human
Martin, before we separate, assure me seriously, and on your word of honour, that Mr. Moore is better.
gpt
How very much you think of that Moore!
human
No--but--many of his friends may ask me, and I wish to be able to give an authentic answer.
gpt
You may tell them he is well enough, only idle. You may tell them that he takes mutton chops for dinner, and the best of arrowroot for supper. I intercepted a basin myself one night on its way upstairs, and ate half of it.
human
And who waits on him, Martin? who nurses him?
gpt
Nurses him? The great baby! Why, a woman as round and big as our largest water-butt--a rough, hard-favoured old girl. I make no doubt she leads him a rich life. Nobody else is let near him. He is chiefly in the dark. It is my belief she knocks him about terribly in that chamber. I listen at the wall sometimes when I am in bed, and I think I hear her thumping him. You should see her fist. She could hold half a dozen hands like yours in her one palm. After all, notwithstanding the chops and jellies he gets, I would not be in his shoes. In fact, it is my private opinion that she eats most of what goes up on the tray to Mr. Moore. I wish she may not be starving him.
human
You never see him, I suppose, Martin?
gpt
I? No. I don't care to see him, for my own part.
human
Did not you come to our house once with Mrs. Pryor, about five weeks since, to ask after him?
gpt
Yes.
human
I dare say you wished to be shown upstairs?
gpt
We _did_ wish it. We entreated it; but your mother declined.
human
Ay! she declined. I heard it all. She treated you as it is her pleasure to treat visitors now and then. She behaved to you rudely and harshly.
gpt
She was not kind; for you know, Martin, we are relations, and it is natural we should take an interest in Mr. Moore. But here we must part; we are at your father's gate.
human
Very well, what of that? I shall walk home with you.
gpt
They will miss you, and wonder where you are.
human
Let them. I can take care of myself, I suppose.