human
I would, if I were you, Mathilde. There's no use suffering when you haven't been walking much. You ought to take it more gradually. You might injure yourself if you overdo.
gpt
You ought to know, Lucia, with all your experience in mountain climbing. I will take your advice, I think, and see you at the breakfast.
human
Can you make it, do you think? asked Peggy.
gpt
Take it on the bias, Mathilde. Don't try to go straight down.
human
There isn't any good trail, Peggy, but it's no worse than some we've been through already. Going on yourself now?
gpt
Yes. We might as well. Carolyn answered Mathilde, rising as she spoke, though without the effort which had characterized Mathilde's movement. Carolyn had been in many trails that summer, though that was because of opportunity as well as because of her own volition.
human
Come on, Mathilde. I'll go down half way with you. I know how hard it is to start after a body hasn't been hiking. After I was sick a while last summer--a year ago, I mean, I thought I'd never get limbered up.
gpt
Thanks, Carolyn, airily replied Mathilde.
human
I think I can go _down_ hill, at least!
gpt
Mercy, how she'll hate that!
human
No, I didn't bruise my face at all, she said in answer to Lucia's question.
gpt
My foot caught in a trailing vine, I think. That's what it felt like.
human
I'll just go down with you, said Lucia.
gpt
You need my old stock, Mathilde. It will swing us over bad places. Go ahead, girls, I'll join you around the next hill. You said over there, didn't you?
human
Yes, Lucia, answered Carolyn, noting how Mathilde's face brightened.
gpt
All right, you go down with Mathilde and see if some of the other girls are coming along. Don't get lost yourself, though. We'll saunter along and you won't have much woods to get through over there.