human
The colonel is still bargain-hunting, observed Loring with a laugh.
gpt
His shoe-manufacturing business has increased to the point that he must have more space--and he must have it at once. The only available ground is Gresham's adjoining property, which Gresham long ago gave up trying to sell him. The colonel is crazy to buy it now, but he's afraid to let Gresham know he must have it, for fear Saint Paul will run up the price on him. In consequence, he trails the man round like a love-sick boy after an actress. When he finds Gresham he only looks at him--and goes away. That's only half of the laugh, however. Gresham wants to sell as badly as the colonel wants to buy, but he doesn't know where to find a fancy market. Queer case, isn't it?
human
Yes, replied Gamble.
gpt
Who's Miss Joy?
human
For heaven's sake, Johnny, don't say you're hit too--even at long distance!
gpt
Hit! repeated Gamble--
human
I'm flattened out. I'm no lady-fusser, Ashley, but I'm going to buy a new necktie.
gpt
You don't even know she's rich, do you?
human
Of course I do! asserted Johnny.
gpt
I saw her eyes. Who is she?
human
That's Miss Constance Joy--an orphan worth an exact million dollars; although I believe there is some sort of a string to it, Loring told him.
gpt
She lives with her aunt, who is Mrs. Pattie Boyden, and she's so pretty that even women forgive her. Anything else you want to know?
human
Yes. Why do I want to bite Paul Gresham?
gpt
Hush! admonished Loring.
human
He is the remnant of one of our very best imported families, and he needs the money. He sells a piece of father's property every year, and he haunts Miss Joy like a pestilence. I think he's mixed up in her million some way or other. Aunt Pattie approves of him very much; she is strong for family.
gpt
I'll bite him yet, decided Gamble.
human
Say, Loring, how am I going to make a stringless million?
gpt
If I knew that, I wouldn't be your lawyer, declared Loring.
human
Excuse me, Johnny; there's a client of mine.