human
What's the matter with you, Cyrus? said Dr. Lavendar, looking at him over his spectacles. (Dr. Lavendar, in his wicked old heart, always wanted to call this young man Cipher; but, so far, grace had been given him to withstand temptation.)
gpt
What's wrong?
human
Gussie put you up to this, Cy--_rus_?
gpt
Well, my wife's a woman, Cyrus began,
human
Dr. Lavendar rapped on the table with the bowl of his pipe, so loudly that Danny opened one eye.
gpt
Would what?
human
Well, Cyrus stammered,
gpt
You needn't finish it, Dr. Lavendar interrupted, dryly;
human
I've heard it before. Gussie didn't say anything about a young fool, did she? Then he eyed Cyrus.
gpt
Or a middle-aged one? I've seen middle-aged fools that could beat us old fellows hollow.
human
Oh, but Mrs. North is far beyond middle age,
gpt
Well, well! he said.
human
To think that Alfred Price should have such a-- And yet he is as sensible a man as I know!
gpt
Until now, Cyrus amended.
human
But Gussie thought you'd better caution him. We don't want him, at his time of life, to make a mistake.
gpt
It's much more to the point that I should caution you not to make a mistake, said Dr. Lavendar; and then he rapped on the table again, sharply.
human
The Captain has no such idea--unless Gussie has given it to him. Cyrus, my advice to you is to go home and tell your wife not to be a goose. I'll tell her, if you want me to?
gpt
Oh no, no! said Cyrus, very much frightened.
human
I'm afraid you'd hurt her feelings.
gpt
I'm afraid I should,
human
She's so sensitive, Cyrus tried to excuse her;
gpt
Well, next time, tell her 'two men and a dog'; that will take her mind off your father.