human
Why, you haven't grown a bit! cried Daisy.
gpt
And look at me! You'll have to go to German baths, and all that, to get a good start. What a pity you did not go with us! I've had such a longing for girls. You don't get acquainted with them on the continent. They are always in the school-room. And I am just hungry, all the way through, for some one young and enthusiastic, and foolish and merry things to laugh at.
human
But--I didn't know you were coming--
gpt
No, dear Doctor Joe kept the secret well. We did hope to be in on Saturday.
human
Then _you_ knew?
gpt
Now, if you want to keep Hanny to dinner, I'll come down this evening. I have a few calls to make,
human
Indeed we do. You have so many folks, you might give me Hanny,
gpt
If you took Hanny, you would have to take father and me, sure. The others might squeeze along without her; but I am afraid they would get thin on it.
human
Now that you have Hanny, I will go and unpack one of the trunks,
gpt
Oh, you are so changed! cried the little girl
human
And so--so beautiful!
gpt
And so well! That's the loveliest thing. I can take long walks and dance, think of that! I am only a little lame. Just the merest crook in my back, and one leg a tiny bit shorter, but a thick sole makes it all right. And I've grown like a weed, while you are a tiny bit of something very choice,--a dainty little white rose. And I am so glad to have you again. Oh, don't let anything ever come between us! Let us be friends all our lives long. I have brought you a beautiful ring to bind friendship.
human
Oh,
gpt
And there have been so many changes! Oh, who do you think we met in London? Not Whittington and his cat, but Nora Whitney without her cat. And poor Pussy Gray is dead, and Nora is a tall young lady with a splendid voice, and will make a famous singer, I suppose. And Delia is getting to be famous too, I hear. It is odd, but she doesn't suggest a genius to my mind. I think you often are disappointed in geniuses. We saw some while abroad, and they did not come up to my expectations, or else one expects too much. Still there are some lovely faces.
human
But she is just delightful! Only she keeps so busy, we do not see much of her.
gpt
And poor little Tudie! How sad it was! I can sympathise with her sister now, for being an only child.