book_id
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| title
stringclasses 1
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stringclasses 1
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listlengths 1
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|---|---|---|---|
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, don't go, miss! cried the old man in a distressed voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm so sorry; but something as I can't exactly explain just took away my thoughts and troubled me when the colonel came to the door. But go on, go on, miss; I'm never tired of hearing the good news from your lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, John, replied Miss Stansfield;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think we shall do for to-day. You are not strong enough yet to bear much strain of mind or body; and Colonel Dawson will be coming in directly, and will like to have a word with you, and so, I am sure, will Mr Horace; so I will say good-bye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Poor John! said his kind visitor to herself, as she left the cottage and went on her way;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am afraid I have tired him. And yet I think there must be something more than that which troubles him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come in, Horace, said Colonel Dawson;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's your name?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My name? said the young man, smiling at his earnestness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My name, old friend, is Horace Jackson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Horace--Horace! muttered the other in a tone of great excitement;"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have left my nephew at the school, he said,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Remember, John, not a word to any one at present--not till I give you leave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right, sir; you may depend upon me. The Lord be praised!"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "of the young man. As for the Wilders, they were full of dark and bitter sayings on the subject--the younger Mr Wilder especially, who was never tired of remarking to his acquaintance, when the subject was broached, that"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Stansfield had contrived to play her cards well."
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My dear, she exclaimed in an earnest half-whisper,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, Mrs Tinderley, replied Mary Stansfield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose you mean well by repeating to me these foolish remarks. I can assure you that I do _not_ mind them, as my conscience quite acquits me in the matter, and my happiness in no degree depends on the judgment of those who have made or reported them."
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am sure, Colonel Dawson, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, my dear friend, replied the colonel, smiling,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall have to kill some of you for this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you're a-going to kill some of us, master. I thought you was one of them peaceable Christians, sneered a man to the schoolmaster as he was passing by the door of one of the beer-shops, before which a number of men were assembled with their pipes and pots. There was a general scornful laugh at this speech. Nothing dismayed, however, the schoolmaster stood still, and facing his opponent, said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I said I would kill some of you, and I mean it; and if you will come up to the schoolroom to-night at eight o'clock, I will tell you all how and why."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's go and hear him, said one of the drinkers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, let us,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, my friends and neighbours, I feel sure that you'll give me a quiet hearing, as you have come that you may know why I said I must kill some of you. You've done me harm, some of you, but I've done you none; so the least you can do is to listen to me patiently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, ay,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Man who Killed his Neighbour. When he had finished reading there was a general murmur of satisfaction, and all were deeply attentive as he went on to say,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, dear friends, that's the way I mean to kill some of you: I mean to do it by patience, by kindness, and by returning good for evil, as the good man in the tract did. I'm sorry of course, that my roses have been cut down and my flower-beds trampled on. But let that pass; I shan't fret over it, nor try to find out who did it. But I do want to get you to believe that my great desire and aim is to do you good; and if I can manage, by God's help, to persuade you of this, I shall have killed the enemy that is living in your hearts against me, and we shall be happy and good friends."
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ruby Grigg,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Accept the work; it may not be in vain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you be the young gent as is turning all things topsy-turvy in this here village--you and the colonel between you. I've heard all about it; and a precious mess you'll make of it, I doubt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My friend, said Horace, now perfectly relieved from all feeling of disinclination to encounter the old man,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I suppose you think as you're going to do it,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I hope so, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come, my friend, now tell me honestly, isn't it happier for the people of this village to have a good school and a good schoolmaster set down amongst them than to be living as they used to do, without proper instruction for the children, and without any knowledge of God and a better world?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can't say as to that, said Ruby Grigg doubtfully, and a little sulkily;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps so, said Horace;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I don't know, replied the old man, fidgeting about;"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look there now, old friend, continued the young man. At this moment the school doors were thrown open, and out poured a stream of boys and girls, tumbling one over another in their excitement, and singing gaily as they began to disperse over the green. But all suddenly stopped, for the schoolmaster made his appearance, and all clustered round him. School was over, and what was going to happen now? In former days the sight of the master would have been a signal for every boy and girl to slink out of reach of his observation; but now the master's coming was hailed with a happy shout, and the young ones vied with one another in getting near him, while the youngest clung to his dress, and all looked up at him with bright and happy smiles. Horace turned towards the old man, and marked a flush on his worn and weather-beaten features."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's a sight worth seeing, my friend, he added;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think it used not to be so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've never had any children of your own, it may be,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've never a child now, he said in a hoarse and troubled voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It may be, friend, said the young man gently,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, sir, very young, and she were all the boys and girls I ever had. She were but five year old when she died, but she died happy, poor thing. It's more nor thirty years now since she left us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And she died happy, you say? asked Horace, deeply touched."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did she know anything of her Saviour?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe you, replied the other earnestly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ruby drew out from his breast-pocket a large faded leathern case, and from its inmost depths brought out a small picture-book full of coloured Scripture prints. The frontispiece represented our Saviour hanging on the cross, and was much worn, as with the pressure of little fingers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There, sir, continued the old man,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suffer the little children to come to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And won't you follow your dear child to the better land? asked Horace kindly;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, I don't know, said the other gloomily;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Old friend, I am so glad we have met. Will you accept this little book from me? It will tell you better than I can all about the loving Saviour, who has taken that dear child to himself, and wants you and your wife to follow her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish you good day, sir; maybe we shall meet again. Thank you kindly for the little book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Farewell for the present, said Horace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I believe we shall meet again,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi! Hi! Hi! Mister!"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "undoubtedly,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you took me for a highwayman or a madman, Mr Horace! said the old man, still laughing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eh! I don't wonder; you must have thought it very strange. But I never thought how it'd look when I hollered arter you; I were only afeard you'd get out of hearing, and I've something to tell you as'll make your heart right glad, I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it, my friend?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, can you spare me a few minutes, and I'll tell you? My van's just a few yards down the lane you crossed a minute ago. You didn't look that way as you passed, and I didn't take it in at first that it was yourself; and when my wife said, `There's Mr Horace Jackson just gone by,' I ran to the top of the lane just as I was, whip and all, and shouted arter you. Can you come with me for a minute?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With all my heart,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's this here little Testament as has been and gone and done it,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll tell you all about it, sir, proceeded the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must know as I haven't been easy in my mind for some time past--never since that new schoolmaster at Bridgepath said a few words to me last feast-day. You know I often come to the village, 'cos I've some good customers there, and I never used to miss the feast. Well, I'd heard a deal about the new goings on there long afore I set my own eyes on any on 'em, and I weren't best pleased, nor weren't my best customers neither, you may be sure. But still, down in my heart, I couldn't help feeling as things were being changed for the better; yet it didn't quite suit my pocket that they should be, and so I were very cross, and ready to take everything by the wrong handle. So when the schoolmaster came and spoke to me, I were as grumpy at first as a bear with a sore head, as the saying is. But he wouldn't see it--no, not a bit, and talked to me as pleasant as if I'd been all the while looking sugar and honey at him; and I began to feel very uneasy all over. Then, too, I couldn't help seeing as the boys and girls were as different as possible from what they used to be. Many was the time as I've sworn with a big ugly oath as I'd set Grip at them, when they came up and plagued me and wanted to meddle with my goods. But there weren't no need for it now. Yet I stuck out for all that, and talked it over with the keepers of the beer- shops; and we all agreed as it were a great nuisance setting up this new school and reading-room. But we didn't really think so, except that it began to hurt our trade; for this was where the shoe pinched. And then it was, when my mind was a-playing at `see-saw,' first up on this side, and then up on the other, that you was sent that day to have a talk about the children and my own blessed little 'un, and to give me the Testament. When you was gone, I grumbled to myself at first, `Precious humbug this! What's the use of a Testament to me? I ain't a-going to pull a long face and sing psalms,' and I were half in the mind to throw it away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what stopped you, old friend?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll just tell you, sir, replied the other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When you gave it me, I stuck it in my coat-pocket, next my little girl's picture-book: and when I took it out again, t'other little book came with it, and I couldn't for the life of me do it any harm. So I put 'em both back again side by side; and the next time as we camped in a quiet place, I took the Testament out and began to read a bit out loud. And Sally heard me, and she came and listened with her mouth and eyes wide open, and then asked me what the book was and where I'd got it. I told her all about it; and then she asked me if I thought I could find in the book them last words which our dear little 'un spoke. I told you, sir, you'll remember, as she said, `Jesus said, Suffer the little children to come unto me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And did you find nothing more?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, to be sure we did, sir. We found Jesus Christ was willing to have us; and we found peace--not at first, nor all at once, but by degrees, and after a while. Sally were the first to get a firm hold: but I believe I've grasped it myself now, and by God's help I mean not to let go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is indeed joyful news, dear friend, said Horace Jackson, when he could trust himself to speak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who would have thought it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, who indeed? said Reuben warmly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, he added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want a bit of advice, sir, from you, for it ain't all grass and gravel with me now; there's some deepish ruts and some stony roads before me, and that's why I were so anxious to stop you just now, sir, that I might tell you all about it, and get a word or two from yourself to give us a bit of encouragement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am truly thankful--I can't tell you how thankful, replied the young man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Lord has indeed done great things for you, and I shall be only too happy to be helpful to you in any way that I can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, sir, kindly; 'tain't worldly help as I wants from you. I've earned enough for me and Sally to last us as long as we live; and it's almost time as I sold the old van, and settled down somewheres for the rest of my days. But it's just this, sir--I want to do some work for the Lord, who's been and done so much for Sally and me. Now I could, as I said just now, sell the old van and settle down; but then I mightn't be able to do much good, and my old limbs would get stiff for want of my regular exercise, and I should just be snoozing away the rest of my time in a big arm-chair. Now I ain't quite used up, nor Sally neither. So I could keep on the move from place to place, dropping a word for Christ here, and a word there, where I've been used to drop scores of words for the devil; and if you'd put me in the way, I could take a lot of Testaments and other good books with me, and sell 'em instead of the poisonous trash as I used to carry. Now, what do you advise me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You couldn't do better, old friend, replied Horace;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I think so too, sir; and you must know that I've begun to do a bit for the Lord already, though in a poor sort of way. I used to sell smuggled goods on the sly, and bad songs and bad books, but I've dropped all that now. You may look my van through, drawers and cupboards and all, every corner of it, and you'll not find a scrap of the bad sort now. Eh! How some of my old customers do stare, and how some on 'em do jeer, when I tells 'em as I've done selling the old things as they delight in. But it don't matter. I've made up my mind, and they're beginning to find that out. They call me an old humbug, and tell me as Sally and I shall end our days in the Union. But I ain't afeard; it ain't the likes of them as can send me there, and I know I'm safe in the Lord's hands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's very true, said Horace;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe you sir, said the old man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, there's one who's been touched already--Jim Grimes, who keeps `The Old Fighting-Cocks' at Bridgepath. He were mightily surprised at first when he seed as I'd given up my old ways; he wouldn't believe as it were the true thing, and he were for chaffing me out of it. But he found out after a bit as I was real. 