human
I shall have to look up a girl, said Joe.
gpt
Hanny, you have never been to a ball. Would you like to go?
human
Oh, I think a ball would be splendid! If Daisy could go, or Dolly.
gpt
Yes, Daisy's mother or Dolly would have to go.
human
Why, I really think I would like to go myself, she said.
gpt
We do not consider Daisy quite a grown-up lady. I should like to keep her just a young girl for a long while; but, perhaps, that will not be possible.
human
Hanny is a very young girl, returned Joe.
gpt
And I do not think father could stand it to have her grown up. But she keeps so small, I don't just know how we should get mother coaxed around. Both girls would enjoy it immensely.
human
Oh, she would trust her with Mr. Jasper and me, if we were to take Daisy. Dear me--one festivity doesn't really signify. And yet-- she blushed and smiled with a certain girlishness.
gpt
They may be dangerous; I went to a Christmas ball when I was sixteen, and met Mr. Jasper. I was out on a holiday,--a mere school-girl.
human
I don't believe Hanny or Daisy will find any one to fall in love with, said Joe, seriously;
gpt
Oh, yes. They are planning to live together. There must be a settlement; for both will have to bring their respective families.
human
No.
gpt
It would have to be made long in the skirt, I suppose,
human
Long! What are you talking about!
gpt
She would enjoy seeing the dancing. And when she was an old lady, and Thackeray dead, she could tell her children she was at a banquet with the great novelist.
human
What nonsense you do talk, Joe.