human
Oh, you two dear pets, I am so awfully glad to have met you, says pretty Mrs. St. Clair, effusively;
gpt
I want to know when you can talk over a programme with me--tableaux, readings, etc., in aid of the debt on our church. Say when?
human
I really cannot, Mrs. St. Clair, said Mrs. Gower;
gpt
Dear, dear! that is too bad; what shall I do; you are so smart, and would know just what would take. You will talk it over with me, Mrs. Dale,
human
No, thank you; on principle, I object.
gpt
How funny! might I ask why?
human
Certainly. I think offerings to such an object as a church debt should be voluntary.
gpt
But, Mrs. Dale, people expect a little treat for their money.
human
They have, or we have, the church service, and the ministrations of the clergyman.
gpt
That's just the way Mr. St. Clair damps my ardor, she says, poutingly;
human
I do so want to pose as Mary Stuart. Mr. Cobbe says I'd look too sweet for anything; you won't be jealous, Mrs. Gower.
gpt
Oh, fearfully so; but joking apart; how do you think he would pose as Bunthorn?
human
I see you are laughing at him, Mrs. Gower?
gpt
Not at all; the twenty forlorn ones would keep him in good humor, and the bee in his crown would be a safety valve for his restlessness.
human
No, no; I would not like that, and I wonder you, above all, would propose it; for the whole twenty would fall in love with him, he is so fascinating; don't you think so, Miss Hall?
gpt
Yes; but it would be good fun; you cawn't do bettah, Mrs. St. Clair.
human
It has my vote, too,
gpt
What a well-matched couple Mrs. St. Clair and Philip would have made,
human
Yes, I have thought that before to-day, Elaine; it's a pity to spoil two houses with them.
gpt
Oh, Mrs. Gower, who do you think I have just seen?
human
Perhaps our mutual friend Charlie Cole,
gpt
Well, you are smart, to guess exactly; have you seen them? Isn't she frightfully ugly?
human
No, I have not seen them. What a pity she is not pretty. I received a letter from Charlie, saying to expect them.
gpt
Oh, you sly thing; why didn't you let us know? Oh, how ugly she is! May we come round this evening? Here is my car.
human
Certainly. We have been to your husband's office to invite you.
gpt
Thanks. O! she cried, stepping on to the car.
human
Will gave me a new piano yesterday.
gpt
Whose make?
human
Ruse's, Temple of Music, over there.
gpt
I congratulate you. As they walked on she continued, absently,
human
What a pity she is plain looking.
gpt
Who; not Mrs. Smyth?
human
Oh, no, Ella; her animation will always make her pretty. I was thinking of Charlie Cole's wife. I wonder where she saw them?
gpt
Oh, somewhere in town, I suppose. So you expected them to-day.
human
Yes, and I would have told you, but I want their advent to be a surprise for Miss Crew, whom I have frequently found secretly studying Charlie Cole's photo. She is so guardedly reticent, that I am curious to see if suddenly confronting him will cause her to show any interest in the original of the photo.
gpt
But you should make sure of her, Elaine. She may remain at the O'Sullivans; and as I own to taking an interest in human bric-a-brac, I hope you will call for her.
human
I fancy she will return for certain, as she tells me the couple we met on New Year's Day are coming to Holmnest this afternoon; the woman, quite a lady-like looking person, is to alter her black silk; but we shall call on our way home for her.
gpt
Yes, that will be best, and here is our car; but it is too crowded. As members of the Humane Society we had better wait for the next.
human
Good morning, ladies; won't you turn west, and have a promenade, Elaine?
gpt
No, thank you. Time has gone too fast for us already.
human
O, pshaw! I want to speak to you. When do you return to New York, Mrs. Dale?
gpt
I have not the remotest idea, Mr. Cobbe, indeed, she added, in return for his;
human
Leave Canada!
gpt
Please, stop the car, Philip, quick.
human
What does it mean, Elaine? he whispers, seeing them on board; but the bell rings, and off they go. Two yards distant, and he calls out,
gpt
I shall be up after office hours.
human
Talk of cruelty to animals. I gave him a blow, but he richly deserves it. But I do believe, Elaine, you are sorry for him,
gpt
I am. He is his worst enemy. Yes, I am sorry for his weak, vain nature. A man without stability of character, in our stirring times, is of no more account than are the soap-bubbles blown by a little child.