human
Very well then; he don't go till after nine and he's back most days before six, so how can I be alone in the house?
gpt
I know about Eustace; as you say, I've seen him. But I was thinking of your mother. Where is she; or have you reasons why you would rather not tell me?
human
What do you mean by have I reasons?
gpt
I was wondering if, for any reason, you would prefer to keep your own counsel.
human
We don't all of us care to turn ourselves inside out; seems to me you don't for one.
gpt
I beg your pardon, Angel; I didn't mean to seem to pry.
human
No harm done that I know of; bones aren't broke by questions. She folded the tablecloth. As she placed it in its drawer, and her back was turned to Nora, she said, as with an effort,
gpt
Mother's paralyzed.
human
Paralyzed? Oh, Angel, I'm so sorry; where is she?
gpt
Where is she? This is her own house, isn't it? In whose house do you suppose she'd be if she wasn't in her own? I can't think what you mean by keeping on asking where is she?
human
You see, I only asked because I never hear her moving about; I never hear any one but you, and Eustace.
gpt
Mean I make a clatter?
human
Angel! you know I don't. You are nearly, as quiet as a mouse; but your mother is so very quiet. I hope the paralysis is only slight.
gpt
That's the trouble, it isn't. It's been coming on for years; during the last three years it's been downright bad; and during the last twelve months she's hardly been able to move so much as a finger.
human
Can she do nothing for herself?
gpt
Can't even feed herself.
human
But how does she manage?
gpt
What do you mean, how does she manage?
human
Who does everything for her?
gpt
I never heard such questions as you do ask! Who do you suppose does everything for her? Isn't there me? and isn't there Eustace? Me and Eustace always have done everything for her; she wouldn't have anybody else do anything for her not if it were ever so.
human
Has she any income of her own?
gpt
I wish she had; that would be heaven below.
human
But on what do you live?
gpt
Don't we let lodgings? What do you think we let 'em for? We live on our lodgings, that's what we live on; leastways mother and me; Eustace keeps himself, and a bit over now that Mr. Hooper's started giving him his old clothes. I only hope he'll keep on giving him them. The way Eustace wears out his clothes is something frightful; it always has been Eustace's weakness, wearing out his clothes.