human
Bully for you, old man! That's about the best work I ever knew of your doing. The middle of it is a little queer, but we'll fix that up all right. Who says you're not a Cicero?
gpt
Bobbie, if I thought for one moment that there was any danger of my becoming a Cicero or any other Latin worthy I'd go drown myself! Van cried, startled at the mere thought.
human
I'm not so worse, though, am I? I'd no idea I could reel it off like that.
gpt
Of course you can do it. Why, Van, you could do all kinds of things if you'd only go at them. The trouble with you is that you always study with one eye out the window. If you'd only get down to your job with all your might you'd not only get your lessons better but you'd learn them in half the time.
human
I 'spect that's so, drawled Van lazily.
gpt
I ought to duff right in on all fours. I acknowledge it. But it is not so easy to make your mind go where you send it.