'Tain't for me to boast--it were the Lord's doings, not mine--but when he came to be persuaded as I had taken to the better way in earnest, he couldn't make it out at first; but now he has come to set his feet on the right road, too, I trust, and this has made me think as there's work for the Lord for me to do in a quiet way without giving up the van--in a quiet way, I say, sir, for I don't want to be put in a `mag.'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Put in a `mug,' old friend! exclaimed Horace, in amused surprise;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nay, nay, sir, replied Ruby Grigg, with a laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you kindly for what you say; but you've not got hold of my meaning. What I'm driving at is this: I don't want people to put me in a `mag,'--mag's short for `magazine,'--one of them monthly or weekly papers as is full of pictures, and serves as town-crier to all the good deeds as is being done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, I understand you now, said Horace, smiling in return;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's just it, sir; I wouldn't be put in a `mag' for all the world. I've knowed many a good man spoilt by being put in a `mag.' It blows 'em up with pride; and then them as don't get put in the `mag' is fit to burst with envy and jealousy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe, my friend, said Horace,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've seen it, sir, replied Reuben."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I used to laugh at it formerly, but I grieve over it now. At any rate I'm sure, sir, as you won't put me in a `mag.' I don't want to see myself in a couple of picturs, one with me and my van as they was, and t'other with the likeness of Mister Reuben Gregson in a brand new suit of clothes and a white choker, looking for all the world like a regular parson. 'Twouldn't do me no good. I just want to do a little work in a quiet way--to jog along, telling how the Lord has done great things for me, and just to mix up a few Bibles, and Testaments, and tracts as I'm selling my goods. And I don't want no reward here, and no notice, leastways no public notice. I've had more reward nor I deserve already; and if I make a few kind friends, such as yourself and the colonel maybe, I'd rather do it, Mr Horace, in a quiet way, and then I shall feel as I'm doing the work for the Lord himself out and out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, dear old friend, said Horace,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And yet who can tell? exclaimed ungratified curiosity reproachfully,"
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My dear friends, I am about to bring strange things to your ears, but I trust not disagreeable ones. And first of all, let me introduce to you, under a new name, Mr Horace Walters, the only son and only child of your late squire, and the present and, I trust for many happy years to come, future proprietor of the Riverton estate."
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now I am coming to a very sad and wonderful part of my story; but as I have talked long enough now to weary myself if not to weary you, I will ask you to amuse yourselves for a while among the grounds and in the park till tea-time, and after tea I shall be happy to conclude my story, the most important part of which is yet to come."
}
] |
21134
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, dear friends, having accomplished the work for which I came back to the old country, I am returning to the land of my adoption for a time. I think it will be only for a time; for my dear nephew here has got such a hold upon my heart, that I think I shall have to come back and settle near him, if I am spared. However, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am leaving behind me two earnest, like-minded servants of the great Master to preside over the good work at Riverton and Bridgepath. I shall not leave the country till I have seen them made one; and then I shall feel assured that in Horace Walters and her who will, I trust, soon become his wife, I shall leave you those who, having long been working for God separately in the shade, will work together as devotedly, hand in hand, and heart in heart, in the light."
}
] |
270119
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Born again?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "GYPSY - CHAPTER II: CAROLYN ARRIVES - CHAPTER III: THE GREAT SURPRISE - CHAPTER IV: BETTY MEETS THE COUNTESS - CHAPTER V: A REAL SOPHOMORE AT LAST - CHAPTER VI: DOING HER BEST FOR LUCIA - CHAPTER VII: LITTLE ADJUSTMENTS - CHAPTER VIII: THE G. A. A. BREAKFAST HIKE - CHAPTER IX: WITH LUCIA AND MATHILDE - CHAPTER X: A STARTLING SITUATION - CHAPTER XI: HALLOWE'EN SURPRISES - CHAPTER XII: BEATING THE JUNIORS WITH LUCIA - CHAPTER XIII: LIGHT ON THE SORORITY QUESTION - CHAPTER XIV: THE DECISION - CHAPTER XV: CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES - CHAPTER XVI: A PARTY AND A REAL"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "DATE - CHAPTER XVII:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "JUST LIKE A FISH"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "GYPSY"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Kathryn, I think you're _awfully_ pretty! Betty Lee exclaimed in some surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I'm not saying that just to console you, either. Why, the _idea_!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Betty, you needn't go that far. I don't have to be pretty to be happy, you know; but it did hurt to have her tell me that Peggy said it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the first place, Kathryn, I don't believe Peggy ever said it. You know what people say goes with their _characters_. And Peggy isn't like that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "N-no, replied Kathryn, doubtfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peggy has always seemed to like me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think that it was just a hateful twisting of something Peggy did say, or maybe it was just made up. What sort of a girl is this Mathilde Finn anyway? And how is it that I haven't met her if she goes to Lyon High?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, she was out last year, at a private school, but she is coming back. They have plenty of money and Mathilde thinks that she is everybody, you know. She was abroad this summer and was somewhere with Peggy last week. They came back earlier than they intended. Somebody was sick. The girls used to call her 'Finny' and I imagine that she will hear the same nickname this year, though she hates it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If she only knew it, she's given you a pretty nice nickname at that. Why shouldn't you _like_ to be called Gypsy? Why, Kathryn, I know a perfectly _darling_ girl, only a grown-up one, that everybody calls Gypsy; and she likes it and signs her letters Gypsy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be told that I looked like a horrid old gypsy!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You couldn't look horrid if you tried, Kitten. I've seen you this summer in your worst old clothes, haven't I now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You certainly have,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And do you remember that week when Cousin Lil was here and you did dress up as a gypsy in your attic?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I always meant to tell you that you made the prettiest gypsy in the world, the nice, romantic _Romany_ kind, you know, with a handsome lover and everything as spuzzy as gypsies could have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're the kind of a friend to have, Betty Lee, laughingly Kathryn remarked;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't it funny--and ever since I read a story about a beautiful creature with black, black hair and flashy dark eyes--I longed to look like that, so entrancingly fascinating!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Probably that is the way girls are, want to look like something else. Well, I don't know that I'd mind being called Gypsy. It _is_ a cute nickname. Oh, did you know that Carolyn is coming back today or tomorrow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gypsy --and Betty looked wickedly at Kathryn as she used the term."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gypsy, Betty repeated,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have had just one letter from Carolyn all this summer. I answered it and wrote _pages_; but not one word more have I had. If you have had a late letter I'm terribly jealous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good! returned Kathryn. Then her face grew a little sober."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Betty, I've not heard from Carolyn either, except a card at the first of the summer. But I may as well confess one more secret. I've been telling you everything I know all summer, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's this and I'm ashamed of it, too. I've been worrying for fear when Carolyn comes we can't be such friends as we have been this summer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not, Kathryn Allen! Betty squeezed the hand which had slipped inside of her grasp and sat a little closer on the step of the porch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that why you said 'good,' when I said I'd be jealous?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. Because I'm jealous myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jealousy is a very bad--um--quality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; I know it. But I do hate to have you like Carolyn best!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Kitty! she exclaimed softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't know you liked me as much as that. I'm rather glad to know it, though it's very silly, 'cause I'm not worth it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes you are, Betty Lee. I'm not an old silly softy, Betty. You know that. I don't go around having crushes and all that. But I like to be with you. And when Carolyn comes--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen, Kathryn--I'm glad you told me this, because if you hadn't and had gone on and felt bad, when there wasn't any need of it, it would have been horrid. But you know I do like Carolyn a lot, and will you feel bad if I show it? That would make it pretty hard for me, too. There isn't any 'best' about it. I never thought about it at all. You know how wonderful Carolyn and Peggy have been to me, ever since I came to the high school as a scared little freshman, almost a year ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; they're my friends, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not sure but I know you a little better than either of them now, after this queer summer and all our being together and having so much fun. Why, I shall look at you even in class when I think of something funny. And if you cast those gypsy eyes in my direction with that look of yours, when I'm reciting Latin or Math or something----"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I like to have friends, Kathryn; and you have ever so many."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Betty, and I have sense enough to know that a girl like you will always have a great many, just like Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't see that either of us have more than you have. But that isn't important, after all. Let me tell you what Mother said one time when the twins were fussing and Dick said that Mother liked Doris best. Mother pretty nearly said that there wasn't any best about it. She said that she loved all her children to pieces, whatever they did; that each child had his own place in her heart, and that she didn't even love them all together in a lump, just separately and a great deal. No child could take the place of another and she couldn't even be happy in heaven unless we all were along!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your mother must be a dear. Well, I know she is, from what I saw of her last year. Mother says that she wants to know her better, judging from what she has seen of you this summer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, how nice! Gypsy, you'll spoil me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No I won't. You're unspoilable! But I'd like to be friends with you forever. Honestly, Betty, I'm not going to be crabby about your being with Carolyn, or Peggy, or anybody."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wouldn't be like you, Kathryn; and let's make a sure-bond of friendship, to tell each other things the way we have this summer. And you can count on me, Kathryn, not to say mean things about you; so if Mathilde or anybody says things, please come straight to me about it, will you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I will, but I couldn't believe that you could say mean things; you don't say them about anybody."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, dear, I'm afraid I do criticize sometimes!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never heard you say a mean thing--so live up to what I think of you, Betty Lee!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll try to, laughed Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's good of you to think I'm nice. Wait till I bring you another piece of fudge."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is the back door locked?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, indeedy. We must go in pretty soon, for Father will be driving out early. He said he was going to take us to a chicken dinner at Rockmont, a real country dinner. I hope they'll have corn on the cob!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yum-yum!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I'm _so_ happy over your spending this week with me, Kathryn, and I think it so wonderful of your mother to let you do it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd rather be here than _anywhere_, Mother. You needn't feel sorry for me. It's absolutely nothing to look after the house, and Father takes me out to dinner so often that he will be bankrupt, I'm afraid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "as Betty had told Kathryn Allen, for Mrs. Lee to take the children to her mother's for most of the summer. There, at"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Grandma's,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and had,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "her"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "come to visit her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn't let them do all the cooking, could I? And we had three meals a day. My, it was good when Father took us out for dinner!