human
I feel, said Mary,
gpt
More influential,
human
Exactly. You see, I have such strong moral support from Miss Marshall.
gpt
And from this valet you speak about,
human
I'm not so sure about him. He puzzles me. There was a calculating look in Mary's eyes.
gpt
He keeps telling me that he wants to help, but I'm always doubtful as to just what he is really driving at. But he won't block me, at any rate; I'm able to take care of that.
human
Then everything looks quite simple, doesn't it?
gpt
No, Nell; everything doesn't. That's the trouble. I'm in a strategic position, if that's what you'd call it, but I don't know how to take advantage of it.
human
Then wait for an opening, advised Nell.
gpt
One is bound to come.
human
I can't afford to wait, she said.
gpt
I could wait forever, as far as Mr. Marshall is concerned, but I can see that his aunt is becoming impatient. She thinks it is time that something really began.
human
What does she suggest, my dear?
gpt
Nothing. That's the worst of it. She leaves it all to me. She is so confident that I know everything there is to know about such matters. She wants me to go right ahead with anything I decide upon. And if I ever express any doubt about what to do first, she begins talking about those wonderful references of mine--yours--and says that any young woman with such an experience is competent to take full charge without suggestions from anybody. And I don't know how to start, Nell, or what to do.
human
She is really impressed by the references, is she?
gpt
Tremendously.
human
Then it's certain you've got to make good.
gpt
Oh, absolutely. So that's why I've come to bother you.
human
So tell me how to start him off,
gpt
H-m; let's see now. I never launched a man in society, said Nell, wrinkling her nose.
human
I never was secretary to a man, you know. I imagine they may be more difficult than girls.
gpt
This one is, affirmed Mary, with an emphatic nod.
human
He's so--so big, for one thing.
gpt
Men are awfully awkward to handle,
human
I didn't say he was awkward; you misunderstood me. I merely said he was big; he thinks he's too big for society. Of course, he isn't at all. He handles himself very well.
gpt
Can he dance?
human
He says not. But I'm not sure.
gpt
Why don't you try him out?
human
I'd rather not, said Mary hastily.
gpt
I don't think that's one of my duties.
human
Anything is your duty that will get him into society, my dear.
gpt
We-e-ell, possibly. But we're getting off the track, Nell. What am I to do with him?
human
Now, if he were a girl débutante, just being introduced, why---- There! It's the very thing for him! Give him a coming-out party.
gpt
I'm afraid he wouldn't endure it, said Mary.
human
He's terribly afraid of being mistaken for what he calls Rollo boys. If I planned a coming out party he'd probably disappear for a month. The very name would make him explode.
gpt
Don't call it by that name, said Nell.
human
Don't call it any name particularly. Just have a party; at the house, of course. Invite all the nice people you can get hold of. Let's see; there ought to be some particular reason for the party. I've got it! He's about to make a tour of the world, having finished his studies at college. This gives him an opportunity to meet and entertain his friends before he starts, and also furnishes something for everybody to talk about.
gpt
Who will we invite, Nell?
human
His friends, of course.
gpt
I'm afraid his friends are not in society,
human
Then his aunt's friends. She must know a lot of society people.
gpt
I don't think she has kept up her acquaintances.
human
That won't make a particle of difference, my dear. Miss Caroline Marshall bears a name that will get her anywhere she wants to go. And it will do as much for her nephew, too. It's a key that will open any society lock; don't worry about that. Why, you could invite people that Miss Marshall never met, and nine out of ten of them would jump at the chance. Give him a party and it can't fail.
gpt
I really believe it can be done,
human
Easiest thing in the world.
gpt
It will be a party, then. And now tell me all about the details.