human
He always looks up, she thought, as a gentleman passed,
gpt
she thought, with a half smile;
human
Good morning, dear. Pardon my not having been down to welcome you,
gpt
I have just come down, Elaine, and have had my mirrored reflection as company, and don't I look comical, encased in this dressing gown you lent me? Won't I have to eat a substantial breakfast to fill it out?
human
All right, dear, if my seraph of the frying pan condescended to fill my orders, we have bloaters on the menu.
gpt
I am ready for them, Elaine, and feel bloated already,
human
I wonder what kind of a day we shall have for your review of the city schools? Old Sol does not seem to have made up his mind whether to laugh or weep,
gpt
I hope he will be good enough to weep over some other city, for I am sure Henry will not bring my waterproof.
human
But Miss Crew will, she seems so really thoughtful. What do you intend doing with her when you place Garfield at school?
gpt
That's just what I am in a quandary about. I like her, for she puzzles me.
human
What a droll little creature you are, Ella; you have a perfect craze for working out problems, even to a woman,
gpt
Now you mustn't think, Elaine, that my interest in you has the remotest connection with the mystery at Holmnest,
human
The mystery at Holmnest? What a tragic sound you give it, it makes one's flesh creep, but I have not forgotten how large-hearted you are, dear, when you do not forget, 'Share ye one another's burdens.'
gpt
Yes, you must tell me all, Elaine, and I feel sure that with, or without the advice of Henry, your trouble will either vanish or lighten by your sharing it with me.
human
Yes, perhaps so, she said gravely;
gpt
As you will, Elaine, but don't bear it too long alone. Tragedy is heavy. How cozy and home-like breakfasting with you is after hotel life.
human
I am glad you think so, Ella.
gpt
Your dark leather chairs and handsome sideboard look well against the brown paper on the walls, and oh, you won't mind telling me who hung your drapings, _portière_ hangings, and all that, they are in such good taste.
human
Murray did them for me; it was a case of two heads being better than one, where I was at fault he set me right.
gpt
Your home is small, but all so home-like, except for one great want, a man to hang his hat up in the hall as your husband, and a child to call you mother.
human
Quite a tempting picture, Ella, she answered, a little sadly,
gpt
Take the man, when he proposes, Elaine; I cannot bear to see you alone.
human
That is my advice to my friends also, Ella; but, speaking of living alone, will you and Miss Crew come to me when you place Garfield at school, and during the absence of Mr. Dale north-east with Mr. Buckingham; say you will, it won't be for long.
gpt
It's the thing above all others that will please me, Elaine. Excuse my Irish blood, but I must give vent to my feelings by giving you a hug,
human
Angels and ministers of grace defend us, Elaine, here's a lady visitor; and now that her umbrella is down, I see Mrs. Smyth. But, fond as I am of her, I wish her back to her home, for I wanted the morning alone with you.
gpt
You are both looking charming, it's a pity I am not a gentleman caller, but what lazy people you are,
human
Now that I have emerged from the under side of Fortune's wheel, I do believe I am growing epicurean,
gpt
Don't I look too sweet for anything, Mrs. Smyth? said Mrs. Dale, promenading up and down the room;
human
But you are all uneven,
gpt
Now, that is cruel, Mrs. Smyth; 'tis 'love's labor lost,' after having utilized all the mats, towels and pillow-shams in my bedroom as stuffing, to be simply told I am uneven.
human
Stuffing never goes down with me, Mrs. Dale,
gpt
It's a good thing for us you are not a man,
human
Women all angles would cry 'hear, hear!'
gpt
But you don't ask me what brought me in this morning.
human
No, I am too glad to have you; but is it a call of a mouth full of news?
gpt
Yes, which I shall stuff you with 'as pigeons do their young.'
human
Me, too!
gpt
Mr. King is in town, Mrs. Gower; there, I thought I should electrify you, but you don't seem to care.
human
I do, for we shall now have news of the Coles.
gpt
And is that all you will welcome him all the way from Ottawa for?
human
That is all, Lilian; these little flirtations, _pour passez le temp_, soon burn themselves out.
gpt
What a funny woman you are, Elaine; sometimes I can't make you out at all.
human
Don't try to, dear, when I puzzle you; life is too short for problem-solving, though our little friend here doesn't think so. But did Mr. King name the Coles?
gpt
He did.
human
Thank you, Thomas,
gpt
One moment, you will excuse me, dears, while I run my letters over. One marked
human
Immediate,