human
How's the old gentleman? asked Dodger.
gpt
Florence wanted me to ask.
human
He's feeble,
gpt
Does he miss Florence?
human
That he do.
gpt
Why don't he send for her, then, to come back?
human
Because Curtis Waring makes him believe she'll come around and ask forgiveness, if he only holds out. I tell you, Dodger, that Curtis is a viper.
gpt
So he is, answered Dodger, who was not quite clear in his mind as to what a viper was.
human
I'd like to step on his necktie.
gpt
If it wasn't for him, my dear young mistress would be back in the house within twenty-four hours.
human
I don't see how the old gentleman can let him turn Florence out of the house.
gpt
He's a snake in the grass, Dodger. It may be wicked, but I just wish something would happen to him. And how is Miss Florence lookin', poor dear?
human
She's lookin' like a daisy.
gpt
Does she worry much?
human
She did at first, but now she's workin' every day, and she looks more cheerful-like.
gpt
Miss Florence workin'! She that was always brought up like a lady!
human
She's teachin' a little girl three hours a day.
gpt
Well, that isn't so bad! said Jane, relieved.
human
Teachin' is genteel. I wish I could see her some day. Will you tell her, Dodger, that next Sunday is my day out, and I'll be in Central Park up by the menagerie at three o'clock, if she'll only take the trouble to be up there?
gpt
I'll tell her, Jane, and I'm sure she'll be there.
human
Have you heard from my Cousin Florence since she went away?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
Indeed! Where is she staying?
gpt
She didn't send me word.
human
How, then, did you hear from her?
gpt
Dodger came with an expressman for her trunk.
human
And you let him have it?
gpt
Of course I did. Why shouldn't I?
human
You should have asked me.
gpt
And what business have you with Miss Florence's trunk, I'd like to know?
human
Never mind; you ought to have asked my permission.
gpt
I didn't think you'd want to wear any of Miss Florence's things, Mr. Waring.
human
You are silly and impertinent, said Curtis, biting his lips.
gpt
Did that boy tell you anything about her?
human
Only that she wasn't worryin' any for you, Mr. Curtis.
gpt
I'll bring her to terms yet, he muttered.
human
No girl of seventeen shall defy me!