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "amounted to only one young cousin, Lilian Lee, bright girl of about seventeen years, and an older one, related to her mother. She enjoyed being escorted around the city by Betty, who added to her own knowledge at the same time. The only drawback during the three weeks of this visit was that Cousin Eunice was so afraid of burglars. Betty privately informed her father that she"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "which she declared the summer to have furnished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, she added,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Carolyn!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Am I still on your list of friends? she asked, holding Betty off after an embrace."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kathryn, I don't deserve to have such a nice welcome and I know it! Will you girls ever _forgive_ me for not writing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you have to do anything for ten minutes or so?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not a thing, Betty assured her,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They'll be back for me, said Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We came most of the way by train, but were met, and I asked to drive around this way in case I should see anything of Betty, to make my peace with her--and here are both of you. I'm positively afraid to meet Peggy Pollard. I owe her two letters, and I don't owe you girls but one! And oh, I've the grandest plan for next summer. Positively, you've both got to begin planning now to come to our camp with me. Even if I didn't write, I thought of you--every time I went in swimming, Betty--or almost, to be real truthful--I could see you in your bathing suit, cutting the 'dashing waves' or rolling in the sand with me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd love 'rolling in the sand' with you, Carolyn, laughed Betty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never could, smiled Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Carolyn gets away with a lot of things she forgets because she is so nice about remembering some more important things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There! exclaimed Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're a friend worth having, Kathryn!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Betty, I laughed and laughed over that letter. It was too clever for words. And the funny things that happened to you! How do people ever keep house and remember all the things that they have to be careful about? I suppose it's nothing unusual to have somebody at the back door, a ring at the front door, the ice man coming and all while a body is talking at the telephone and trying to get an important message, but you certainly made it funny. 'Hello, hello--yes, Father--I don't quite get that--where did you say to meet you?--mercy, there is the ice man and somebody else is knocking, too and the door-bell is ringing--what'll I do?--you can't hold the 'phone?'--something like that, Kathryn. And you _must_ have been scared the time you forgot to keep the screen door fastened and that agent walked right in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, laughed Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought he was taking a gun from his pocket and I backed toward the front room door, ready to run, while he fixed me with his awful eye, and then asked me if I wanted to buy whatever he had. I didn't even look at it. I gasped out, 'No, sir,' and then I heard what I had on the gas stove boiling over and knew it would put out the gas; so I turned and fled, and when I came back the man was gone and nothing was missing!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How soon can you girls come out? I'll be unpacking tomorrow and the house will be upset while things are getting back into shape again, but the day after that--oh, have you heard about Louise Madison, and Ted Dorrance?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about them? asked Kathryn,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not a bit of it. Just the other way. My sister heard all about it. Somebody wrote to her from the same summer resort where the Dorrances and the Madisons _happened_ to be together. Somebody that goes to the University was there, too, and paid a lot of attention to Louise; and she liked it--and him, of course--and you may imagine what Ted thought about it. So all at once Ted left and went somewhere else, with some boys from here, and the girl that wrote to sister claims that Louise is engaged to the other man, though we don't believe it. Louise is only a freshman in college!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You never can tell, Carolyn, wisely returned Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Louise is sort of flirty anyhow. And, for that matter, Ted is pretty nice to all the girls, only since he has been taking Louise around there's been nobody else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seems too bad, remarked Betty, pondering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They are both so nice. I thought it so romantic last year."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never thought it could last, said Carolyn,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Ted is a very unusual boy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ted _is_ one of those boys that everybody likes, Carolyn assented."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, we'll let him look after himself. Kathryn, did you hear that Finny is coming back to join her more democratic sisters in the sophomore class?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. I was just telling Betty about her. Do you know why she decided to come back to high school?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't say anything about it except to you two and Peggy, because it wouldn't be fair to Mathilde not to let her have a chance to make her own reputation in high school; but I'm pretty sure, from all the really mean things I heard said about her, that even 'discounting' the truth of some of them, as the person that repeated the most said to me, the school where she was didn't exactly appreciate her. Besides, she failed in several branches and had to make up what she could this summer. But she'll be a sophomore all right. Now, please don't tell a word of this. I wouldn't want it to come from me, or be mean to Mathilde, though I'm going _very slowly_ in that direction!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll say nothing, replied Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At least I can promise for myself, and you know Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, how did violin practice go, Betty? You didn't say a word about it in your letter. It didn't 'harmonize,' to be very musical in my speech--with washing dishes and cooking and having company did it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not so very well, Carolyn, but I really did a little bit every day and I played for Father and he liked it. He would, you know, because I was doing it, though I will say that Father couldn't stand a discord or a rasping bow. Jazz makes him nearly crazy when the discord lasts too long, you know. He took Cousin Lil and me to a movie and got up and left, asking me if I'd mind first. I whispered that he could stop his ears while the jazz lasted, but he shook his head; and when we got outside there was Father waiting to take us into where we could get a sundae. He said he had accomplished several errands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think you will get into the orchestra?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is another thing. I did want to, you know. But I found out that I couldn't be a real member until I was a junior, unless I was a genius or something so wonderful that they had to have me. I was told that this summer, so my energy lagged in the hot weather. Father said he was sorry because I 'lacked an incentive,' but I don't know. I like violin anyhow, and maybe it's just as well not to feel hurried and lose all your dreams."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now isn't that like you, Betty! That's one reason I like you, Carolyn declared,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm very practical, though, girls. I'm not sure that having dreams is altogether good, either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "First you say one thing and then you say another, Kathryn accused her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's as bad as saying it the way Mr. Simcox answers our questions: 'Well, _yes_; and _no!_'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What we should say about Betty is that she is hitching her wagon to a star and it makes everybody else want to hitch up, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "said Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What'll I hitch up with? I couldn't play a violin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "chuckled Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pick out your brightest dream, 'Caro,' and put on the harness!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She calls me 'Caro.' What kind of syrup do you like best, Betty?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are excused. Really, we might have made some little names of our own to call each other by. Wouldn't it be fun?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We were talking of nicknames this afternoon, Kathryn and I."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Betty!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have some secret. That is mean, to leave out your old and tried friend Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, it wasn't anything, Carolyn, only I'm joking Kathryn about a nickname she doesn't like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not so sure now but I _do_ like it, Kathryn replied, taking up Betty's half explanation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell Carolyn if you want to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not all of it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, what Peggy is supposed to have said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think that Peggy Pollard would be likely to say anything unkind about Kathryn?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't imagine it. Kathryn, notice how Peggy acts when you see her and if I were you I'd feel around with some reference to something of the sort. I'll wager you'll find Peggy as ignorant as can be of even what you mean. You'll find out that Peggy Pollard is all right. And by the way, I hear that they are having little sororities in spite of the rules. If it is all right, and the authorities allow it, why not? There's one in our class started! The question is who started it, and why, and how, and if so, can we make it, and do we want to make it----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hum, said Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I've heard about it, but I didn't tell Betty. I heard Betty's father say that he was glad there weren't any sororities in high school!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Poor Mr. Lee! exclaimed Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Betty, do you know what you're going in for this year--swimming, I suppose?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes. But no, I haven't thought about it. I took everything with such seriousness last year; but if I want to, I'll sign up for a number of things this year. They don't meet often, and you can always stop if you can't keep on, and I'd love to be on some team, if there'd be no trouble about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's always trouble about making a team. There are too many that want to be on it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you can try out, and if you stand better than somebody else, you get it and she doesn't. That _oughtn't_ to make trouble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why don't you try out for the hockey team in the fall and the basketball in the winter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps I will. Wait till the time comes. Oh, there's your car, Carolyn. What a shame!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, and I haven't made a date with you at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's always the telephone, Betty reminded her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was lovely of you to stop, Carolyn. See you soon. Come back as soon as you can. 'Bye!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are your clothes in proper shape for a trip to New York with me tomorrow?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why--Father! Do you mean it?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I know! Is that the surprise?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I meant to tell you before, but we had so much doing yesterday that I forgot it--well, to tell the truth, I was not sure that I could get away at all. There was some talk of sending another man. But Murchison thought that I'd had more experience with this sort of a job; and moreover, he wants me to meet his sister and a niece who has been at school in Switzerland."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! softly cried Betty again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Murchison was the big man in the business, the man who had offered her father the opportunity in the company. Although Betty had visited the office occasionally, she had never seen the"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Missed you coming out, said Mr. Lee, and the two men talked while Betty tried to digest the great news. Betty had never been to New York. She had never spent a night on the train. It would be _glorious_! Of _course_ she had clothes ready. Oh, that was what Mother meant when she told Betty always to have her suit and accompanying garments ready. At the time, Betty had thought that her mother feared a call of everybody to the farm, if Grandma continued to"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dear me, she had had such a good time, as things had turned out, with the girls staying with her, or other company, that she didn't need any other reward. Still, Betty knew that she had worked hard at times. Even with the woman who came occasionally to clean, things would get"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "though Betty was learning now not to make work for herself by carelessness. She was glad that she had planned a nice Sunday dinner for the two of them at home today. And Father had said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do not invite anybody for this week, Betty. This was what he had in mind, and would not tell her for fear of some disappointment. That was it, she knew, more than his"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Father, I'm so excited, she exclaimed, as they left the car in front of the house, ready for a drive, if they should feel like it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm all mixed up and you'll have to watch me or I'll burn up the dinner or something!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought that you'd like the plan, Betty; but I was a little afraid that something would happen to upset it. It was understood long ago that I was to go to New York in the fall. This meeting the countess is a new proposition, however. Do you think we are equal to it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; at least I think it is a countess. I will have her name in full, however, before we go to the ship after her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're breaking it to me by degrees, aren't you? Well, I guess I can stand it. I'm awfully hungry right now, aren't you? Seems to me the sermon was longer than usual. Wait till I put on the potatoes and then please tell me everything!