human
When is Miss Priscilla coming over, Mr. Toosypegs?
gpt
replied Mr. Toosypegs, speaking with his mouth full;
human
The collar and cape she was speaking of, I guess,
gpt
How in the world, Ermie, exclaimed Pet,
human
Well, it is pleasanter to be doing something, said Erminie;
gpt
Ugh! sewing is the most horrid thing, said Pet, with a shrug;
human
I don't mind reading a pretty story to pass time now and then; but to sit down and go stitch--stitch--stitching, for hours steady--well, I know I'd soon be in a strait-jacket if I tried it, that's all! I was reading a real nice book the other night.
gpt
What was it? asked Ray.
human
I _should_ like to see the book you would like to read.
gpt
Well, there ain't many I like, but, oh! this one was ever so nice. It was all about a hateful old Jew who lent money to a man that wanted to go somewhere a-courting; and then this Jew wanted to cut off a pound of his flesh, to eat, I expect--the nasty old cannibal! And then this lady, I forget her name, came and dressed herself up in man's clothes, and got him--the fellow who went courting, you know--off somewheres. Oh, it was splendid! I'll lend you the book, sometime, Minnie.
human
Why, it must have been the 'Merchant of Venice' you read, said Ray,