human
Can I help, Mamma Vi?
gpt
You are a dear child to want to help, she said, smiling kindly upon the little girl.
human
I don't think you can pack your trunk, but you can be of use here by handing me things out of the bureau drawers and wardrobe. There are so many trunks to pack that I cannot think of leaving Agnes to do it all.
gpt
My dear, said the captain, coming in at that moment,
human
Can you fold ladies' dresses so that they will carry without rumpling?
gpt
Perhaps not. I can't say I ever tried that. Agnes may do that part of the work, and I will attend to the rest.
human
And may I hand you the things, papa?
gpt
Yes, daughter, he said,
human
I like to see you trying to be useful.
gpt
Why, you are an excellent packer, Levis, she remarked presently,
human
Thank you, he said,
gpt
I am very glad to be able to save you the exertion.
human
And you do it so rapidly, she said.
gpt
It would have taken me twice as long.
human
That is partly because I am much stronger, and partly the result of a good deal of practice. And Lulu is quite a help,
gpt
Are you going to pack the other trunks, papa? Max's and Grade's and mine? And may I help you with them?
human
Yes, is my answer to both questions,
gpt
Where are Max and Gracie?
human
I told Max to take his little sister to the beach, and take care of and amuse her,
gpt
Don't you want to be out at play, too, Lulu? asked Violet.
human
I can help your papa.
gpt
No, ma'am, thank you, the child answered in a quick, emphatic way.
human
I'd a great deal rather be with papa to-day than playing.
gpt
That is nice, Lulu; I am very glad his children love him so.
human
Indeed we do, Mamma Vi! every one of us! exclaimed Lulu.
gpt
Papa knows we do. Don't you, papa?
human
Yes, I am quite sure of it, he said.
gpt
And that my wife is fond of me also, with a smiling glance at her,
human
As you deserve to be, said Violet, gayly.
gpt
Please, sir, will you allow me to fold my dresses?
human
No, for here comes Agnes, as the maid entered the room,
gpt
Papa, she said, clinging to his hand,
human
I--I want to speak to you.
gpt
Well, daughter, what is it?
human
Papa, I--I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for----
gpt
Sorry for your former naughtiness and rebellion?
human
Yes, papa, I couldn't bear to let you go away without telling you so again.
gpt
Well, daughter, it was all forgiven long ago, and you have been a pretty good girl most of the time since that first sad week.
human
Papa, I do want to be good, she said earnestly,