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will, child, and I'll not tease you a bit. I'll help you with the dinner. Didn't you say you had a 'T-bone' steak for the two of us? Just watch me broil that steak!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, goody! We'll have a lot of fun. I'm going to heat some canned asparagus tips for our other veg'table, and throw together a fruit salad, on head lettuce, and I bought a grand pie at the exchange yesterday. Will that be enough?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed it will, and I have the dearest little cook in three counties. I presume you'll have bread and butter, however; and suppose we have an iced drink instead of coffee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, by all means. You fix the ice, Daddy, and I'll squeeze about two oranges and two lemons, I think--right away, so it'll be cold!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Put in a dress that you can wear to dinner in a hotel, Betty, said he,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Daddy, my chiffon dress won't muss a bit and I mustn't forget my shoes that go with it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long are we going to stay, Father?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just two or three days--have to be back to meet Mother and the children, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long does it take to get there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About a night and half a day,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How awful! Father, I'm just as sorry as I can be! I never saw you washing dishes before!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have, daughter, in dire emergencies, but this time it was for fun. Are all the gew-gaws, or doo-dads, ready?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've got everything I ought to have, I think, 'cept washing out some silk stockings. Do you think it would be wicked if I'd do it tonight?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is, indeed, a serious matter, grinned Mr. Lee, looking like Dick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But since it is my fault and not yours, and they will have to get dry to be packed, we might consider it. And matters of necessity are different, though we'd not make a point of saving our stockings to be washed on the Sabbath, would we?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Father, you are just killing! What time tomorrow do we start?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not until night. We get right on the sleeper and go to bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hurrah. Then I've plenty of time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And the muted question can be put off for decision until some other time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. Mother says if we begin to do weekday things on Sunday, we're likely to keep on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your mother is always right, and the oldest daughter has to be an example."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never can tell when you are joking and when you aren't! I'm no example, Father! Oh, I'm just almost crazy with delight. Wait till I call up Kathryn and Carolyn and Peggy to tell them what the surprise was! And, oh, I have to leave the house in order!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are just about the age of my niece, I judge. Her mother is to make the experiment of placing my niece in the public schools. It may be that you will be in the same school. If so, I shall be glad to have her know you, for you can be of great help to her, doubtless. It is unfortunate that she does not want to come to America."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall be very glad if I can be of any service to your niece, returned Betty, a bit stiffly, for Mr. Murchison's keen eyes rather disconcerted her. Betty was not sure that she liked him"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will Mr. Murchison's sister come in on a boat like that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something like that, answered Mr. Lee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you like this incidental sight-seeing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ever so much, especially since you bought me the map. I look it all up, and I'm glad to go over the same streets more than once, especially Fifth Avenue and Broadway. I know Madison Square Park and the City Hall Square already."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, what if we can't get there before Mother?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that case, I shall merely telegraph her. The key is with the people upstairs, you know. Your mother will understand. But I'd rather meet my own wife than any countess!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I'll be a day late at school, if the ship puts off coming in much longer! But Father, I can't be sorry to have these great days in New York. What shall we do today?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall see. Wait till I telephone the steamship company at the pier again."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can we leave as soon as the ship comes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That, Betty, is in the hands of a very uncertain woman, I judge, smiled Mr. Lee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will be necessary to do whatever Mr. Murchison himself would be obliged to do. I shall handle the matter as well as I can."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you scared because she is a countess?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Scarcely. But be as polite and helpful as you can, Betty. Having you will make it all easier, I think. Privately, Betty, I gathered that Miss Murchison was very badly spoiled as a girl. People exist to do her pleasure. See?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And we pretend that we like it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No--it is not necessary to pretend anything. We really want to help them, do we not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes; but I _dee-spise_ being patronized."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course. A true lady, however, does not show it--indeed, it is almost impossible to patronize a true lady."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hum. That is all very well in theory, my precious father, but--well, I suppose I'm not a true lady inside!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stars! cried Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now we're late, and no knowing what has happened to the countess!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We shall not worry about being late, Betty. They have to get through customs first and it is doubtful if all the baggage is off the vessel as yet. It can not have been in long."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My, I hope we find them! said Betty for the third or fourth time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And oh, how do you speak to a countess? Shall we call her 'La Countessa'? or just Countess Coletti? And what is the daughter of a countess called--anything at all? Or could I call her 'Signorina?'?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sure I don't know, Betty, but it would be sensible, I think, to keep to English, especially as the countess is an American. I shall not get away from 'Countess Coletti' and perhaps we shall not have to address the daughter particularly. 'Miss Coletti' does sound like a funny combination, doesn't it! Try out 'la signorina' if you like. I don't know that we are of any special importance anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, we _are_, said Betty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We ought to have arranged to wear a red rose or a white gardenia or something, said Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that is the countess, I'm sure. Look, she has a maid with a lot of little baggage, and everybody is doing things for her. Wait a minute, Daddy. She's having an argument with the customs officer, I guess--isn't she?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this the Countess Coletti? he inquired politely, though by this time he had noted the name upon one of the trunks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your brother, Mr. Murchison----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, did Lem send you to meet me? vivaciously the countess interrupted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is good. I was just wondering if any one was here. Where's Lem?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My name is Lee, Countess Coletti, and this is my daughter, Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes, brightly answered the countess,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am very happy to met you--and Miss Betty. This is my daughter Lucia, Mr. Lee--and Miss Lee. Now if we can arrange to have all this baggage sent to whatever station my brother said, and get us to a hotel for the night, I shall be very much obliged. I want to go right on through tomorrow; but Lucia is very much upset and so am I, for that matter. It was a horribly rough passage. This customs business is always so trying!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am sorry to have been late, said Mr. Lee,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes. You never can tell. It wouldn't have made any difference. They were very good about getting all my baggage off early, as I made quite a point of it. There were mobs on this boat, from first class down. Suppose we get out of here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a taxi waiting, Madam, said Mr. Lee, starting to escort the countess down to where his taxi driver had said he would be waiting inside. By this time it was very likely that he had been able to enter. Betty and a very unresponsive girl of about her own height and age followed. My, but the countess was pretty! And if she had any foreign airs they were laid aside for the present. But the daughter was cool, and though polite, most uninterested in the two people whom she had just met."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Poor thing, thought Betty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Send the maids and the personal baggage in a separate taxi, please, directed the countess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We want to be alone."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, Betty, said Mr. Lee,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, please let me come with you, Father! It's scary here, and it's such fun to go around. I see where Lu-_chee_-a and I become intimate friends, don't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The poor child has been seasick, he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I fancy that she has been a very unwilling migrant this time. She looked not only sick but cross."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you notice it, too? But she was real polite to you, Father, and decent to me. She isn't as good-looking as her mother. I don't blame Count Coletti for falling in love with her. Probably Lucia looks like her father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is a very handsome man, I understand, returned Mr. Lee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought Lucia Coletti rather attractive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, but not as much so as her mother. Still, it may be just her disposition that was sticking out tonight!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Betty! That isn't like you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess I'm tired and cross, too. I will wait for you, right here by the stairs."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "of the hotel, as Betty called him, put them all into their separate taxis for the station. Lucia favored Betty with a smile, which Betty returned; and when they waited for the train to be called, Lucia asked Betty to be sure to come for a visit with her on the way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be so stupid this afternoon, said Lucia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm too tired to read."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think Pennsylvania is the loveliest yet, she confided to her father."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's move to Philadelphia some time!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Haven't you had enough of a move already?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I like adventure, Father,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose so, rather wearily her father remarked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But remember, my lass, that there is a certain safety in being located. Did you say that the 'younger countess' asked you to call? I think I should do it, Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right, I will. How do I get there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their car is only one or two in front of ours. Shall I take you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mercy, no! I can get there after skipping through so many to get to the dining car on the way to New York. Your daughter considers herself quite a traveler by this time."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am going to hate it, said Lucia, who spoke with a decided Italian accent, but used many Americanisms, probably caught from her mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But just the same, if I have to, I have to; and will you help me when I come out to the school the first time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly I will. But are you sure that you will come to Lyon High?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, that can be arranged, carelessly returned Lucia, who was used to having things"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "for her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've heard so much about that high school and if I have to go, I want to go there. There were some American girls in my school in Lausanne, so I know a little bit about how they do. Do you like it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very much. I'd love to hear you tell about the school in Switzerland, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will you use any title? Betty rather timidly asked, for she thought that if Lucia was a"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lucia is going to try democracy, Betty Lee. She will be called Lucia Coletti or Miss Coletti everywhere. I want her to have a little American training. To be sure, I was taught in private schools myself, and Lucia may in time return to them. But not until she has done some _good work_ in high school."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "meal, by Betty's report at home. She gave her father an inquiring glance before she decided upon her own order and he smiled upon her; suggesting that she order a good meal, for the dining car would be taken off and their breakfast would be delayed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall probably, all of us, breakfast at home. Mr. Murchison will meet the countess, Betty, and we shall take a taxi straight home."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello, Betty Lee! Where in the world have you been?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Chauncey Allen, howdy! I haven't seen you all summer! Where's Kathryn?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wondering why you didn't show up at school yesterday, I imagine. We heard nothing else last night at dinner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mother could have told if she'd telephoned. We were just detained at New York because the _Statendam_ didn't get in on time--just got home this morning about breakfast time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have a good time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Grand!