human
Where did Syd go?
gpt
Over there, replied Livingston, rising quickly beside her, and pointing across the brush.
human
He took my horse to drive out some cattle, I think, and so I am waiting. I thought you had retired. Did you come to say good-night to me?
gpt
Yes, said the girl softly,
human
Everything! That you should care that much--that you----
gpt
But I wouldn't need to care--so _very_ much--to come to bid you good-night--would I?
human
No--perhaps; but you _do_ care! I seem to feel that you care for me--Hope!
gpt
No! I don't care for you a bit! Not at all--I mean----You haven't any right to talk to me like that! Certainly, I don't care for you, Mr. Livingston. Oh, I didn't mean to hurt you! I mean----This is no time for such things!
human
Hope!
gpt
Wait, listen! They will hear. See, Syd is coming!
human
What of it! You shall tell me! Look at me! he commanded.
gpt
Do you know what you are making me believe--what you are telling me?
human
Nothing! she insisted.
gpt
I am telling you nothing--only--_wait_! She spoke hurriedly, catching her breath.
human
Before day-break I will be on that hill over there between your ranch and here--there above Fritz's grave, to watch the dawn of day--and the sunrise and----
gpt
And I will be waiting for you! God bless you, dear.
human
You mustn't believe _anything_,
gpt
Your horse is loose, pard, said Sydney,
human
I thought I caught sight of it over there, but couldn't see anything of it when I rode over. You're afoot! Now what are you going to do about it?
gpt
Walk, replied the girl, darting a quick look at Livingston.
human
Half a mile is _nothing_.
gpt
Half a mile, laughed her cousin.
human
You mean two miles and a half, don't you?
gpt
Oh, the horse isn't far! We'll find it the first thing in the morning. Good-night, you two! It's time school-teachers were in bed--and everyone else. Good-night!
human
Will you never settle down, Hope? Isn't this lovely and comfortable? So cool after the hot, fatiguing day, I just love it! Whom were you talking to--Livingston? What a shame he's married! He's such a dear boy, why, I'd almost be tempted, _if_ he wasn't married----But pshaw! Lady Helene Livingston is one of those frizzy-haired blondes that suggest curl papers and peroxide, and she affects velvet dresses, black or purple--but always _velvet_--and a feather! I've seen her loads of times, but she doesn't go in our set, because she's taken up with those Grandons. You know Harriet married an English peer, with a title, _nobody_ over there recognizes. She was such a pretty girl that she might have done something for her family, but I don't think the poor man fared as well as he expected, for it's well known that old Grandon hasn't a half a million in his own name. But Harriet lives well, and entertains a lot of English people nobody else cares to have. Lady Helene Livingston is pretty enough in spite of her velvet and feathers to get on anywhere, if only she didn't follow in the train of Harriet's crowd. I wonder how it happens that she never comes out here?
gpt
The curl papers and velvet may have something to do with that, said Hope, settling down beside Louisa, on the opposite side of the tent, with a motion as weary as if the only thought she possessed was to secure a good night's sleep.
human
Velvet and feathers, she yawned.
gpt
Clarice, do you know that it's nearly eleven o'clock?
human
Really! exclaimed Mrs. Van Rensselaer.
gpt
I'd never have thought it. See how bright it is in here--almost like day.
human
Full moon, observed Hope.
gpt
It will be light like this until almost morning, and then darkness for a little while before daylight.
human
How well you understand such things, Hope! I should think it would be very difficult to keep track of the moon.
gpt
Yes, yawned the girl,
human
What a shame! sighed Mrs. Van Rensselaer. Then after ten minutes of silence:
gpt
Hope, I want you to go back to New York with me next week. Now, no joking, dear, I mean it.
human
No, replied Hope.
gpt
It's too roasting hot there at this season. I couldn't think of it, Clarice.
human
But we're going by way of the Lakes, and take in a lot of those cool summer resorts. Then I must get to Newport for the last of the season, and after that, you know, it will be decent weather in New York, and we can have no end of good times. Come now, Hope, just make up your mind to go!
gpt
You forget, I must teach my school for several weeks yet, so that settles it. Good-night, Clarice! Go to sleep like a good girl.
human
What does this little school amount to, to you? insisted Mrs. Van Rensselaer.
gpt
Not a thing, and you know it! You just don't want to go with us. Come on, please do go, that's a dear girlie!
human
Impossible, Clarice, replied Hope.
gpt
There are many good reasons why I really couldn't. This school up here, and my little Louisa, and, anyway, I don't want to go. Aren't you very tired and sleepy, Clarice?