human
Bobs, you were wicked.
gpt
How did this luck befall us, Jane?
human
I stood all I thought necessary from the lady, and then I rose and smote. I disliked doing it in my own house, but it had to be done. She got up in a rage and walked upstairs.
gpt
After being carried down this morning by gentle Jerry! Thank the Lord you've got a temper, Jane.
human
Poor Jerry; it made it difficult for him.
gpt
Poor Jerry nothing! He's as glad to see her go as we are. He's had enough of her, Jane.
human
That was my plan.
gpt
You mean you stood for her, just so that he would get too much.
human
It was only to-day that I found out he had had enough.
gpt
Jane Judd Paxton, you female Machiavelli!
human
It would end in 'a' in the feminine, wouldn't it?
gpt
You're a wise woman. I dote on your sagacity.
human
Be nice to Jerry to-night, Bobs. Don't tease him.
gpt
Oh, I won't hurt your little boy.
human
How dull it is without our Althy. She did add so much to the general conversation.
gpt
We probably did not interest her enough to make her talk,
human
What would she be interested _with_, Jane?
gpt
Bobs, what will you take to let this subject drop?
human
What do you offer?
gpt
How about the study I am working on now?
human
Must see it first.
gpt
You shall, in the morning.
human
I'm free to-night, then?
gpt
As you are strong, be merciful.
human
You don't deserve it!
gpt
I haven't asked him yet.
human
Wish you would have him while I'm here. I'm crazy about him.
gpt
Ask him, Jane,
human
I will,
gpt
Have you ever had so prompt a guest?
human
It was such luck that my wire found you,
gpt
I tried to put him in the hack, Jane, but he would walk,
human
Of course I would walk. What a charming place,
gpt
We love it, said Jane.
human
Ah, here's Bobs.
gpt
Well met, Atalanta,
human
Hurrah for you! Did you meet the invitation on the way out?
gpt
I started before I read it through, he laughed.
human
It's good to see you looking so well.
gpt
It's air, and Jane; mostly Jane. Long ago Jerry made an epigram about her. He said: 'Jane can mend anything from a leak in a pipe to a broken heart.'
human
Did you say that?
gpt
I think, with you, that it is too good for me, Jane. But I am more convinced of its truth every day.
human
Why not? There must be healing presences, since there are disturbing ones,