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How was the countess?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, smiled Betty. But Chauncey, seeing several girls headed in Betty's direction, threw up his hands as if to say,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Help, see who's coming,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, _here_ you are!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't think I'd be missed, said Betty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; come on. Are you signed up for Miss Heath's class?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. I was so scared for fear I'd get put in another section."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good; we'll all be together, then."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hated to leave camp, said Selma,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell us what you saw in New York, Betty, suggested Dotty Bradshaw, cute little Dotty, as"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would take too long,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, just mention a few things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like Fifth Avenue and Broadway, for instance? Well, the parks and the Tombs with the 'Bridge of Sighs' across from the Criminal Court----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How many art museums did you eat, Betty?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did mention the museums and art galleries along with things to eat, didn't I? But don't begin on English now, Peggy. I'll get enough of that pretty soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So will we all,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did your father meet the countess, Betty? Carolyn inquired; but just then two girls sauntered up. They were Mathilde Finn and Kathryn Allen. Kathryn was making funny signs to Betty behind Mathilde's back, but Peggy welcomed them both."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "said she,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perfectly terrible, returned Mathilde cheerfully, as she plumped down beside Betty. Kathryn managed to squeeze in beside Betty and whispered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You see how friendly Peggy and Mathilde are?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "M-hm, replied Betty, linking arms with Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll slide down this slope the first thing you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who said something about a countess?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did, answered Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I asked Betty if her father met the countess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Introduce me, Peggy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes. Betty, I want you to meet a new sophomore, Mathilde Finn. Mathilde, this is Betty Lee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope you will enjoy being a sophomore,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have been one at another school, Mathilde remarked rather airily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But there is such a difference in courses, you know."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Selma,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, said Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Murchison asked Father to meet his sister, Countess Coletti, and her daughter. They came over on the _Statendam_. That was why I couldn't get home till today. First the ship was to arrive on--Thursday, I think. Then the New York _Times_ said Friday and the next day it was Saturday. It really came in on Sunday; so, of course, we had to wait till we could meet them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you meet them, too?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I went with Father to the boat. He thought it would be better, since Miss Coletti was coming, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is the girl called, Betty?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lucia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't mean that. Hasn't she any title, too?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know what they call her over in Italy, or at the school in Switzerland that she has been attending. But her mother say that she is to be Lucia Coletti, or Miss Coletti at school. She wants to come to Lyon High; but I don't suppose they will hurry about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are they really going to send her to a _public_ school?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That shows what you really think of the public school, Mathilde Finn,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Suppose I _do_,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Dotty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right, if you think that, Dotty Bradshaw, think away!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think we must all be nice to Lucia, for she will not know what to do, she says, and besides, she will be terribly homesick. When I first saw her she was both seasick, or just getting over it, and homesick, too. But her mother says that Lucia is going to have a taste of American democracy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She will probably get all she wants of it here, sarcastically said Mathilde."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Betty Lee is right--we must all be friendly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kathryn whispered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tut-tut!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My mother was at school with Miss Murchison, I think, Mathilde continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She will probably call upon the countess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you ought to go with her, Mathilde,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm suffering from an aching void, girls, declared Dotty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's past lunch time for me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on home with me, Betty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, both you come with me, said Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have an arrangement with Cook for a special lunch of something I adore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, girls; I must get back to Mother, besides having a lot of things to see to. Just think, I haven't seen my mother all summer, except just a little while this morning. I have to hear all about how my grandmother is, and Dick and Doris have actually _grown_ this summer. I can _see_ it, to say nothing of Amy Lou, who is peachier than ever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You do love your family, don't you, Betty Lee?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should think so!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, come along, Kathryn. Take pity on me and let's have a good old visit together. Peggy, can't you come, too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe I'll call you up tonight, Betty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do it, Gypsy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gypsy"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and had learned to read with Grandma. She was"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello--oh--yes'm, this is Betty. Betty was wishing that she had not said"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am wondering, Miss Betty, if we stop for you with the car tomorrow morning, you will be willing to go with Lucia and me to interview the principal of Lyon High a little before school begins. I should like to have you go around with Lucia and I think I could get you excused from your classes."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see, Countess Coletti, Betty's clear voice made reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall be very glad to do anything--oh, yes, I shall be ready to go with you early. Certainly. I'll find out everything as soon as I see Lucia's schedule, and meet her at lunch and--oh, well, that is as the principal says, I suppose. Yes, Countess Coletti. Good-bye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you have to do now, Betty, act as nursemaid to the countess' daughter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just about, Dick! No, I needn't say that, either. I imagine that Lucia has a lot of grit herself; though that wasn't my first impression. But anybody would feel lost in such a big school. I did, and I hadn't been to private school all my life, either."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're in high society now, Dorry, said he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Didja hear Betty talking to the countess?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ye-ah, drawled Doris."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think my mother is better than any countess, so we needn't get worked up about it."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gee! cried Dick in a tone discreetly low,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush, Dick, said Mrs. Lee, annoyed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Murchison is a very wealthy gentleman and lives in accordance with his means. Are you ready, Betty? Please answer the bell, Dick. It is the chauffeur."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give me an apron and cap, Mom, remarked the irrepressible Dick,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're wrong. Dick, said Doris, who was gathering up her books."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The butler should be at the door. See how elegant you can be, though I'm afraid they will think you rather young."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is you-all ready foh goin' to school with Miss Lucy an' Loosha?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll call Betty, said Dick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, she is ready. So the girl Betty called"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lu-_chee_-a, the chauffeur called _"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Loosha_."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Lucy said that she wanted to take _all_ the children to school, foh she thought there was some o' them that went to the Junior High School."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please thank the countess, said Dick, as properly as if it had been his father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We shall be very glad to come and we can be out as soon as we can gather up our books."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wants us all to come, Mother, excitedly she reported."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall we?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly. It would be impolite to refuse. Yes, better wear your coat, though it is so warm this morning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall you go out to the car and meet them, Mother?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, replied Mrs. Lee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Had the countess appeared, or asked to see me, I might; but they are all in a hurry. Don't waste a moment. It is very thoughtful for the countess to include you and Doris, Dick. Just be appreciative, polite and quiet. I can trust all of you to be that, I'm sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good morning, Betty, she said, while Lucia smiled and nodded, leaving conversation to her mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are good not to keep us waiting. These are your brother and sister, I'm sure. This is my daughter, Lucia Coletti. Now you may sit here, Betty, your sister there and the brother, too. Ready, Horace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is Dick and Doris, Countess Coletti, said Betty, thinking that the names of the twins should be mentioned. The term"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "looked to one who had been away as many years as she herself had passed abroad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We never could seem to find a time, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would be such a favor, said she,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything is important, Countess Coletti, smiled the principal,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your daughter, Madam, need not worry at all. In case she becomes confused, there is always the office. We are ready to rescue any pupil, and without reproof in these opening days. I hope that Miss Lucia will enjoy the new experience."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lucia Coletti, the teacher repeated, taking the card from Lucia and pronouncing the name correctly, as Betty had given it. She made a few notes on a paper at hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is she a friend of yours, Betty Lee?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes'm. That is, I'm showing her around because she is new to everything. She just came to New York on the _Statendam_ and has been to school in Switzerland."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lucia is the daughter of----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Count Coletti, of Milan,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, laconically replied Miss Orme, who had, unfortunately, a rooted distaste for American women that married foreigners."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I have heard of your mother. Betty, there is a vacant seat across from you on the back row. Too bad you are both so late, but you can get from the other girls what has already been said about many of the details. Show Lucia to her seat, Betty."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Betty, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm really in earnest about your being on the hockey team. I'm afraid not enough of the girls are going to take an interest. I mean the kind of girls that count. You are so quick and graceful about your swimming and good at everything you do, and I saw you play hockey once last year."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't a quarter about me, I'm afraid,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A quarter--what for? asked Selma before she sensed what Betty meant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, that's all right. You needn't pay me for the compliments, and I'm not saying it just to get you to be on the team. Miss Fox has charge of the hockey this year and she asked me to keep an eye out for good material. The team is pretty well made up, I guess, and she says that I should be captain, but that is as it may be, Betty. Please don't mention my speaking of it to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I want a second team to play against, and a good one at that. I'd give a lot for the sophomores to beat the other classes at hockey."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hurrah for the sophomores, remarked Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't get used to our being sophomores, Selma, but isn't it nice not to be freshmen any longer?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, though we _were_ such unusually fine ones! Selma chuckled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're a good deal of a mob yet, but not like the freshman bunch. Were we really like that last year?