human
Mr. Lawrence!
gpt
Then you _are_ Benny, I suppose, he said,
human
Yes, I am Benny Bates, but you have not altered in the least; I should have known you anywhere.
gpt
Well, Benny, said Mr. Lawrence with much feeling, taking his hand,
human
Then, glancing at Benny's arm, which he still carried in a sling, he added,
gpt
I beg pardon, I had forgotten your arm for a moment. I have to thank you also for saving my daughter's life.
human
Do not mention it, Mr. Lawrence; I have received abundant thanks already.
gpt
That may be, but I have much to say to you; can you spare time for a walk?
human
Yes, with pleasure; I am able to do nothing, as you see, and so time hangs rather heavy.
gpt
Benny, said Mr. Lawrence, when they had gone some distance,
human
Do not speak in that way, please, said Benny.
gpt
If you wronged me it was not intentionally, so that I have nothing to forgive; if I had, it should be freely granted.
human
Thank you. And now, Benny, will you return to Liverpool again? Not to be office boy, he said, glancing at Benny's tall and well-knit frame;
gpt
I can find you something much better than that, and I should like to make you some reparation for all you have suffered through me.
human
Thank you, Mr. Lawrence, said Benny firmly;
gpt
You will understand what I mean, I think, said Benny.
human
I am too old and too big to be any longer an object of charity, but if you think I am able to fill the place you want filled, and am worth the salary that you are in the habit of paying, then I will consider your very kind proposal.
gpt
I understand what you mean now, said Mr. Lawrence,
human
Thank you; but do you know that Mr. Munroe has made me a similar offer?
gpt
Yes.
human
Do you require an answer now?
gpt
To-morrow will do.
human
Let it be to-morrow, then, please, and I will think about it in the meanwhile.