human
Why, what's all this! said she, in a querulous tone.
gpt
Jacob here, and all my cupboard on the table. Jacob, how dare you go to my cupboard?
human
It was the Dominie, Mrs Bately, who looked there for something for me to eat, and he has been caught in a rat-trap.
gpt
Serve him right; I have forbade him that cupboard. Have I not, Mr Dobbs?
human
Yea, and verily, quoth the Dominie,
gpt
Dear me! well I'd no idea that a rat-trap pinched so hard, replied the old woman, whose wrath was appeased.
human
How it must hurt the poor things--I won't set it again, but leave them all to the cat; he'll kill them, if he only can get at them. The old lady went to a drawer, unlocked it, brought out some fragments of rags, and a bottle of friar's balsam, which she applied to the Dominie's hand, and then bound it up, scolding him the whole time.
gpt
How stupid of you, Mr Dobbs; you know that I was only out for a few minutes. Why didn't you wait--and why did you go to the cupboard? Hav'n't I always told you not to look into it? and now you see the consequences.
human
Verily my hand burneth,
gpt
I will go for cold water, and it will ease you. What a deal of trouble you do give, Mr Dobbs; you're worse than a charity boy;
human
Vinegar is a better thing, sir, said I,
gpt
I went to the cupboard, and brought out the bottle, took out the cork and smelt it.
human
This is not vinegar, sir, it is Hollands or gin.
gpt
Then would I like a glass, Jacob, for I feel a sickening faintness upon me; yet be quick, peradventure the old woman may return.
human
Drink out of the bottle, sir, said I, perceiving that the Dominie looked very pale,