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose so. Well, Selma, I don't know what to say about the hockey proposition. I'm pretty sure that Mother thinks hockey too rough. Perhaps not exactly that, either; and I did like to play last year occasionally, just on the side. Possibly, if it is just as a sort of substitute, I might do it. I'm a full-fledged G. A. A. and ought to help out where I can, oughtn't I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's your duty to be a good sophomore, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remember how seriously I took everything last year, said Betty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not to break up a team, though, Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, no. I didn't mean that, and I like to do anything pretty thoroughly, too. All right, I'll see about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bye,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going to wait for Lucia Coletti?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No; she knows how to get to the home room now, answered Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anything I can do for you? Betty smiled pleasantly, though she intended to be a little reserved with Mathilde. From all she had heard, she did not have the greatest confidence in Mathilde's sincerity. But Betty was always glad to be on a friendly footing with other girls. She did"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are a bit new yourself, aren't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, but not like Lucia, and my work was all fixed up in plenty of time. I do feel strange in a public school and I can't say that I like it now; but if Lucia can stand it, I think I can. You don't have to know everybody, of course. Some of the boys and girls are too common--for words!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps so, she answered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I suppose they all behave well enough, carelessly replied Mathilde."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They have to. But look at their clothes, and the way they talk!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never dress up much for school myself, said Betty, who had a sound suspicion that the reason Mathilde was attaching herself to her this morning was her relation to Lucia Coletti."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And when it comes to language, do you know, some of the worst I've heard came from girls out of wealthy homes. So far as I'm concerned, give me the good old public schools, though I'd love to go to boarding school some time, just for the fun of it. Why, there's Lucia now!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is--what you call luck--Betty. Good morning--and I think I met you, yesterday, Miss ----?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is Mathilde Finn, Lucia, said Betty, as Lucia looked doubtfully at Mathilde."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She has been at a private school, too, and is coming back to us now--a sophomore like the rest of us."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha! said Dotty in a dramatic whisper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Finny is rushing the countess, I see. Look out, Betty. She'll cut you out with royalty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why should I mind, Dotty? laughed Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I like Lucia and I think that she's going to take hold of things as you'd scarcely expect a girl that's been used to everything to do. She's got a lot of those old Romans in her, I imagine, to say nothing of what she gets of good American pep, if not so old! Oh, Dotty, I've got such _loads_ to do I haven't time to think about whether I get cut out with _anybody_!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lessons getting on your nerves?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Somewhatly!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's always the way at first. Cheer up. You're not interested, then, in hearing about the new sorority?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I might have a little _natural curiosity_."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll say! I'll tell you everything I know at the first chance."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's all right with me, and just then Kathryn appeared in the line behind Betty, having hurried to catch up. Dotty was by several girls beyond her in the line that was forming for the cafeteria procession; and Kathryn, having Betty's ear in spite of the rattle of dishes and the buzz, or more appropriately"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "of conversation, pitched above other sounds, informed her that she had"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell it now,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fat chance, as Chauncey says. I'll see you somewhere. Skip along, honey. I hope they've got plenty of good things left. I always prefer being called to first lunch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How strange! laughed Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I certainly hate it when we are last to be called and all the best desserts and salads are gone. But can't you give me an _idea_?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "as Dotty said, and others hadn't the sign of one. Again they had to carry all their books around until lockers were assigned. Mathilde complained constantly, Betty thought; but Lucia, with a neat brief-case of leather, kept all her paraphernalia together and carried them around without a word."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lucia Coletti is a good sport,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here you've kept me in suspense all week, Kathryn,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose you've laid awake nights over it, Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, of course. My dear, I _have_ laid awake a while over a lesson or two!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've had reason enough to, but not I. When my head strikes the pillow not even anything Mathilde or anybody could say, to say nothing of mere lessons, could keep me awake!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the way, is it clothes you're going to see about this afternoon, Kathryn?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. I'm going to get a hat and a dress, and _look_ at coats."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here, too, Kathryn, but I'll wait to buy a coat till I see what you get, I think."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could have told you that everything is all right about Peggy, but some way I wanted to have a good chance all by ourselves before I did. You know how we went out to Carolyn's that time. We had a good deal of fun over that lunch, and Peggy was just as much fun as she always is and I never acted any different from the way I always do. I just thought, if Peggy didn't like me and talked about me, I couldn't help it anyhow and there was no use in acting 'sore' about it. That is what my brother always says, Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You needn't apologize, Gypsy. I have a brother, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's very convenient when you want to use slang to quote from your brother, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it seems that Peggy had overheard you call me Gypsy, though how I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I'm sorry, Kathryn. I meant that for our little secret!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know it, but really I don't care. I rather like it now. You remember that we told Carolyn about it, at your house."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Carolyn told me afterwards that she had it in mind when she asked us for lunch; and didn't Peggy call me 'Gypsy' as she passed me the sandwiches?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No! Why, what did you think when she did that?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There it was, Betty, just the sweet way you thought about it and not the way Mathilde told me. You were right. I don't believe Peggy Pollard _would_ say mean things about a girl she knows as well as she does me, and maybe not about anybody, though you are _too_ trustful of your friends, Betty!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Am I?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I'm afraid so; but I think it's a good fault and I'm going to cultivate it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, just then Carolyn spoke up. 'Mathilde Finn didn't say it that way when she repeated it to Kathryn,' she said."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I just got the impression, Peggy, that you were criticising my looks and while I'm not posing as a beauty, it wasn't awfully pleasant to think that you would say what Mathilde said you did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How we do change, said she."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I told you all about how I feel about my dear friends. And you said '_all_ the girls.' Was any one there beside you and Peggy and Carolyn?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure enough--I didn't tell you. I think from what Carolyn said she did mean to have just Peggy and me--and you, of course, if you could have come. But then, not being sure about Peggy after all, she thought perhaps she'd ask somebody else in your place. So on the car there were Dotty Bradshaw and Mary Emma Rowland and she asked them to come. They accepted after a little hesitation on account of being expected at home. But Carolyn said that they could telephone home from her house and that she would herself to let them know that it was all right, if they wanted her to. You know how hospitable Carolyn is, and her mother lets her do these things. I imagine that they knew it was the first of school and she would be wanting to see some of us. Anyhow, there was a special lunch for us, outdoors on the big porch. I'm sorry you missed it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So am I. But under the circumstances I couldn't. And now that is all over and you haven't a worry have you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I'd a little rather Dotty hadn't heard what Mathilde said to me, for she almost despises Mathilde anyhow. But it can't be helped and everybody said they wouldn't say a word and would treat Mathilde 'the same as ever.' And you would have laughed to hear Dotty, when Carolyn used that expression."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dotty speaks too quickly and sharply, I'm afraid. I felt real uncomfortable when she had that passage at arms with Mathilde that day. But Dotty is a sincere person and she may have some reason of her own about Mathilde."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't a doubt. But I thought about you, Betty, when I said to the girls I'd rather not have it make any difference with the way they treated Mathilde. You're always so fair to everybody, and this wasn't so much after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the spirit it showed or you _thought_ it showed on Peggy's part that worried you, and that is important when it comes to a nice friend like Peggy; but I think you were wonderfully nice about it, and--thank you for your opinion of me. That's another thing for me to live up to!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think you need worry about that, Betty Lee. But to change the subject, you're going to go on the G. A. A. hike a week from Saturday, aren't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, I don't know, Kathryn. I hadn't thought about it much. There's so much to do at home, and Saturday is the only day there, that I'm not sure I can. I ought to help Mother, for with three of us to get ready for fall and winter in school, to say nothing of Amy Louise, and meals now for everybody, Mother is just as rushed with work as _we_ imagine _we_ are in school."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We really are, insisted Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think your mother will want you to have some outdoors on Saturdays, and I know that you help some every day. So do you mind if I ask her about it, if we manage to have the mothers see each other down town?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't mind a bit, and I think the G. A. A. hike will be great fun. Suppose Lucia Coletti will want to go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And if Lucia, then our friend Mathilde, to be sure. Well, anyhow we must be sure to ask Lucia. She'll probably want to be a G. A. A. If she lives in Italy, she probably will know how to swim, and don't they walk and hike a lot in Switzerland?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "or"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "the terms in common parlance for a species of snobbery. But as"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a shame that we couldn't have had it when it was so nice and warm,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it would have been too warm for the hike, answered Lucia herself, who was a member of the Girls' Athletic Association by this time and on one of the committees."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think that I shall enjoy that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Won't it be too far for you? asked Mathilde, who was lazy, and only"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only five miles? asked Lucia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, we think nothing of that in----"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen, Finny, said Dotty Bradshaw, coming up to Mathilde."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can be on the soup committee if you like and ride out with us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't be so literal, Finny. Of course we are not going to have soup or anything like it. Can you cook wieners?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should _say not_! Mathilde started away in disgust."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Besides, I want to take the hike and get credit for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Haw, haw, haw, said Dotty in low tones to her friend Selma, who knew Mathilde almost as well as Dotty did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I get outdoors I shall indulge in 'laffcher,' I think. But wouldn't I have been sold if she had taken me up? It would just about have spoiled the fun the committee is going to have!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dotty, Dotty, Dotty!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kathryn Allen, I've never been to a camp and all you other girls have. I simply can't be chairman!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen, Betty. The chairman _bosses_ the rest. _They_ do the work!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On that basis, then, Gypsy, I don't care, but I think one of you ought to be chairman just the same. Will Miss Fox know how much of everything we ought to have?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course she will. She's got the names of everybody that signed up to go. I don't know whether we ought to allow for girls coming at the last minute, or bringing company, or allow the other way for those that think they'll go and won't."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Always better to have too much, than not enough,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet that is very wasteful, Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Dotty, it is. I think _you_ ought to be chairman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, thanks. Some time I'll tell you how narrowly we escaped having another member on this committee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are a case, Dotty Bradshaw. What have you been doing now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing much, Kathryn. Somebody call this meeting to order."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right. Betty, you're chairman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Honestly, I wasn't named chairman, girl. Ask Miss Fox whom she intended for chairman--_please_, Gypsy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right--to settle it."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, of course, returned Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I saw you fix it up with her. Did you tell her that I would be deeply disappointed if I didn't have the honor?