human
People here seem interested,
gpt
Why, of course they are interested. You are a stranger, you know. It is quite an excitement for them.
human
You call that an excitement?
gpt
Yes. If you spent your life straw-plaiting in one of these cottages you would be excited if a stranger went by. It would be kinder of you if you did not walk so fast.
human
No, no, said Harding, quickening his steps.
gpt
I don't profess philanthropy.
human
Besides, you are not altogether a stranger, she went on.
gpt
I dare say they think you are one of the old family come to buy up the property.
human
Why should they think anything of the kind?
gpt
Well, they know you are staying at the Place. Every child in the street knows that. And, you see, Mr. Harding, nobody comes to Mitchelhurst without some special reason, so perhaps they have a right to be curious. I remember how they stared a few months ago--it was at a gentleman who was just walking down the road----
human
Indeed, said Harding.
gpt
And what was _his_ special reason for coming? I suppose, he added quickly,
human
I've as good a right to be curious as other Mitchelhurst people.
gpt
Oh, I don't know. He was a friend of Uncle Herbert's--he came to see him.
human
And did _he_ walk slowly from motives of pure kindness?
gpt
Yes, said Barbara defiantly.
human
He stood stock still and looked at the straw plaiting. I don't know about the kindness; perhaps he liked it.
gpt
Well, I don't like it.
human
But you needn't take such very long steps: these three cottages are the last. Do you know I'm very nearly running?
gpt
I can't have offended him--how could I?