human
You splendid people! Who wouldn't want to have a reception for such a pair?
gpt
We flatter ourselves we do look pretty fine, Burns admitted, eying his wife with satisfaction.
human
That gauzy gray thing Ellen has on strikes me as the bulliest yet. If I could just get her to wear a pink rose in her hair I'd be satisfied.
gpt
A rose in her hair! Aren't you satisfied with that exquisite coral necklace? That gives the touch of colour she needs. The rose would overdo it--and wouldn't match, besides.
human
Yes, a rose would be maudlin, Red; can't you see it? James Macauley gave his opinion with a wink at his friend.
gpt
With the necklace your wife is a dream. With a rose added she'd be a--waking up! Trust 'em, that's my advice. When they get to talking about a 'touch of' anything, that's the time to leave 'em alone. A touch of colour is not a daub.
human
Who's lecturing on art?
gpt
O Ellen! I thought I looked pretty well, till I caught sight of you. Now I feel crude!
human
Absurd, said Ellen, laughing.
gpt
You are charming in that blue.
human
There they go again, groaned Macauley to Burns.
gpt
Winifred feels crude, when she looks at Ellen. Why? I don't feel crude when I look at you or Art Chester. Neither of you has so late a cut on your dress-coat as I, I flatter myself. I feel anything but crude. And I don't want a rose in my hair, either.
human
You're a self-satisfied prig, retorted Burns.
gpt
Hullo! Somebody's coming. Tell me what to do, Martha. Do I run to meet them and rush them up to Ellen, or do I display a studied indifference? I never 'received' at a reception in my life.
human
Get in line there, instructed Macauley.
gpt
Martha and I'll greet them first and pass them on to you. Don't look as if you were noting symptoms and don't absent-mindedly feel their pulses. It's not done, outside of consulting rooms.
human
I'll try to remember. R.P. Burns, M.D. resignedly took his place, murmuring in Ellen's ear, as the first comers appeared at the door,
gpt
Promise you'll make this up to me, when it's over. I shall have to blow off steam, somehow. Will you help?