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something like that, laughed Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now let's get down to business."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "who hiked were to meet at the school, but the committee on refreshments was to drive with their supplies. Miss Fox had accepted the offer of Kathryn's brother to drive the Allen car out for them and to help arrange their temporary camp. Lucia Coletti, interested and anxious to help, had begged her uncle for the use of his car."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It will be ready for you to go to business, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why turn my car into a grocery delivery wagon?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because the groceries will not deliver the things for us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, then, Lucia, if you can make your peace with the chauffeur."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Horace! He will do anything! But I will tell him to come back immediately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will there be no one to come back, nothing to bring?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no--no--no, we all hike back, even those who ride out to do the breakfast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see; and the food will have been disposed of. See, Lucy, sister, how American your daughter is becoming? She talks of hikes and things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am only part American, Uncle, said Lucia, soberly and with emphasis."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am also the daughter of Count Coletti!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to have somebody, don't I, to keep me in countenance before all those girls. Moreover, I want help in making the fires."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We girls are perfectly capable of making the fires."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Honestly, Kit, don't you like it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I really do, but I don't know whether it's proper or not, or whether Miss Fox will like it or not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knows I'm going to drive, don't she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Doesn't she, you mean. Yes. Oh, I suppose it's all right, if we can get all the things in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait till you see us fix 'em!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mickey"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We need some camp-boys, said she laughingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn't going to take our hikers so long to cover five miles, though I told them to take their time and see whatever there was to see on the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't worry, Miss Fox, said Chauncey with a chuckle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They'll wait till they hike back to see things, and believe me they'll have an appetite for breakfast!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, Chauncey. I shouldn't be surprised but you're right. By the way, you are invited for breakfast with the other boys, and you might just consider yourselves added to the refreshment committee. Yes, girls, all the milk and stuff can be carried to those picnic tables under the shelter house. We'll mix the cocoa there and open up the buns. Careful to wipe off the tables and put papers under everything, girls. If we eat our peck o' dirt we'll do it without germs, I hope."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm floor-walker, Dotty, but I'm going to oversee the scrambled egg business, because if we have 'em at all they want to be good. I've practiced at home several days under Mother, so I'm going to do the mixing up. Gracious, did we bring the salt!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed you may,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should not have brought this, I think,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not? asked Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think that's great."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you girls do not carry them. I suppose the hills are not very steep, but it seemed hilly when we were driving with my uncle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is. Sometimes we girls cut sticks to use on hikes or when we are camping in the mountains. Mother uses one all the time in the summer at our camp. We go to the mountains, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So do we,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, here you are, Lucia. How charming you look! Do you do any mountain climbing in the Alps?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We thought that we'd be so good to you, Lucia, and show the stranger the way and help her over the worst places. Now here you are the champion hiker of us all!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I ought not to do it, I think! Do you care? I forget, and I like to see how quickly I can reach a certain place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course we do not care!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm all out of practice walking, gasped Mathilde as she threw herself on the ground,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, indeed, said Peggy, who had her opinion of Mathilde but was sorry for her at this juncture."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have come about half way, Mathilde; but there is an easier way, without so much climbing, if you'd rather take it. See that little dirt road down there? Well, if you'll follow that, it skirts the hills and you can't miss the way. Besides, there were several girls that wanted to come that haven't been well and can't climb the hills or aren't supposed to. You'll have company, I'm sure, for it is a bit longer, and I think they would walk more slowly."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "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."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "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."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you make it, do you think? asked Peggy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take it on the bias, Mathilde. Don't try to go straight down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There isn't any good trail, Peggy, but it's no worse than some we've been through already. Going on yourself now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "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."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "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."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks, Carolyn, airily replied Mathilde."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I can go _down_ hill, at least!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mercy, how she'll hate that!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I didn't bruise my face at all, she said in answer to Lucia's question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My foot caught in a trailing vine, I think. That's what it felt like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll just go down with you, said Lucia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "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?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Lucia, answered Carolyn, noting how Mathilde's face brightened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "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."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was a mean hill, Carolyn, said Peggy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, thoughtfully replied Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe she really does like Lucia and it isn't just wanting to stand in with a title. That was good of Lucia, wasn't it? She seemed so indifferent at first, but now she's interested in things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mathilde doesn't 'really like' Lucia much, Carolyn; but she ought to now. Isn't this the prettiest part of the trail--don't you think, so wild and lovely? You can't even see a house from here. Look at those girls across there. This was the best way to come. They're having a great time getting across that little branch of the run. Maybe the rain carried away that big log we used to cross on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have ever so many of the same trees and flowers that you do, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Mathilde's in a good humor now, smiled Lucia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A truck came along with two girls sitting behind and dangling over the rear. I left Mathilde sitting beside them, but as she seemed to like my cane, I let her take it. It will help her when she walks again. The truck was going only a little way. The girls were laughing and having a great time of it."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "G. A. A. came running up for a moment or two with the girls, answering their questions with,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, everything is going off wonderfully. As soon as the girls all get here we'll scramble the eggs and be ready. No, there isn't a thing for anybody to do, only to see that no girl is too timid to get all she ought to have to eat. Carolyn, you're great on looking up the girls with a timidity complex, so do your stuff, as Dick would say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Note how Betty keeps on quoting from her brother,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's very convenient, laughed Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the way, have you seen our boys? Do take Lucia over to where they are sometime when it seems appropriate, or drag them over to her, to meet her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So your boys have to be dragged to meet me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not so sure, said Betty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. Well, don't let us keep you, Betty, but do come and sit by me when you eat your breakfast,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If any, added Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm going to see that the great Sophomore Class of Lyon High serves enough to make this hike something to be remembered!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hear, hear! cried Peggy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It smells like a million dollars, Betty!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, it wasn't any trouble to finish the hike, said she."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My fall only jolted me and the rest on that funny truck fixed me all right. And your alpenstock was a great help, Lucia. I shall have one myself if we go abroad next summer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You could probably get the same thing in this country,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Say, Carolyn, said Dotty in a low tone,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, a body can hear 'most anything, Dotty. I'm glad Louise and the other girls haven't forgotten high school days. She's only a freshman at the University, of course; and that isn't as thrilling, I imagine, as being a senior at Lyon High."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wouldn't be, would it?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is the last egg scrambled, Betty? asked Dotty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on, we've saved room enough for you on this log. We spread out, kind of, to keep it. It isn't as soft as the ground, but easier to sit on with a plate. I considered getting down with my plate and a cup full of chocolate and gave it up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will, too, assented Betty, carefully balancing her plate as she cautiously sat down on the big log and the others adjusted themselves after their move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm lucky to have such a good place. You must have reserved your seat early."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We did. Look at Lucia with the juniors, Kiddie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I noticed. I looked for her because she spoke of wanting to be with us. Betty said"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "instead of"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": ""
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is good for Lucia to get acquainted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Q. E. D. sororities,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said Carolyn,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, ask what Louise thinks of sororities, said Betty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did Louise belong to a high school sorority, Carolyn?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, she didn't but I never dared ask her why."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She _must_ have been asked, said Betty,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That isn't a sign. Look at that silly Rose--I can't think of her name right now. She wasn't in anything, but she was the High Mogul in her sorority."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Social stuff, said Peggy Pollard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is a good line, Betty. Don't think that scholarship is the only thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe you're right, Peggy. Perhaps doing the things you are expected to do in school isn't all there is. Still, I have a prejudice in favor of getting your lessons, or rather for girls that do it or do something else at any rate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Social stuff keeps them very busy, Betty, said Peggy, laughing now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And if you want to get married--well, just watch that kind of a girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peggy's getting too sophisticated, said Carolyn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is what my sister would call it. But I'd like to combine the 'social line' with good sense and 'doing something' as Betty means it. About Louise, remember that with possibly one or two exceptions, sororities are new in Lyon High. Of course, I don't really know how many may have flourished without anybody's knowing a thing about it. There always are little cliques, I guess. But let's talk about Hallowe'en. How about a sophomore party that night, or a smaller one anyway?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That would be great, Carolyn, said Dotty,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No thanks. I've eaten two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is nothing. The rest of us had three. I insist. Hand me your plate, please. No one shall say that the chairman of the sophomore refreshment committee didn't have enough to eat. There are loads left and I see that Chet Dorrance is cooking some more bacon, just in time for Betty's last sandwich!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's too much mixed up, Chet, said Carolyn,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will. Betty, may I hike home with the chairman and her friends?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, unless Chauncey wants you in the car."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What Chauncey wants is not the question, ladies, and there are almost no supplies to go back. I speak for a hot dog to eat on the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Make as many 'hot dogs' as you want, Chet, laughed Betty, taking a good bite from her own sandwich just brought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You boys ought to have all you want for helping us out. Please see that Miss Fox is looked after."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Fox has had every attention, and we hope that this is not the last time we go on a oust--I mean a picnic--with the G. A. A. girls."