human
Ha! That you, Miss Grayling? he growled.
gpt
Seen Ford?
human
No. Is he at home?
gpt
He's here fast enough, was I. Tapp's ungracious rejoinder.
human
I supposed he'd come over to see you.
gpt
Perhaps he has, she returned wickedly.
human
He is a very faithful knight.
gpt
He's a perfect ninny, if _that's_ what you mean, snapped the Taffy King.
human
He's made a fool of me, too. I shouldn't wonder if he knew this all along,
gpt
You arouse my curiosity, Louise said.
human
I hope Lawford has done nothing more to cause you vexation.
gpt
I don't know whether he has or not. The young upstart! I feel like punching him one minute, and then the next I've got to take off my hat to him, Miss Grayling. D'you know what he's done?
human
Something really fine, I hope. I do not think you wholly appreciate Lawford, Mr. Tapp,
gpt
Ha! No. I s'pose he's got to go outside his immediate family to be appreciated,
human
You don't tell me what he has done,
gpt
Why, the young rascal's solved a problem in mechanics that has puzzled us candy makers for years. I'm having a new cutting machine built after his suggestions.
human
I hope Lawford will be properly reimbursed for his idea, she interrupted.
gpt
You know, he and I are going to need the money.
human
Ha! snorted I. Tapp again.
gpt
Ford's no fool, it seems, when it comes to a contract. He's got me tied hard and fast to a royalty agreement and a lump sum down if the machine works the way he says it will.
human
I'm so glad!
gpt
You are, eh? What for?
human
Because we need not wait so long to be married,
gpt
So you are going to marry him, whether I agree or not?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
Right in my very teeth?
human
I--I hope you won't be _very_ angry, Mr. Tapp, Louise said softly.
gpt
You see--we love each other.
human
Love! began I. Tapp. Then he stopped, turning the thick letter over and over in his hand.
gpt
Well! and he actually blew a sigh.
human
Perhaps there is something in that. Seems to be. I set my heart on having my fortune and my partner's joined by Ford and Dot Johnson--and see what's come of it.
gpt
Look at that!