
gpt
Why wasn't she 'able to come,' I'd like to know?
human
Perhaps she died. Or, she couldn't get enough money, or oh--oh, Ellen, don't you _see_? She didn't dare to come for him! He was getting too big, noticing things. For his own sake she had to give him up!
gpt
Well! she said at last.
human
If I had your imagination, Joan Darcy, I'd go to a hospital and get it cut out. It ain't safe! Here you are blubbering over the troubles of a woman who maybe never lived, and probably was a bad lot if she did--and a'most making me blubber over her myself!
gpt
Here, let me help with the dishes. You wash and I'll wipe. But what a funny, pitiful little boy he must have been with those stick-out ears and those big, innocent-looking front teeth of his! I wonder why it is that big front teeth always do make a person look so innocent, Ellen?
human
Seems to me you noticed a lot to have seen Mr. Blair only once.
gpt
I always notice things--I can't help it. Anyway, I'm glad you keep the poor thing darned and comfy! It's only charity.
human
Charity nothing. He pays me good, and prompter than I ever got paid before in all _my_ life,