human
Mr. Babson, I'd be glad if I could take care of any papers or anything for you.
gpt
Thanks. You might stick these chassis sketches away some place right now.
human
You're going to succeed--unless you marry some dub. But there's one rule for success--mind you, I don't follow it myself, I _can't_, but it's a grand old hunch: 'If you want to get on, always be ready to occupy the job just ahead of you.' Only--what the devil _is_ the job just ahead of a stenog.? I've been thinking of you and wondering. What is it?
gpt
Honestly, Mr. Babson, I don't know. Here, anyway. Unless it's lieutenant of the girls.
human
Well--oh, that's just miffle-business, that kind of a job. Well, you'd better learn to express yourself, anyway. Some time you women folks will come into your own with both feet. Whenever you get the chance, take my notes and try to write a better spiel from them than I do.... That won't be hard, I guess!
gpt
I don't know why you are so modest, Mr. Babson. Every girl in the office thinks you write better than any of the other editors.
human
Yuh--but they don't know. They think that just because I chuck 'em under the chin. I can't do this technical stuff.... Oh, _Lord_! what an evening it'll be!... I suppose I'll go to a show. Nice, lonely city, what?... You come from here?
gpt
From Pennsylvania.
human
Got any folks?
gpt
My mother is here with me.
human
That's nice. I'll take her and you to some bum two-bit vaudeville show some night, if you'd like.... Got to show my gratitude to you for standing my general slovenliness.... Lord! nice evening--dine at a rôtisserie with a newspaper for companion. Well--g' night and g' luck.