human
I want to talk to you seriously,
gpt
I'm all attention, said Mrs. Faulkner;
human
You and Mr. Faulkner have been here a week to-morrow, Dorothy went on,
gpt
And you can't stand us any longer,--and you want to break it to me gently?
human
No, indeed, nothing of the sort! and you know that well. But I want to ask you frankly, and I want you to tell me honestly, how I have succeeded this week in what I have undertaken.
gpt
What have you undertaken?
human
Why, I undertook to give you and Mr. Faulkner, in a general way, and so far as I could, just such comforts and accommodations as you would get at the average summer hotel.
gpt
Is that all you tried to do?
human
I think, said Dorothy, speaking slowly, and thinking hard,
gpt
I think I tried to give you a little bit extra, in the way of home comforts and dainty service, to make up for the things that the average summer hotel provides, but which I can't give you.
human
Like a brass band, for instance.
gpt
Yes, a brass band, and a great array of bell-boys and porters, and Saturday night hops, and,--lots of things like that.
human
Well, said Mrs. Faulkner,
gpt
I'm so glad you are satisfied, said Dorothy, earnestly;
human
Do _you_ think you could?
gpt
Yes, I think so; but sometimes, you know, I'm apt to overrate my own ability. I could do the work all right,--or have it done,--but I'm not sure whether I could manage to satisfy people who might not be so lovely and amiable as you and Mr. Faulkner are. And another thing, I wouldn't want any more boarders if it would bother or annoy you two the least mite.
human
Why do you think you would like to have more?
gpt
Because, Mrs. Faulkner, I want to earn more money. Grandmother is bothered with her financial affairs, and if we children could help her any, we'd all be so glad. You see we are an awful expense to her; but soon, I hope we'll be old enough to earn money for her instead. Now of course to have two boarders is a good help towards the living expenses of our own family; and I've counted up, and I think if I could have four, it would almost entirely pay our running account. And if I had six, I think we might begin to save money. Oh, Mrs. Faulkner, do you think we could do it?
human
Where would you get these boarders?
gpt
I don't know; but I thought I would ask you first, and see if you objected to having other people here. And then, if you didn't, I thought perhaps I'd write to some of my friends in the city, and see if any of them wanted to come up for a few weeks.
human
You are a brave little girl, Dorothy, said Mrs. Faulkner, looking into the eager anxious eyes upturned to hers;
gpt
Oh, how did you know? cried Dorothy, blushing at her friend's praise;
human
Yes, I know it; and that is only one instance that shows your determination to have things right. And with that plucky perseverance of yours, and with your pleasant house, and good helpers, I see no reason why you shouldn't take a few more boarders if you can get the right kind. Of course it wouldn't annoy Mr. Faulkner nor myself to have some other people here; and even if it did, we would have no right or wish to stand in your way. When you reach the stage of brass bands, and Saturday hops, that will be time for us to leave you, and push on into the wilderness.
gpt
You needn't begin to pack your things to-day, said Dorothy, smiling,
human
Suppose I present you with two more guests,
gpt
Oh, cried Dorothy,
human
You may not like them altogether. They are two ladies who are now over at the Horton House. They are not enjoying it there, and they asked me to let them know if I found any place which I thought they would like. I'm sure they would like it here, and I know they would be glad to come; but, to be honest about it, they are a little fussy in some ways. They are spinsters, from Boston, and though they are refined and well-bred ladies, they are sometimes a little exacting in their requirements.
gpt
I wouldn't mind what their requirements were, if I could meet them to their satisfaction.
human
You mustn't take that stand too strictly, Dorothy dear; it is well to try to give your guests satisfaction, but some requirements are unreasonable, and it is a mistake to grant them. If these ladies come, you must exercise your judgment in your treatment of them, for they're the kind who are quite likely to impose on your good nature.
gpt
Do you think they would come? How can I find out about them?
human
Yes, I'm sure they would come; and if you wish me to, I will write to them.
gpt
Oh, thank you; I wish you would, please; that is, after I have spoken to grandma, and to the other children about it. What are their names?
human
Van Arsdale. Miss Marcia and Miss Amanda. They are quite as imposing as their names sound; but you need not be really afraid of them. Remember the Faulkners will always protect you from their ferocity.