human
My dear, and your chimney been smoking! How can you live here!
gpt
It's not a bad chimney when the wind isn't from the north, said Jack, wheeling forward a chair, and flinging the end of his cigar into the fire.
human
But you ought to have told me you were coming. It's _very_ good of you, Aunt Harriet.
gpt
I told no one, said Mrs Thornton, with a placid air of triumph at her own achievements,
human
How can I help it?
gpt
Oh, I do so wish you would go straight out and marry Phillis, before this dreadful man gets hold of her! Really, it is too provoking.
human
What have you heard? Has Phillis written?
gpt
Not Phillis. And that is vexing your uncle, too. He says everything is concealed from him. Mr Trent wrote and told him.
human
You need not believe everything _he_ says. However, I can't say, I know nothing. Phillis will not conceal anything from you, you may be sure.
gpt
But why don't you do something quickly? I really can't tell you all my fears. Your uncle seems so put out and so dissatisfied, I really doubt whether it would not be too late if you two were to marry even now. He doesn't seem to know his own mind. Perhaps he might come round if you went and did it,
human
You forget--there's the other man, said Jack, finding it impossible not to smile.
gpt
Listen, Aunt Harriet, if it's any consolation to you, I'm quite aware I've been a fool. But I give you my word that Hetherton is a very secondary consideration.
human
Well, I shall tell your uncle,
gpt
That I have been a fool? But then you must go on about Hetherton.
human
Oh, I couldn't.
gpt
Then leave it alone; it's the safest way, take my word for it. I know it's all your kindness for me, but there are so many old proverbs haunting me about making one's bed, and sowing and reaping, that I feel sure they amount to a general verdict that I must be left to my fate. Thank you all the same for trying to ward it off.