human
Oh, because she'd have said: 'This is--cough--cough--providential.' What does providential mean, anyhow, papa? You never say it. Does it make you cough and sneeze? Mrs. Plummer is always saying it about every thing.
gpt
You must not speak so, Rob; but, before he had finished his sentence, he had to stop again, and laugh harder than before.
human
Deacon and Mrs. Plummer are going to be the greatest help to us, and they are as good and kind as they can be.
gpt
Yes, I like her crullers first-rate, said Rob.
human
What does providential mean, papa?
gpt
I hardly know how to tell you, Rob. Mrs. Plummer means by it that God made the thing happen, whatever it is that she is speaking of, on purpose for her accommodation: that is one way of using the word. I do not believe that doctrine: so I never use the word, because it would be understood to mean something I don't believe in.
human
I should think God'd be too busy, said Rob, as if he were thinking very hard;
gpt
Not in that way, I think, said Mr. March;