human
No, I don't expect you to say that these are prettier than Northern women; but just between friends, Mr. King, don't you think the North might make a little more of their beautiful women? Yes, you are right; she is handsome (King was bowing to Irene, who was on the arm of Mr. Meigs),
gpt
(King had not intimated that he meant anything),
human
Oh, I'm quite subdued.
gpt
I wouldn't trust you. I suppose you Yankees cannot help your critical spirit.
human
Critical? Why, I've heard more criticism in the last half-hour from these spectators than in a year before. And--I wonder if you will let me say it?
gpt
Say on.
human
Seems to me that the chief topic here is physical beauty--about the shape, the style, the dress, of women, and whether this or that one is well made and handsome.
gpt
Well, suppose beauty is worshiped in the South--we worship what we have; we haven't much money now, you know. Would you mind my saying that Mr. Meigs is a very presentable man?
human
You may say what you like about Mr. Meigs.
gpt
That's the reason I took him away this morning.
human
Thank you.
gpt
He is full of information, and so unobtrusive--
human
I hadn't noticed that.
gpt
And I think he ought to be encouraged. I'll tell you what you ought to do, Mr. King: you ought to give a german. If you do not, I shall put Mr. Meigs up to it--it is the thing to do here.
human
Mr. Meigs give a german!
gpt
Why not? You see that old beau there, the one smiling and bending towards her as he walks with the belle of Macon? He does not look any older than Mr. Meigs. He has been coming here for fifty years; he owns up to sixty-five and the Mexican war; it's my firm belief that he was out in 1812. Well, he has led the german here for years. You will find Colonel Fane in the ballroom every night. Yes, I shall speak to Mr. Meigs.
human
No mercy there, he heard a lady say to her companion;