human
I'd hate to think what this house would be without her. She seems to have warmed it from the top to the basement. Perhaps you won't understand when I say it's as if she had humanized it. I'd hate to have it overrun with children! hastily as she caught the sudden flash of Mr. Jerry's eyes.
gpt
But Mary Rose--Mary Rose is different.
human
Why don't you tenants get up a petition of some kind? It wouldn't do any harm to let the owner know that the rest of you are strong for the Donovans and Mary Rose.
gpt
No one knows who the owner is. All business is transacted through the agents.
human
The agents know, wisely.
gpt
It won't do any harm and it might do some good. The complaints of one tenant won't weigh as much as the requests of a dozen, believe me.
human
I believe you're right, she said after a pause.
gpt
I'll ask Mr. Strahan to write one and we'll have all the tenants sign it. But that won't bring back the canary,
human
No, it won't bring back the canary, he repeated.
gpt
We'll have to get another pet for Mary Rose, one that she may have in the flat. No, not a canary. That wouldn't do at all. But I thought perhaps some goldfish. She loves to watch a couple Aunt Mary has. Once she borrowed them.
human
I know, for company for Mr. Wells when he was ill.
gpt
Goldfish would give her something to think of until school opens. After that she'll have enough to do to keep her occupied.
human
Do you know, that's really very thoughtful. I've been trying to think what I could do and I couldn't get beyond another bird. I had sense enough to see that that would never do.
gpt
No, another bird wouldn't do. And tomorrow--I wondered if tomorrow you and Mary Rose wouldn't go off for the day in the car with Aunt Mary and me? We might run down to Blue Heron Lake for dinner. Mary Rose loves to motor.
human
Why not take your aunt and Mary Rose? I'm afraid I----
gpt
Nothing doing! he interrupted firmly.
human
Can't you trust me? He looked her straight in the eyes as he asked.
gpt
I swear I won't say a word of love. We're friends now, you know, not--not lovers. And Mary Rose adores you. She'd go through fire and water for you. Honest, she wouldn't be contented with me and Aunt Mary, but I know it would be all right if you were along.
human
Oh, very well. I'll go for Mary Rose.
gpt
I knew you would. I knew you'd see the big sister, the humanitarian philanthropic friendly side of it. There was more than the hint of a twinkle in his eyes.
human
And one more thing. Mr. Jerry firmly believed in striking the iron before it had any chance to cool.
gpt
They have goldfish for sale over at the drug store on Twenty-eighth Street. Won't you walk over with me and help pick out a few? I'd like Mary Rose to find them when she wakes up in the morning.
human
I'll go. I'd do more than that for Mary Rose.