human
Have you answered Miss Tavish's invitation?
gpt
Not yet. I shall decline today for myself.
human
Why? It's for charity.
gpt
Well, my charity extends to Miss Tavish. I don't want to see her dance.
human
That leaves me in a nice hole. I said I'd go.
gpt
And why not? You go to a good many places you don't take me--the clubs, brokers' offices, Stalker's, the Conventional, and--
human
Oh, go on. Why do you object to my going to see this dance?
gpt
My dear Jack, said Edith,
human
I haven't objected the least in the world;
gpt
I don't see why you set yourself up. I'll bet Miss Tavish will raise more money for the Baxter Street Guild, yes, and do more good, than you and the priest and that woman doctor slopping about on the East Side in six months.
human
Very likely, replied Edith, still with the same good-humored smile.
gpt
But, Jack, it's delightful to see your philanthropic spirit stirred up in this way. You ought to be encouraged. Why don't you join Miss Tavish in this charity? I have no doubt that if it was advertised that Miss Tavish and Mr. Jack Delancy would dance for the benefit of an East Side guild in the biggest hall in the city, there wouldn't be standing room.
human
Oh, bosh! said Jack, getting up from his chair and striding about the room, with more irritation than he had ever shown to Edith before.
gpt
I wouldn't be a prude.
human
Come here, Jack. Now, old fellow, look me straight in the eyes, and tell me if you would like to have me dance the serpentine dance before a drawing-room full of gossiping women, with, as you say, just a few men peeping in at the doors.
gpt
Oh, hang it! that's different,
human
I'm glad you know it's different, she said, with a laugh that had not a trace of mockery in it;