human
Tell me ever what it is, Nan, before you smother-cate me,
gpt
It is the most miserable misery, Johnny. Do you remember what I told you about those people?
human
How could I forget, Nan?
gpt
Well, those people are going head foremost into trouble, and whatever happens, I want to be there.
human
Oh, is that so? Well, it is too bad, said the little woman sympathetically.
gpt
Perhaps if you would say something about it--not too much, but just enough for me to get it through my thick numskull----
human
You are not afraid for yourself; why should you be afraid for those people? inquired Mrs. Dorrington, laying great stress on
gpt
Oh, I don't know, replied Nan, helplessly.
human
It isn't because of what you would guess if you knew no better. I have a very great friendship for those people; but it isn't the other feeling--the kind that you were telling me about. If it is--oh, if it is--I shall never forgive myself.
gpt
In time--yes. It is quite easy to forgive yourself on account of those people. I found it so.
human
Oh, don't! You make me feel as if I ought never to speak to myself.
gpt
Then don't, said Mrs. Dorrington, calmly.
human
You can speak to me instead of to that ignorant girl.
gpt
Oh, you sweetest! cried Nan, hugging her step-mother;
human
I am going to have you for my doll.
gpt
Very well, then, said Mrs. Dorrington, shrugging her shoulders;
human
Johnny, you are my little mother, and you never gave me any trouble in your life. I am the one that is troublesome; I am troubling you now.
gpt
Silly thing! will you be good? cried Mrs. Dorrington, tapping Nan lightly on the cheek.
human
How can you trouble me when I don't know what you mean? You haven't told me.
gpt
I thought you could guess as well as I can,
human
About some things--yes; but not about this terrible danger that is to overcome those people.