human
You must have taken to the stage young?
gpt
The stage! said Waife;
human
Is it possible,--with your excellent education! But pardon me; I have hinted my surprise at your late vocation before, and it displeased you.
gpt
Displeased me! said Waife, with an abject, depressed manner;
human
I hope I said nothing that would have misbecome a poor broken vagabond like me. I am no prince in disguise,--a good-for-nothing varlet who should be too grateful to have something to keep himself from a dunghill.
gpt
Don't talk so. And but for your accident you might now be the great attraction on the metropolitan stage. Who does not respect a really fine actor?
human
The metropolitan stage! I was talked into it: I am glad even of the accident that saved me; say no more of that, no more of that. But I have spoiled your sitting. Sophy, you see, has left her chair.
gpt
I have done for to-day, said Vance;
human
We are going to enjoy the fine weather on the Thames (after I have put away these things), and shall return to our inn--not far hence--to sup, at eight o'clock. Supper is our principal meal; we rarely spoil our days by the ceremonial of a formal dinner. Will you do us the favour to sup with us? Our host has a wonderful whiskey, which when raw is Glenlivat, but refined into toddy is nectar. Bring your pipe, and let us hear John Kemble again.
gpt
You are most kind; nothing I should like so much. But-- and the light fled, the face darkened--
human
Ah, yes; whiskey toddy, if you please. Perhaps I once loved a glass too well, and could not resist a glass too much now; and if I once broke the rule and became a tippler, what would happen to Juliet Araminta? For her sake don't press me.
gpt
Oh, do go, Grandy; he never drinks,--never anything stronger than tea, I assure you, sir: it can't be that.
human
It is, silly child, and nothing else, said Waife, positively, drawing himself up,--
gpt
Well, sir, then may I ask another favour? Mr. Vance and I are going to-morrow, after the sitting, to see Hampton Court; we have kept that excursion to the last before leaving these parts. Would you and little Sophy come with us in the boat? We will have no whiskey toddy, and we will bring you both safe home.
human
What--I! what--I! You are very young, sir,--a gentleman born and bred, I'll swear; and you to be seen, perhaps by some of your friends or family, with an old vagrant like me, in the Queen's palace,--the public gardens! I should be the vilest wretch if I took such advantage of your goodness. 'Pretty company,' they would say, 'you had got into.' With me! with me! Don't be alarmed, Mr. Vance not to be thought of.
gpt
I can't accept that reason, said Lionel, tremulously,
human
Yes, let her come with us,