human
Yes, what is it?
gpt
That old clergyman!
human
What about him?
gpt
I'll swear he was in this room when I brought in the tea.
human
You sure?
gpt
Positive. I saw him pass the house two or three times this morning and yesterday too.
human
Half a mo, said Flora and hurried over to the writing table.
gpt
I say, haven't these papers been moved?
human
Yes, they have. My eye! it's exciting. What do you make of it?
gpt
Something fishy.
human
Do you think--do you possibly think it's anything to do with Mr. Anthony?
gpt
I bet it has, said Flora.
human
What else could it be?
gpt
Might be just a rotten burglary.
human
Chuck it, said Flora.
gpt
Don't spoil a decent show.
human
I don't want to. But didn't she tell you Mr. Anthony had spoofed the crowd that were against him?
gpt
Um! But they were a downey lot and p'raps after all they didn't buy the spoof.
human
Wouldn't it be terrific, exclaimed Jane, clasping her hands,
gpt
Shut up, Flora implored,
human
Conybeare, she said, addressing the old Devonian gardener who was trimming the borders a few yards away.
gpt
Conybeare, I am going down to Mrs. Brassbound later in the evening. I want you to cut me a nice bunch of grapes and some vegetables--nice ones.
human
And I shall want the car, Flora.
gpt
It's all ready. I'll bring it round, madam.
human
There's no hurry. Aren't these roses delicious? She buried her face in the orgy of pink, crimson and yellowy-white blooms.
gpt
Give me that bowl, my dear.
human
I always wish I were a girl again when I pick roses. There's a sentiment about them--and perhaps a danger--a nice sort of danger. You know, it's very sad to reach an age at which danger no longer exists. By the way, a very singular thing happened to me on my way to the village. I was followed, Flora!
gpt
Followed! But who'd dare?
human
Please don't say that, she begged.
gpt
It makes one feel so old. After all, there is no law to prevent one being followed unless it is the law of selection.
human
Who followed you?
gpt
A man, replied Mrs. Barraclough with ceremony.
human
A very respectable man. He revived a sense of youth in me by wearing elastic sided boots.
gpt
What was his face like?
human
In the circumstances, Jane, I kept my eyes discreetly downcast, but I had a fleeting impression of clerical broadcloth.
gpt
That man!
human
My dear, it is most unbecoming to speak disparagingly of a member of the clergy. As a girl the word curate inspired in me feelings of respect and sentiment.
gpt
There's not much to get sentimental over in that old beast, said Jane.
human
He's been hanging around since yesterday evening and what's more, I'll bet he's up to no good.