human
Society! I'm ruined if it ever gets back to the gang.
gpt
You'll get to like it, Pete assured him.
human
They all do.
gpt
Oh, stop lying. Do I look like a Rollo?
human
But you'll change, Bill. You won't keep on being uncouth. Influence of environment, you know.
gpt
Cut out the rot, Pete. Can't you take this thing seriously? I tell you, it's going to ruin me.
human
And you so young, commented Pete.
gpt
Bill, I'll admit it looks tough just now. But what the deuce can you do about it? There's Aunt Caroline, you know.
human
She cuts quite a figure in your scheme of existence, Bill. You've got to play along with her, up to a certain point--or go to work. And what would you work at? They wouldn't start off by making you president of anything. I know that much about business myself.
gpt
I'm not afraid to take a chance at work.
human
Not you. But how about the fellow that gives out the jobs? And, besides, Aunt Caroline hasn't said anything about your going to work, as I understand it. She's got higher ideals right now.
gpt
Pete, I tell you I'm not going to stand for this without a fight. I haven't promised anything yet.
human
Maybe you didn't promise, but you marched off the field, and Aunt Caroline didn't. You went through all the motions of taking a beating. Bill, she hung the Indian sign on you right then. They never come back after the champ puts 'em away. I'll string a little bet on Aunt Caroline.
gpt
Never on the front page, Bill, said Pete.
human
They always print it opposite the editorial page.
gpt
What?
human
The society news.
gpt
Oh, go to blazes! Bill's grouch was as virile as himself.
human
And see here, Pete. I'll beat this game yet. They can't put me into society without a secretary, can they? Well, you stand by and see how long any Willy-boy secretary holds a job with me. You keep time on it. The main part of his job will be his exit. And, believe me, he'll _want_ to go.
gpt
If he's my secretary he takes orders from me, doesn't he? And I have to have my daily exercise, don't I? Well, his first job every day is to put on the gloves for half an hour. After that he can open the mail, if he's able.
human
It's good as far as it goes, Bill. Yes, you can lick a secretary. There isn't any doubt he'll take the air as soon as he comes to. But then you've got nothing between you and the old champ. And, as I said before, I'm stringing with Aunt Caroline.