human
Which side of the house are you a relative of?
gpt
The inside, returned Dorothy.
human
I keep house here.
gpt
You don't say so! What's become of Sally? Uncle shoo her off the lot?
human
I don't know what you're talking about, answered Dorothy, with a fruitless effort to appear matronly and dignified.
gpt
If by 'uncle' you mean Uncle Ebeneezer, he's dead.
human
You don't tell me! Reaped at last, after all this delay! Then how did you come here?
gpt
By train, responded Dorothy, enjoying the situation to the utmost.
human
Uncle Ebeneezer left the house and furniture to my husband.
gpt
Hully Gee! he said, when he recovered speech.
human
I suppose that's French for 'Dick, chase yourself.'
gpt
Perhaps not, suggested Mrs. Carr, strangely loath to have this breezy individual take his departure.
human
You might tell me who you are; don't you think so?
gpt
I was born of poor but honest parents about twenty-three years ago, according to the last official census. They brought me up until I reached the ripe age of twelve, then got tired of their job and went to heaven. Since then I've brought myself up. I've just taught a college all it can learn from me, and been put out. Prexy confided to me that I wasn't going to graduate, so I shook the classic dust from my weary feet and fled hither as to a harbour of refuge. I've always spent my Summers with Uncle Ebeneezer, because it was cheap for me and good for him, but I can't undertake to follow him up this Summer, not knowing exactly where he is, and not caring for a warm climate anyway.
human
You're afraid of him, aren't you?
gpt
I always have been, admitted Dorothy.
human
He scared me the first time we came here--it was at night, and raining.
gpt
I've known him to scare people in broad daylight, and they weren't always women either. He used to be a pleasant old codger, but he got over it, and after he learned to swear readily, he was a pretty tough party to buck up against. It took nerve to stay here when uncle was in a bad mood, but most people have more nerve than they think they have. You haven't told me your name yet.
human
Mrs. Carr--Dorothy Carr.
gpt
Pretty name, remarked Dick, with evident admiration.
human
If you don't mind, I'll call you 'Dorothy' till the train goes back. It will be something for me to remember in the desert waste of my empty years to come.
gpt
Why should you go? she inquired, smiling.
human
If you've been in the habit of spending your Summers here, you needn't change on our account. We'd be glad to have you, I'm sure. A dear old friend of my husband's is already here.
gpt
Fine or superfine?
human
Superfine,
gpt
You can bet your sweet life I'll stay, said Dick,
human
The rest of--oh Harlan, come here a minute!