human
What do you want, my little man? It is long since I have seen a water baby here.
gpt
You ought to know yourself, for you have been there already,
human
Have I, ma'am? I'm sure I forgot all about it.
gpt
Then look at me.
human
Thank you, ma'am, said Tom.
gpt
Then I won't trouble your ladyship any more; I hear you are very busy.
human
And now, my pretty little man, said Mother Carey,
gpt
That is because you took your eyes off me.
human
But what am I to do, ma'am? For I can't keep looking at you when I am somewhere else.
gpt
You must do without me, as most people have to do, for nine hundred and ninety-nine thousandths of their lives; and look at the dog instead; for he knows the way well enough, and will not forget it. Besides, you may meet some very queer-tempered people there, who will not let you pass without this passport of mine, which you must hang round your neck and take care of; and, of course, as the dog will always go behind you, you must go the whole way backward.
human
Backward! cried Tom.
gpt
Then I shall not be able to see my way.
human
On the contrary, if you look forward, you will not see a step before you, and be certain to go wrong; but if you look behind you, and watch carefully whatever you have passed, and especially keep your eye on the dog, who goes by instinct, and therefore can't go wrong, then you will know what is coming next, as plainly as if you saw it in a looking- glass.