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hear, hear,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, listen! cried Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The birds aren't all gone yet by any means, and if there isn't a dear old meadow lark singing in the sunshine!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes. Betty Lee's from the country and knows the birds!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, then, let me stick to Betty on this hike. We study those things in the Girl Reserve camp. Are you a 'Girl Reserve,' Betty?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes. I joined last year, but I don't belong to the same group in high school that you do, of course."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. We've been watching the fall migration and gathering some of the fall wild flowers for botany class, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd like to do that, said Lucia. Mathilde tossed her head and looked disgusted, saying something about there being such a"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's more than a fad, said Lucia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's good for you to get outdoors more, and then it helps your country to look after the birds and wild flowers. I don't know much about your American birds and flowers and trees, but I could learn, perhaps."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, that would be lovely, Lucia! cried Betty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know much, but I can tell you a little when we take the hikes. You'd soon get ahead of my small knowledge, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Girls, said the junior,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm going to have a party Hallowe'en night and I'd love to have you come. I'm getting it up rather suddenly, but there are a few sophomore girls that I want. Will you be one of them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, said Lucia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will ask Mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd be delighted,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's so good of you, smiled Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I can come. Some of the girls were talking about a sophomore party, but I don't see how we could get up such a big affair on short notice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn't try a class affair, pleasantly advised the junior."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll call you up, perhaps; but if I don't you will understand, I hope. I'm sending out some funny invitations and suppose you just give me your addresses now, though I _could_ look it up in the directory, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What sort of a party is it? asked Mathilde,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. Wear anything you happen to have, and a mask, of course. We'll do the usual things, indoors and out if it isn't too freezing cold by that time. We've an attic and a basement and I'm going to use both for stunts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How jolly! Betty's face brightened with her happiest enthusiasm, and the junior, Marcella Waite, was glad that she had invited her, privately thinking Betty a"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There must have been a big current here, said Marcella,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There ought to be some flowers along the little stream, ought there not?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think those frosts were pretty bad on the wild flowers, Lucia, replied Marcella. But Lucia was strolling up stream along a low bank lined with bushes, and the other girls followed her. Betty heard another meadow lark and turned to follow with her eyes the course of a hawk that flew from a dead tree back from the stream."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's a marsh hawk, she said, turning to Lucia, only to find Lucia rising with an exclamation from where she had been stooping close to Betty. She held up her hand, looking at it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've been bitten! she exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What sort of snakes do you have here, Betty?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh--a lot of them, most of them harmless! said Betty, startled, but not wanting to frighten Lucia, who was white, yet with her lips pressed together in perfect self-control. She whipped out her handkerchief hastily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We must make a tourniquet at once. Let me wipe this off--and I'll suck out the poison, Lucia. I did once when Doris was bitten."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will not, firmly replied Lucia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is dangerous for you might have some broken spot in your mouth. Reach in my pocket, Betty. I carry stuff for this sort of thing. Mother told me to bring it."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look out!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lucia--I saw it! I think it's only a garter snake!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've got it, Betty, said Marcella with excitement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's only a garter snake, Lucia--I'm sure. How do you feel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, said Lucia, though her pale face did not bear testimony to her words."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ought to have used my knife to open up the place a little. You do it, Marcella! No, you'd hate to hurt me, wouldn't you?"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't be sure, girls, that that was the snake that bit me, said Lucia,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You feel all wobbly, I know, Lucia,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, yes. It is painful. Betty, you could loosen the tourniquet now, I'm sure, and suppose you tie it again a little higher up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I wish we had some way of getting you home, said Marcella."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll watch and hail somebody. Lean over on Betty, Lucia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do feel a bit sick, Marcella, but I never fainted in my life and I'll not begin now. I can walk home. It isn't so much, but not being sure what sort of a bite it is, I've had to hurt myself more, you see. I'd rather look for flowers and birds, Betty, than for snakes. I thought I saw a flower under the leaves and stooped for it--and found a snake instead!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, it's just too bad--your first hike and everything!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll make our way over to the road, Lucia. I've got a guard stationed to stop any automobile that looks as if it were being driven by anybody safe--nobody that would kidnap us for ransom, I mean. Come on, if you think you can walk as far as the road."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could walk all the way home, Marcella, said Lucia, smiling for the first time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is nothing the matter with me but a scare. Wait till I take a look at that snake!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "though Lucia remarked that she could tell better about its belonging to the dangerous group if she could have seen the shape of the head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it's shapeless now, poor thing, said Betty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did a bad thing for yourself, snakey, when you bit Lucia!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was only protecting itself,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What was that medicine, Lucia?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know how Mother fixed it, but I heard her ask Uncle if he kept any permanganate of potash crystals, and when he said no, she sent to the drug store. She wrapped this bottle in cotton and told me not to lose it. I had full instructions what to do if I got bitten by a--rattler, I believe. Mother makes a lot of fuss over me! Lucia closed her remark rather apologetically, but the other girls were far from any critical thought. The Countess Coletti had"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "to some purpose this time. If it had been a diamond-backed rattlesnake! And perhaps it wasn't the garter snake that had bitten Lucia. Mathilde now kept bringing that up with little sympathetic remarks like,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is such a shame, Lucia! I do hope that it will prove to be nothing serious. I don't think that it _could_ have been a rattlesnake, do you, Betty?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I faint so easily, girls, she had said, weakly, when the knife came out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll have to go away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well if there's any fainting to be done, Marcella had said,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked out for the stick,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad you did, she replied courteously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Betty, with this I'll need no help. I'm getting along famously now and don't feel sick any more. Come on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't take the trouble,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the girls went to a house and telephoned, replied Kathryn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chauncey had just gotten home after taking the things Miss Fox wanted brought back to wherever she wanted 'em. He picked me up on the way--some of us were just getting into town, and so we're here. Now tell me, are you all right, Lucia?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; just tired from being scared. I wonder why the girl didn't telephone for our car."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Afraid of scaring your mother, she said, Kathryn replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll take you right up home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want Betty, too, please, said Lucia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you come?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course I'll come,"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I need you as a shock absorber, said Lucia in a low tone, a half smile twisting her lips, and Betty made a low response. But Betty thought that she would not enjoy being a shock absorber and felt none too comfortable. Still, she thought to herself, the important thing was to make sure that Lucia was"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The girls were lovely, Mother, and I brought Betty along to tell you better how the snake looked."
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mother, can't Betty stay to lunch with me? asked Lucia, protesting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I asked her to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, but, began Betty, but the countess turned to Betty, whom she had scarcely noticed, with a charming smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Another time, Lucia. Thank you, Betty Lee, for everything. Now I must see to Lucia, And Betty understood that she was dismissed. That smile would make everything seem all right, thought Betty, as she was courteously bowed out by a solemn butler."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I imagine that Countess Coletti tries that on the count times when she is having her own way! But she can certainly do things!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "as she called it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have all the fun you want in costume, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Lee made no mention of the fact that he intended to trail the children a little to see that they were not carried away by the freedom of the night, but he told his wife that Policeman Leary would be"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "and that he was an easy-going soul when children were concerned. Mrs. Lee was not so sure that easy-going would do on Hallowe'en, but her husband explained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He will not stand for any destruction of property, particularly in this neighborhood, but he's not likely to arrest children or be hard on them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll bring you right back if you get fussy, though, warned Dick,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Dickie, I won't fuss, honest! And Dorry will take care of me, won't you Dorry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, for a while, anyhow, as long as you ought to stay out. I wish you were going to be at home, Betty!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't, frankly replied Betty, who was in front of the mirror seeing how she looked in the small black mask, from whose openings her eyes twinkled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you will have lots of fun, and if you give Amy Lou a grand little outing, she'll be angelic when she comes in; for Mother's going to have a little Hallowe'en party for her, all by herself, with a great surprise!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Give me a name, Betty! Give me a name! she demanded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, you're the Queen of the gypsies, the Princess Maria Sophia Cleopatra Amy Lou."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "pretty. Betty was Titania of the fairies and was airily dressed in white with"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I owe such a lot of the girls, and so I'm going to have--everybody!"
}
] |
34728
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, aren't you sweet! squealed somebody in a high, assumed voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look, girls, here's the queen of the fairies. Now, who is she? Gilt hair, cute chin and a dimple or two!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fairy queen bestows honors and gifts for tonight!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cross my palm with a nickel, Titania, and I'll tell you a fortune, for even the fairies don't know everything!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, it's you, Gypsy, isn't it? she whispered in the gypsy's ear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I might know that you would be a real gypsy tonight! You look darling!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I didn't fool you a little bit! I hope I have better luck with other people. Was it my voice?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, your hand, Gypsy. And did you know me right off?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, honey, not till you said 'Gypsy' just now. Nobody else calls me that much--yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet is a good word, Kathryn. After tonight you may be called that more. Let's go around together, then, the Gypsy Queen and the Fairy Queen, that is, I'm _supposed_ to be it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What a lovely home,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, isn't it. I've never been here before. And aren't the Hallowe'en decorations cute?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello, girls, she greeted them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry not to be able to speak your names, but I think you need no introduction for I can guess what you are without any trouble. Titania, greetings. By what name shall I call your friend?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Allow me to present the Gypsy Queen, Miss Waite,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Happy to meet you. Titania, let me introduce the Sultan of Turkey and the Pirate of Penzance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sultan"
}
] |
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