human
What's the matter, Sally? I know my hair's in a mess. Is there anything wrong with my dress? Have I got a dirty face? I washed it, but if there is a smudge on my nose I think it is the part of a friend to tell me and not let me go out looking like a fright.
gpt
There's nothing the matter, Henrietta. I was only thinking what a lucky man Dick is.
human
Oh, do you think so, Sally? she asked softly.
gpt
Do you really think so? I was a little bit afraid you didn't approve. And how about me? Don't you think I'm a lucky girl?
human
Very, answered Sally, smiling still.
gpt
Dick is everything that's good. He's the one best man for you. But why did you think that I might not approve?
human
We--ll, said Henrietta with some hesitation, bending forward to look at her swinging feet, then looking up at Sally,
gpt
I--I went after him in such a barefaced manner, and you knew it. Sally shook her head again.
human
Oh, yes, you did. It's no use to shake your gory locks at me. You knew I did; the very night of your fire. I don't deny it. I did go after him with all my might and I got him. She spoke triumphantly.
gpt
I'm glad I went after him, for--for I never should have got him at all if I had not. I'm proud of it, but I don't advertise it, generally. I confess it to you, but I should deny the fact to anybody else. Wild horses shouldn't drag it out of me. Not ever! And then, Sally, another reason why I was a little afraid you wouldn't approve--
human
Well?
gpt
Well. Henrietta looked up and smiled.
human
To tell the truth, I couldn't believe that you didn't want him yourself. There! It's out. Just a little, Sally.
gpt
Not even just a little, Henrietta. Dick is a dear friend--he has been that to me always, ever since his kite and Everett's broke my foot--and I hope he always will be; but the idea of falling in love with each other never entered either of our heads. So you may be quite easy in your mind. My heart isn't even bent.
human
But you know, Henrietta insisted,
gpt
I guess not, Sally replied;
human
Well, I'm glad to be sure of it. But, Sally, she continued, with a doubtful glance, as if she were a little afraid of Sally and of what she was about to ask,
gpt
No, there wasn't. Everett never looked at me.
human
But, Sally, Henrietta persisted,
gpt
Oh, no, she said.
human
Oh, no. I am not likely to be. I suppose you mean Everett.
gpt
Yes, I did, returned Henrietta. She showed some surprise.
human
Why? Is there anybody else?
gpt
No, oh, no, Sally answered more hastily than before.
human
There isn't. As far as I can see, I am scheduled to teach for the rest of my life.
gpt
Are you quite sure, Sally? Henrietta urged.
human
Isn't there _anybody_? Not even somebody that you wish--
gpt
No, no, Henrietta, she said, interrupting.
human
Now that's enough about my affairs of the heart. It's a little embarrassing to be questioned so closely, dear.
gpt
I'm sure I beg your pardon, Sally, cried Henrietta impulsively.
human
I didn't mean to be. Now, _I_ am just dying to be questioned closely. Try me.
gpt
I don't know what to ask, said Sally, smiling.
human
I would if I did.
gpt
You're very disappointing, Sally. If you were really interested you would know. She sighed again.
human
But, anyway, you'll be what I want you to be at my wedding, won't you?
gpt
Indeed, I will. I'll be anything you want me to be. She laughed a little.
human
But I warn you that I shall need coaching. What do I have to do?
gpt
Nothing much. You'll have all the coaching you need. You know it's going to be at Fox's house. He's going to open it for the occasion.
human
Only for the occasion? Sally spoke coldly; so coldly that her voice did not sound natural.
gpt
I rather gathered, from a remark that he made a while ago, that he contemplated matrimony, too.
human
Fox get married? Henrietta was genuinely surprised.
gpt
Well, it's news to me. Who's to be my sister-in-law? Did he say?
human
I supposed it was probably Margaret Savage.
gpt
Oh! cried Henrietta.
human
I hope not. Then she seemed to be ashamed of her outburst and sat, swinging her feet and looking wistfully at Sally.
gpt
I had hoped, she observed at last,
human
She stopped and considered.
gpt
I hoped that it would be--not Margaret Savage, Sally.
human
Margaret Savage is so--so _empty_, you see, Henrietta went on.
gpt
She would not be exhilarating. But I won't say any more about her.
human
It isn't really necessary,
gpt
And the less said the better, Henrietta concluded.
human
I don't know why, but it reminds me of your Cousin Patty. Dick hasn't told me much of anything, Henrietta lowered her voice.
gpt
Do you suppose it is true that she is losing her mind?
human
Did Dick tell you that?
gpt
I heard it talked about.
human
I have no reason to think so. She gets queerer and more cranky every year. She has changed a good deal since Uncle John died. Poor Patty! She has very little comfort in life--except Charlie. Sally laughed shortly.
gpt
I hope she finds him a comfort.
human
Charlie will be home to-morrow, Sally added; then she corrected herself.
gpt
I should have said that Charlie is due to-morrow. He may not come.
human
Oh, Sally! Henrietta cried.
gpt
What makes you speak so? It--it sounds horrible.
human
It's the simple fact, Henrietta.
gpt
Why don't you do something about it? I would.
human
What would you do? There is nothing to be done. Charlie's a headstrong boy and he seems to have slipped away altogether from mother's control. Patty indulges him and I don't see how I can do anything. If he had really done anything wrong and I knew it, it would be a different matter. I don't know that he has--but, she added in a low voice,
gpt
I don't know that he hasn't.
human
Oh, mercy me! she cried, springing to her feet.
gpt
I didn't know it was so late. I've got to meet Dick in five minutes. Good bye, Sally.