human
Back again?
gpt
Yes, and this is my friend, Blue Bonnet Ashe.
human
How do you do? Mary said, pausing a moment.
gpt
First year here, too?
human
Yes, my first year.
gpt
Make yourselves at home, she said hospitably.
human
Everything is in a muss, yet. I only got in myself this morning. I'll be back in a minute.
gpt
Don't you think she's nice?
human
She seems to be. You're in luck, Carita. I wish you could see _my_ cross!
gpt
We Freshies haven't any of the lugs you grown-ups sport, Mary said, entering the room with her pitcher of water.
human
There's only one bathroom on this floor for six girls. Fancy! Getting a bath is a regular Saturday night affair.
gpt
This is your first year here, too, then,
human
No--second.
gpt
And you are a Freshman?
human
Well, you see, I was out last year part of the time--typhoid fever--and--oh, I'm no high-brow, anyway! Mother thought I'd best take the year over again. She says I've plenty of time. I'm just fifteen.
gpt
I'm working hard this year, though. You see, I want a room with a bath, and you have to be a Sophomore to get it.
human
I see. An incentive, isn't it?
gpt
This is a fairly good room, don't you think? It's the best on the floor. Carita's lucky--that is, as far as the room goes. My room-mate was called home three weeks before Christmas. Her mother died. Poor little Nell!
human
I'm sorry for her, Carita said sympathetically,
gpt
What's that for?
human
Bed. In a half hour another will ring and every light on this floor will go off instantly.
gpt
You mean to say you have to be in bed at half-past nine o'clock?
human
Well, I reckon I'd better run. I haven't unpacked yet.
gpt
Oh, they aren't so awfully particular the first day. School doesn't really begin until to-morrow.
human
Why don't you come down and stay with me to-night? she said.
gpt
My room-mate isn't back yet. I shouldn't be half so lonesome.
human
All right--if--do you think they'd mind?
gpt
Skip along, she said generously.
human
All's serene on the Potomac. You'd better hurry though, while the coast's clear.