human
You see, it's this way, Uncle Cliff. There's that dinner for the Lambs and the We Are Sevens to-morrow night. Every single one of the Lambs ordered a new gown to wear. I didn't want them to--but they would do it--and--I'm afraid it's going to make the We Are Sevens sort of uncomfortable. So I was thinking, Uncle Cliff--I was _wishing_ that--we--you and I, maybe--could have a little shopping expedition to-morrow morning and--
gpt
You understand--don't you, Uncle Cliff? It isn't that I'd be ashamed of the girls; you know that. Their clothes are all right--only I know how girls feel not to be dressed quite like others. It makes them awkward and ill at ease, and--
human
I understand perfectly, Honey,
gpt
But just how could we do it, Uncle Cliff--get them some pretty things without making them think--that--that their things weren't right,--good enough, you know? It's an awfully delicate matter.
human
SHE WAS HOLDING ON TO UNCLE CLIFF'S COAT LAPELS.
gpt
So it is, Honey, but I think we can find a way. Was it some pretty frocks you wanted to give them?
human
Oh, if I only _could_, Uncle Cliff. Gowns and slippers to match, and I'd thought of some pretty evening wraps, too. You see, we're going to the theatre, and supper afterward, and the Lambs have such pretty ones. We could afford it, couldn't we? There's no one to spend money on but poor little me.
gpt
I don't think you need worry about the expense, he said.
human
You are very fortunate in that respect, Blue Bonnet, and you know I always approve of spending money where it means happiness. Do you need a new frock, too,--and Carita, perhaps?
gpt
We could each use one, Blue Bonnet answered,
human
This isn't Aunt Lucinda's affair, Mr. Ashe replied quickly.
gpt
It's mine, Honey. How would this do? We'll take the We Are Sevens shopping with us to-morrow morning and when you and Carita have selected your gowns I will suggest that the others select too--a little gift from me--or from you, if you think best.
human
The very thing, she cried.
gpt
Then they can't think it was planned. They'll be so delighted. Oh, Uncle Cliff, you are so dear, _so dear_! The last dear was emphasized with a resounding kiss.
human
I'm so happy; _so happy_ that it seems as if I couldn't stand it. Isn't this a beautiful old world? Now, we must hurry. I want to get you out to the hospital to see Gabriel the very first thing.
gpt
I'm not sure that I like the idea of you going about these hospitals, Honey--especially where patients are tubercular. You can contract these things, you know.
human
How perfectly ridiculous! I'm as healthy as ever I can be. Why, look at me! I've put on eight pounds in three months. That's the very worst of boarding-school--- it's bound to make you fat. Poor Wee Watts is discouraged to death.
gpt
He's not been so well the past week, Miss Warren, the nurse, said.
human
I think it is the confinement. It is beginning to tell upon him. He ought to be out in the country in the sunshine.
gpt
What's the matter, Gabriel? she said.
human
This won't do. You promised me that you would get well.
gpt
I will, the child maintained stoutly.
human
There ain't nothing the matter.
gpt
We're twins,--me and her, Gabriel announced, directing his remarks to Mr. Ashe.
human
Our birthdays are the same.
gpt
So I understand.
human
Are you her father?
gpt
Yes, and her uncle, too.
human
You see, I haven't any father--or mother either, Gabriel. My uncle has to be both,
gpt
That's like me, too. I'm a orphant!
human
I lent the soldiers to another feller, Gabriel said presently.
gpt
He's sicker than I am.
human
Then you shall have some more, Gabriel. It was fine of you to be so unselfish.
gpt
I wasn't. They made me!
human
I want my own--they can fight like--I didn't say it, did I? I told you I wouldn't never again, Miss Warren.
gpt
These children have some street expressions that are hard to break, she said.
human
Gabriel is trying very hard to be a gentleman. He got so excited over the soldiers, Miss Ashe, that we had to take them away.
gpt
Gabriel began, pointing to Blue Bonnet,
human
Yes. Lots of them. Would you like to ride a pony, Gabriel?
gpt
Bet yer!
human
Just how ill is this child? he asked, much moved.
gpt
Is there any chance for his recovery?
human
Yes--yes, indeed, under the right conditions. He has tuberculosis of the knee. If only a home could be found for him in the country! He's an unusually bright child, and so lovable. I feel sure that he must come from excellent Jewish people, though he was brought here from the tenement district a few months ago--just after his mother died.
gpt
And you think he'd have a chance in the country?
human
I'm very sure of it, sir.