human
There is Moore, said Shirley, pointing right across the wide field where a thousand children were playing, and now nearly a thousand adult spectators walking about.
gpt
There--can you miss the tall stature and straight port? He looks amidst the set that surround him like Eliab amongst humbler shepherds--like Saul in a war-council; and a war-council it is, if I am not mistaken.
human
Why so, Shirley? asked Caroline, whose eye had at last caught the object it sought.
gpt
Robert is just now speaking to my uncle, and they are shaking hands. They are then reconciled.
human
Reconciled not without good reason, depend on it--making common cause against some common foe. And why, think you, are Messrs. Wynne and Sykes, and Armitage and Ramsden, gathered in such a close circle round them? And why is Malone beckoned to join them? Where _he_ is summoned, be sure a strong arm is needed.
gpt
They won't trust me, she said.
human
That is always the way when it comes to the point.
gpt
What about?
human
Cannot you feel? There is some mystery afloat; some event is expected; some preparation is to be made, I am certain. I saw it all in Mr. Moore's manner this evening. He was excited, yet hard.
gpt
Hard to _you_, Shirley?
human
Yes, to _me_. He often is hard to me. We seldom converse _tête-à-tête_ but I am made to feel that the basis of his character is not of eider down.
gpt
Yet he seemed to talk to you softly.
human
Did he not? Very gentle tones and quiet manner. Yet the man is peremptory and secret: his secrecy vexes me.
gpt
Yes, Robert is secret.
human
Which he has scarcely a right to be with me, especially as he commenced by giving me his confidence. Having done nothing to forfeit that confidence, it ought not to be withdrawn; but I suppose I am not considered iron-souled enough to be trusted in a crisis.
gpt
He fears, probably, to occasion you uneasiness.
human
An unnecessary precaution. I am of elastic materials, not soon crushed. He ought to know that. But the man is proud. He has his faults, say what you will, Lina. Observe how engaged that group appear. They do not know we are watching them.
gpt
If we keep on the alert, Shirley, we shall perhaps find the clue to their secret.
human
There will be some unusual movements ere long--perhaps to-morrow, possibly to-night. But my eyes and ears are wide open. Mr. Moore, you shall be under surveillance. Be you vigilant also, Lina.
gpt
I will. Robert is going; I saw him turn. I believe he noticed us. They are shaking hands.
human
Shaking hands, with emphasis, added Shirley,
gpt
And he has not bid us good-bye,