human
Do you--like Dapplemere, Mr. Bellew?
gpt
Like it! he repeated,
human
I'm so glad! she answered, her eyes glowing with pleasure.
gpt
It was a much larger property, once,--Look! and she pointed away across corn-fields and rolling meadow to the distant woods.
human
In my grandfather's time it was all his--as far as you can see, and farther, but it has dwindled since then, and to-day, my Dapplemere is very small indeed.
gpt
You must be very fond of such a beautiful place.
human
Oh, I love it! she cried passionately,
gpt
She stopped suddenly, and as though somewhat abashed by this sudden outburst, adding in a lighter tone:
human
If I seem rather tragic it is because this is the only home I have ever known.
gpt
Well, said Bellew, appearing rather more dreamy than usual, just then,
human
I have journeyed here and there in this world of ours, I have wandered up and down, and to and fro in it,--like a certain celebrated personage who shall be nameless,--yet I never saw, or dreamed, of any such place as this Dapplemere of yours. It is like Arcadia itself, and only I am out of place. I seem, somehow, to be too common-place, and altogether matter-of-fact.
gpt
I'm sure I'm matter-of-fact enough,
human
You?
gpt
Well?
human
You are like some fair, and stately lady out of the old romances,
gpt
In a print gown, and with a sun-bonnet!
human
Even so! he nodded. Here, for no apparent reason, happening to meet his glance, the colour deepened in her cheek and she was silent; wherefore Bellew went on, in his slow, placid tones.
gpt
You surely, are the Princess ruling this fair land of Arcadia, and I am the Stranger within your gates. It behoves you, therefore, to be merciful to this Stranger, if only for the sake of--er--our mutual nephew.
human
Oh, Uncle Porges! he panted as he came up,
gpt
I was 'fraid you'd gone away an' left me,--I've been hunting, an' hunting for you ever since I got up.
human
No, I haven't gone away yet, my Porges, you see.
gpt
An' you won't go--ever or ever, will you?
human
That, said Bellew, taking the small hand in his,
gpt
But--why!
human
Well, you see, it doesn't rest with me--altogether, my Porges.
gpt
Then who--
human
Georgy dear, didn't Prudence send you to tell us that breakfast was ready?
gpt
Oh yes! I was forgetting,--awfull' silly of me wasn't it! But you are going to stay--Oh a long, long time, aren't you, Uncle Porges?
human
I sincerely hope so!