human
But you, at least, will not think of leaving us so soon, pleaded Lady Maude;
gpt
Oh, pray, Ray, don't go, said Erminie, gently;
human
You must have a heart of flint if you can resist all these pleadings, said Lord De Courcy, drawing Erminie fondly toward him.
gpt
Come, Miss Lawless, will you not aid my little girl, here, in persuading this ungrateful scapegrace of ours from running away?
human
Oh, there is no use in me asking anybody to do anything, said Pet, coloring slightly, yet looking saucy still,
gpt
Now, Pet,
human
Come, my dear boy, consent to stay with us for some weeks, at least,
gpt
Your ladyship's will is my law,
human
That is right! when are we to start, my lord?
gpt
Early to-morrow, if you like. Mrs. Germaine, he said, glancing at Marguerite,
human
I know is impatient to embrace her daughter.
gpt
I wish you were coming, too, Pet,
human
And why can she not? said Lady Maude, looking kindly down in Pet's changing face;
gpt
I thank your ladyship, but I cannot.
human
Now, Pet, why? You can come if you like,
gpt
Indeed I can't, Erminie. I must stay and console uncle Harry for your loss. The man-of-war on the mantel-piece will be quite inadequate to the task, and there he will be in sackcloth and ashes, rending his garments and tearing his hair--
human
His wig, you mean,
gpt
Ranty, be still. I should like to oblige you, Lady Erminie, but you perceive I can't. It is one of the cardinal virtues consoling the afflicted, and I am trying to cultivate all the virtues preparatory to taking the black veil one of these days, and becoming a nun.
human
Not if I can help it,
gpt
Well, but you can't help it, you know, said Pet, turning red, but flashing defiance in a way that made Lady Maude smile, and reminded Erminie of the Pet of other days;
human
Oh, never mind Ranty, interposed Ray;
gpt
Can we not prevail upon you at least to accompany us back to the city?
human
Come, say yes, Mr. Lawless, said Lord De Courcy, laying his hand on Ranty's shoulder, in his kind, cordial manner.
gpt
Erminie must not part with all her old friends at once.
human
Besides, you have not seen Rita, you know, Mr. Lawless, added Lady Maude, with her own peculiar winning smile;
gpt
I see how it is, said the earl.
human
Mr. Lawless won't consent unless Erminie seconds the invitation. Come, my love, tell him he must come.
gpt
I--I will be very glad to have Ranty with us,
human
Very well, that settles the matter, I hope, my young friend.
gpt
My lord, I shall only be too happy to accept your kind invitation! exclaimed Ranty, all in a glow of delight.
human
Nothing could give me more pleasure than to meet Lady Rita again.