human
That's all right, then, said Mrs. Trafford.
gpt
I'm sorry I can't be with you myself to-day. Get some sweets at the café and have some ices if you like. I must hurry away now to my committee. Hodson won't keep you waiting long; I've told her to get ready.
human
At fourteen and sixteen we surely don't need a nursemaid, sniffed Marjorie.
gpt
It's a perfectly ridiculous rule that we mayn't walk ten yards by ourselves, even when we're out for the afternoon. We might be interned Germans or conscientious objectors if somebody always has to mount guard over us. What does the Empress think we're going to do, I wonder?
human
Ask airmen for autographs, or snowball soldiers!
gpt
Oh, surely she's forgotten those old crimes now!
human
I wouldn't be sure. The Empress has a long memory. Besides, the rule's for everybody, not only for us.
gpt
I know. Patricia was horribly savage last week. An officer cousin was over in Whitecliffe, and she wasn't allowed to go and meet him, because no one could be spared to act chaperon.
human
Some friends asked Mona to tea to-day, and the Empress wouldn't let her accept. We only go to Auntie's every fortnight because Mother specially stipulated that we should.
gpt
I'm jolly glad she did. It makes such a change.
human
I wish Hodson would hurry up!