human
What's the idea, Bee? Is it a roll-call?
gpt
It is the names of the three women in New York who have bought that particular style of hat from Sarah, said Mrs. Boller.
human
She made up just three, as is her custom, and when they were sold she made no more. So that in spite of your extreme wonder at hearing the names, and although I had rather hoped to guess which one it might be, one of that trio was in this flat last night. Which one?
gpt
None of 'em!
human
What do _you_ say?
gpt
Madam, I decline to say anything whatever!
human
Really? smiled Beatrice, and gazed at them pensively for a little while.
gpt
I do not know intimately any of these ladies. They have, doubtless, a husband and fathers and, I hope, a few big brothers, too, to take care of them properly. And since they have, I may as well tell you just what I mean to do. I'm going to Mrs. Wales first.
human
I'm going to accuse her, in so many words, of passing last night in this apartment, and I'll say you confessed! pursued Beatrice.
gpt
Perhaps she can clear herself by showing me the duplicate of this hat; perhaps she cannot. In any event, it seems probable that her husband and the rest of her male relatives will make a point of coming here and beating you two to a jelly.
human
Unless she confesses, Miss Cathcart receives the next call, said Johnson's wife.
gpt
The procedure will be the same; the results to you, I sincerely hope, will be the same. After that, if necessary, I shall go to the Dalton woman's home and repeat the performance, and doubtless _her_ father and _her_ brothers will----
human
Say! Do you want to have us killed?
gpt
Yes! hissed the Spanish strain in Beatrice.
human
Well?
gpt
None of the ladies you have mentioned----
human
One of them was here, and I'll soon know which one! Beatrice corrected quickly.
gpt
Do you wish to save the other two?
human
Nope!
gpt
Do you know, said she, all withering contempt,
human
I had been fool enough to fancy that there was man enough in one or the other of you to spare the innocent women a very distressing quarter of an hour. Even if that failed, I had fancied that one or the other would have sufficient intelligence to avoid a thrashing if possible. I was wrong! There isn't a spark of manhood or an ounce of brain matter in either of you--and to think that I married _you_!