human
I am not ill, Mrs. Parsons said, almost, it seemed, in answer to Patty's unspoken thought.
gpt
I am not very strong, and I can't stand hot weather. But I am really well,--though of a delicate constitution.
human
Perhaps the sea air will make you stronger after a time,
gpt
Oh, I hope so; I hope so. But I fear not. However, I am trying a new treatment, combined with certain medicines, which I am sure will help my failing health. They tell me I am always trying new remedies. But, you see, the advertisements recommend them so highly that I feel sure they will cure me. And, then, they usually make me worse.
human
But you have a doctor's advice, don't you?
gpt
No; I've no faith in doctors. One never knows what they put in their old prescriptions. Now when I buy one of these advertised medicines, they send me a lot of little books or circulars telling me all about it. This last treatment of mine sends more reading matter, I think, than any of the others, and their pamphlets are SO encouraging.
human
But, Aunt Adelaide, broke in Mona,
gpt
I'm not an invalid, my dear. I'm sure a few more weeks, or perhaps less, of this cure I am trying now will make me a strong, hearty woman.
human
May I call you Aunt Adelaide, too?
gpt
Yes, yes, my dear. I seem to take to you at once. I look upon you and Mona both as my nieces and my loved charges. I had a little daughter once, but she died in infancy. Had she lived, I think she would have looked like you. You are very pretty, my dear.
human
You mustn't tell me so, Aunt Adelaide, said Patty, smiling at her.
gpt
It isn't good chaperonage to make your girls vain.
human
Mona is pretty, too, went on Mrs. Parsons, unheeding Patty's words.
gpt
But of a different type. She hasn't your air of refinement,--of class.
human
Oh, don't discuss us before each other, laughed Mona, good-naturedly.
gpt
And I'm jealous and envious enough of Patty already, without having those traits fostered.
human
Yes, went on Aunt Adelaide, reminiscently,
gpt
Yes, yes, Aunt Adelaide, Mona said, speaking briskly;
human
No, I don't want to lie down. I'll join you girls very shortly. I suppose you have a maid for me, Mona? I shall need one for my exclusive service.
gpt
Oh, yes, Auntie; you may have Lisette.
human
Not if she's French. I can't abide a French maid.
gpt
Well, she is,--partly. Then I'll give you Mary. She's a good American.
human
Americans have no taste. Is there a Norwegian girl on the place? I had a Norwegian maid once, and she--
gpt
No, there isn't, said Mona, deeming it wise to cut short another string of reminiscences.
human
You try Mary, and if you don't like her, we'll see what we can do.
gpt
Well--send her to me--and we'll see.
human
It's lucky you have such shoals of servants, said Patty.
gpt
At our house, we couldn't give a guest a choice of nationalities.
human
Oh, Patty, isn't she a terror?
gpt
Who, Mary?
human
No! Aunt Adelaide! It gives me the creeps to look at her. She's so slight and fragile, I expect to see her go to pieces like a soap bubble.
gpt
She IS like a soap bubble, isn't she! But, Mona, you mustn't talk about her like that. I feel sorry for her, she looks so ill and weak. I think we ought to do all we can to cheer her up, and to restore her health and strength. I'm sure she's refined and dainty in her way.
human
Yes, she's all of that. But I don't see how she can do the chaperon act.
gpt
Oh, well, there isn't much to do. It's only the idea of having a matronly lady here to observe the proprieties.
human
But I don't believe she can do that. I think she'll take to her bed soon. She ought to go to a good sanitarium.
gpt
Nonsense, Mona, she isn't as ill as all that! Can't you see through her? She's the sort of lady who likes to fancy she's ill, and likes to try all sorts of quack medicines.
human
Well, you can look after her, Patty; you seem to understand her so well.
gpt
All right, I will. Hush, here she comes.
human
Sit here, won't you, Aunt Adelaide?
gpt
I'll try this, my dear, but I fear it's too low for me. Can you get another cushion or two?