human
She is, agreed Bill.
gpt
She's all of that, and then some. She'll make a perfect Spirit of the Sea. I say, Cromer, help me rig up my Neptune togs, will you?
human
Of course I will, old chap. But Miss Fairfield isn't going to be on your float. She's agreed to be my Maid of the Mist.
gpt
She HAS! I say, Cromer, that's too bad of you! How did you persuade her to change her plan?
human
She didn't change. She had no idea of being on your float. She asked me what I thought she'd better be, and she said all the most desirable parts were already assigned.
gpt
H'm, quite so! Oh, of course,--certainly! Yes, yes, INDEED!
human
What's the matter with you, Bill? Are you raving? Your speech is a bit incoherent.
gpt
Incoherent, is it? Lucky for you! If I were coherent, or said what I'm thinking, you'd be some surprised! You go on making your pencil marks while I think this thing out. All right, Baby; did Uncle Bill joggle you too much? There,--now you're comfy again, aren't you? I say, Laurence, I'll have my picture taken some other day. Excuse me now, won't you? I have a few small fish to fry. Come, Babykins, let's go find mummy.
human
H'm, said Laurence Cromer to himself, as Bill swung off with mighty strides toward the house.
gpt
Somehow, I fancy he'll regain his lost Spirit of the Sea, or there'll be something doing!
human
Much obliged for this dance. Reserve me one for to-morrow morning at the same hour. And, I say, Mrs. Kenerley, could you put me on the trail of Miss Fairfield?
gpt
She went off in her runabout with Roger Farrington. I think she's heading for the telegraph office to order much materials and gewgaws for the Pageant.
human
Then, do you know where Daisy Dow is? I MUST flirt with somebody!
gpt
Try me,
human
I would, but I'm afraid Baby May would tell her father.
gpt
That's so; she might. Well, Daisy is at the telephone in the library; I hear her talking.
human
Thank you,
gpt
Yes, he heard Daisy saying as he entered the room,
human
What are you going to represent in your light green veil, Daisy?
gpt
The Spirit of the Sea, she replied.
human
I've arranged for the loveliest costume,--all green and shimmery, and dripping with seaweed.
gpt
How did you happen to be chosen for that part, Daisy?
human
Guy Martin insisted upon it. He said there was no one else just right for it.
gpt
How about Patty Fairfield?
human
Oh, she WOULDN'T take it. She told Guy so.
gpt
She did! I wonder WHY she wouldn't take it?
human
I don't know, Bill, I'm sure. It COULDN'T have been because you're Neptune, could it?
gpt
It might be,
human
Bill,
gpt
What is it?
human
Only this: Patty asked Guy as a special favour not to mention this matter to her. So I daresay you'll feel in honour bound not to speak of it.
gpt
H'm; I don't know as my honour binds me very strongly in that direction.
human
But it MUST, Bill! and Daisy looked distinctly troubled.
gpt
I oughtn't to have told you, for Patty trusted me not to tell anybody.
human
Patty ought to know better than to trust you at all!