human
Oh, I see why you were so long returning. I concluded that you had forgotten me and had gone off to help some other Freshman unpack.
gpt
No, thanks, and Elizabeth gave a little shrug that Dolly soon learned to be characteristic.
human
I'm not in the missionary business. I just took a fancy to you, and I saw that you had no friends here any more than I did. We were two of a kind. Do you like my dress?
gpt
Immensely. That shade of blue is just your color. But why are we dressing up, please? Is this a daily performance?
human
Hardly. The Sophomores are going to pay their respects to the new girls tonight, and while there is nothing like hazing allowed here, there are all sorts of tricks played that the Faculty never takes any notice of. I thought that we might feel more ready for them if we had the moral support of our best clothes.
gpt
How do you know so much? and what shall we do?
human
I spent last evening in Professor Graydon's room, and she told me everything that she thought a Freshman ought to know. If you want me to, I will come over here and we can receive together. Your room is stunning and we can certainly hold our own.
gpt
I thought we were going to make fudge.
human
So we shall, but we'll hide it when they come. Don't waste candy on Sophomores, my dear.
gpt
What will they do?
human
There's no telling. Nothing dreadful. Make us sing for them or recite, or go through some absurdity.
gpt
If we refuse?
human
They will simply let us alone, not only tonight, but during the rest of the year. The best thing is to meet them good-naturedly, do what they require, and turn the tables on them, if we can.
gpt
You must come here, of course. 'Tis a pity if a few Sophomores can frighten us with their jokes. I know one thing that we can do, Elizabeth. You see there is some advantage in having a brother.
human
What? Tell me quickly. I would give almost anything to get ahead of Margaret Ainsworth. I know that she will be one of those to come. You must have done something, Dolly, to offend her, for she seems to meditate vengeance on you.
gpt
I asked if she were a Senior, and she did--
human
Of course she did. She doubtless supposed you were trying to be sarcastic. Well, never mind. Hear that awful gong? Dinner will be ready in five minutes now. Come down to the veranda, and I will tell you who some of the people are.
gpt
You are a genius; I am sure that will work! Hurrah! Oh, Miss Randall, I want you to meet Miss Alden. Can't we sit at your table tonight?
human
Of course you can, I shall be very glad to have you. Miss Alden, I know that you are going to do fine work here, your entrance examinations were most excellent.
gpt
I hadn't supposed that you were a bookworm and a student, and all that. You don't look it.
human
Mother has always helped me and been so interested in my lessons. It will be hard to study without her. She has always explained and encouraged me. I shall miss her fearfully.
gpt
I suppose you will,