human
I say, this is rather the limit, isn't it? he greeted them.
gpt
The Mater wrote and said I might take you to Whitecliffe, and that icicle in the drawing-room wouldn't even so much as let me have a glimpse of you. Is this place you've got to a convent? Are you both required to take the veil, please?
human
Not just yet. But what happened? asked Marjorie.
gpt
Mena says the Empress is out this afternoon. Whom did you see?
human
A grim, fair-haired Gorgon in glasses, who withered me with a look.
gpt
The Acid Drop, surely.
human
Probably. She certainly wasn't sweet.
gpt
And she wouldn't let us go?
human
No, poor old Baby Bunting. It's a rotten business, isn't it? No dragon in a fairy tale could have guarded the princess more closely. If I'd stayed any longer she'd have thrust talons into me.
gpt
Oh, it's too bad! And you'd promised to take me to have tea at a café.
human
So I did. I meant to give you a regular blow-out, so far as the rationing order would allow us. Look here, old sport, I'm ever so sorry. If I'd only foreseen this I'd have brought some cakes and sweets for you. I'm afraid I've nothing in my pockets except cigarettes and a cough lozenge. Cheer oh! It's Christmas holidays next week, and you'll be tucking into turkey before long.
gpt
How do you like the camp, Larry?
human
First-rate. We have a wooden hut to sleep in. There are thirty of us; we each have three planks on trestles for a bed, and a palliasse to put on it at night, and a straw pillow. We get four blankets apiece. I make my own bed every night--double one blanket underneath, and roll the others round me, and have my greatcoat on top if I'm cold. Aunt Ellinor has lent me an air-cushion, and it's a great boon, because the straw pillow is as hard as a brick. We do route marches and trench-digging, and yesterday I was on scout duty, and three of us captured a sentry. If we'd been at the front, instead of only training, he'd have shot me certain.
gpt
Do you have to learn to be a soldier?
human
Why, of course, you little innocent. That's what the training-camp is for--to teach us how to scout, and dig trenches, and all the rest of it.
gpt
Oh! I thought you just went to the front and fought.
human
It would be a queer war if we did.
gpt
Are you coming home for Christmas?
human
No, I can't get leave; I only wish I could.
gpt
Cave! called Ailsa Donald, the nearest in the line of girls who had undertaken to keep guard.
human
Miss Robinson is coming across the field this way.
gpt
We must go, or we shall be caught, said Marjorie.
human
It's too bad to have to see you like this.
gpt
But it's better than nothing, added Dona.
human
You can send me those sweets you talked about for Christmas, if you like.
gpt
All right, old Bunting! I won't back out of my promise.