human
Joe, began Helen, and she seemed somewhat embarrassed,
gpt
I want to ask you something, and I hope you won't be offended.
human
Offended? he asked.
gpt
You know you couldn't offend me, Helen.
human
Oh, I don't know, and her voice was more serious than her manner.
gpt
I can't tell how you'll take it. Do you remember the other day saying something about not being able to afford a fur coat?
human
Yes, of course I do. Have you bought yours yet?
gpt
No, but I've ordered it. But what I want to know is, Joe, why you don't get one, as long as you want it.
human
And you thought that question would annoy me? That's queer. I don't get one simply because I can't afford it.
gpt
I haven't yet asked you the question I fear may annoy you, went on Helen.
human
But this is it, Joe. I know you are getting a good salary, for you told me so. And if you are, what are you doing with it? I--I--this is what I want to ask you, Joe--you're not--not gambling with it--are you?
gpt
Gambling!
human
Yes, went on Helen.
gpt
I feared, when you said you had no money to spare, even with the good salary you are getting, that perhaps you might be wasting it on cards.
human
I haven't any use for gambling, he said solemnly, and Helen could not help believing him.
gpt
And I don't care for cards, except to do tricks with them. It isn't any fun for me to play, as I could too easily fool the other players--if I wanted to. No, Helen, I'm not spending my money that way--I don't gamble.
human
Oh, Joe, I'm so glad! I was afraid you might be, and yet I didn't see how you could be. I thought I knew you better than that. I'm so glad!
gpt
Now I must hurry away, the girl went on,
human
Gambling, mused Joe, as he watched Helen enter the tent where Mrs. Watson had her quarters.
gpt
Gambling! I wonder if they are spreading such reports about me just because I don't spend my money on them?