human
shouted the girl, as he gallantly raised his cap and let the morning breeze lift his dark locks.
gpt
I thought the sun would not find you in bed the first morning after your return home. How does your serene highness find yourself?
human
In excellent health and spirits. I'm very much obliged to you--as our friend Mr. Toosypegs would say, answered Master Raymond, for he it is, as he laughingly rode up beside her.
gpt
Where's Ranty?
human
In bed. That fellow's as lazy as sin, and would rather lie there, sleeping like some old grampus, than enjoy a ride over the hills the finest morning that ever was.
gpt
How do you know grampuses are fond of sleeping?
human
How do I know? said the girl, in a high key, getting somewhat indignant.
gpt
I know very well they are? Doesn't Miss Toosypegs, when she's talking about Orlando sleeping in the morning, always say he's 'snoring like a grampus'? and if Miss Priscilla doesn't know, that's been to England, and every place else, I would like to know who does!
human
Well, I've been to England, too,
gpt
Yes, and a great deal of good it's done you! said the young lady, contemptuously.
human
But that's the way always. Ever since Ranty and you went to college, you've got so stuck up, and full of Latin and Greek, and stuff, there's no standing either of you. Last night, Ranty had to go and ask aunt Deb for the bootjack in Latin, and when she couldn't understand him, he went round kicking the cat and my nine beautiful kittens, in the most awful manner that ever was; and swearing at her in Greek--the hateful wretch!
gpt
Oh! come now, Pet, don't be angry! he said.
human
Where's the use of quarreling the very first morning we meet.
gpt
Quarreling! repeated Miss Pet, shortly:
human
I'm sure I don't want to quarrel; but you're so aggravating. Boys always are just the hatefulest things--
gpt
amended Raymond, gravely.
human
There's a great deal of good sense but bad grammar in that sentence. I don't like boys myself half so well as I do girls--for instance, you're worth a dozen of Ranty.
gpt
Yes; you say so now, when Ranty ain't listening; but if you wanted to go off on some mischief or other, I guess you wouldn't think of me. But that's the way I'm always treated, pitched round like an old shoe, without even daring to say a word for myself.
human
Yes, you may laugh! said Pet, indignantly;
gpt
Why, Pet, what's the matter with you this morning? exclaimed Raymond.
human
I never knew you so cross; has the judge scolded you, or have you bagged no game, or has your pony cast a shoe, or--
gpt
No, none of them things has happened! broke in Pet, crossly.
human
I suppose you'd keep on or, or, or-ing till doomsday, if I let you! It's worse still, and I wouldn't mind much if you shot me on the spot!
gpt
Why, Pet, what has happened? he inquired, anxiously,
human
Nothing really serious, I hope.
gpt
Yes, it is really serious. I'm going to be sent to school--there now!
human
Oh! is that all? said Raymond, immeasurably relieved.
gpt
Well, I don't see anything so very dreadful in that.
human
Don't you, indeed? exclaimed Pet, with flashing eyes.
gpt
Well, if there's anything more dreadful, I'd like to know what it is! To be cooped up in a great dismal dungeon of a schoolhouse from one year's end to t'other, and never get a chance to sneeze without asking leave first. I won't go, either, if I die for it!
human
And so you'll grow up and not know B from a cow's horn, said Raymond.
gpt
I am sure you need to go bad enough.
human
I don't need it, either! angrily retorted Pet.
gpt
I can read first-rate now, without spelling more than half the words; and write--I wish you could see how beautifully I can make some of the letters!
human
Oh! I saw a specimen yesterday--Minnie showed it to me--looked as if a hen had dipped her foot in an ink-bottle and clawed it over the paper.
gpt
Why, you horrid, hateful, sassy----
human
Abandoned, impertinent young man! interrupted Raymond.
gpt
There! I've helped you out with it. And now look here, Pet, how do you expect to be raised to the dignity of my wife, some day, if you don't learn something? Why, when we are married, you'll have to make your mark!
human
I've a good mind to do that now with my whip! exclaimed Pet, flourishing it in dangerous proximity to his head.
gpt
Your wife, indeed! I guess not! I'm to be a President's lady some day, Aunt Deb says. Catch me marrying you!
human
Well, that will be your loss. Where is the judge going to send you?
gpt
Why, he says to the Sacred Heart; but I ain't gone yet! I'd a heap sooner go to Judestown, with Minnie, to that school where all the boys and girls go together. Oh, Ray! there are just the nicest boys ever was there--'specially one with the beautifulest red cheeks, and the loveliest bright buttons on his coat ever you seen!
human
Who is he?
gpt
His name's Bobby Brown; and only he's all as yellow as the yolk of an egg ever since he had the ja'nders, he'd be real pretty. But I'm getting hungry, Ray. I'll race you to the cottage, and bet you anything I'll beat you!
human
Done!