human
How do you feel this morning, uncle?
gpt
I am very weak, Curtis. I don't think I shall ever be any better.
human
I have engaged a nurse, uncle, as you desired, and I expect her this morning.
gpt
That is well, Curtis. I do not wish to confine you to my bedside.
human
The nurse is below,
gpt
Send her up.
human
Are you the nurse I engaged?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
Your name, please.
gpt
Mrs. Barnes, sir.
human
Have you experience as a nurse?
gpt
Plenty, sir.
human
Uncle, this is Mrs. Barnes, your new nurse. I hope you will find her satisfactory.
gpt
She looks like a good woman, said Mr. Linden, feebly.
human
I think she will suit me.
gpt
Indade, sir, I'll try.
human
Uncle, said Curtis,
gpt
I have to go downtown. I have some business to attend to. I leave you in the care of Mrs. Barnes.
human
Shure, I'll take care of him, sir.
gpt
Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Linden?
human
Can you minister to a mind diseased?
gpt
I'll take the best care of you, Mr. Linden, but it isn't as if you had a wife or daughter.
human
Ah, that is a sore thought! I have no wife or daughter; but I have a niece.
gpt
And where is she, sir?
human
I don't know. I drove her from me by my unkindness. I repent bitterly, but it's now too late.
gpt
And why don't you send for her to come home?
human
I would gladly do so, but I don't know where she is. Curtis has tried to find her, but in vain. He says she is in Chicago.
gpt
And what should take her to Chicago?
human
He says she is there as a governess in a family.
gpt
By the brow of St. Patrick! thought Mrs. O'Keefe,
human
Do you think so?
gpt
I'm sure of it.
human
But I don't know where to send.
gpt
I know of a party that would be sure to find her.
human
Who is it?
gpt
It's a young man. They call him Dodger. If any one can find Miss Florence, he can.
human
You know my niece's name?
gpt
I have heard it somewhere. From Mr. Waring, I think.
human
And you think this young man would agree to go to Chicago and find her?
gpt
Yes, sir, I make bold to say he will.
human
Tell him to go at once. He will need money. In yonder desk you will find a picture of my niece and a roll of bills. Give them to him and send him at once.
gpt
Yes, sir, I will. But if you'll take my advice, you won't say anything to Mr. Curtis. He might think it foolish.
human
True! If your friend succeeds, we'll give Curtis a surprise.
gpt
And a mighty disagreeable one, I'll be bound,
human
I think, Mrs. Barnes, I will retire to my chamber, if you will assist me.
gpt
Mrs. Barnes, there's a young man inquiring for you,
human
Send him in, Jane.
gpt
How are things going, Mrs. O'Keefe?
human
Splendid, Dodger. Here's some money for you.
gpt
What for?
human
You're to go to Chicago and bring back Florence.
gpt
But she isn't there.
human
Nivir mind. You're to pretend to go.
gpt
But that won't take money.
human
Give it to Florence, then. It's hers by rights. Won't we give Curtis a surprise? Where's his wife?
gpt
I have found a comfortable boarding house for her. When had we better carry out this programme? She's very anxious to see her husband.
human
The more fool she. Kape her at home and out of his sight, or there's no knowin' what he'll do. And, Dodger, dear, kape an eye on the apple-stand. I mistrust Mrs. Burke that's runnin' it.
gpt
I will. Does the old gentleman seem to be very sick?
human
He's wake as a rat. Curtis would kill him soon if we didn't interfere. But we'll soon circumvent him, the snake in the grass! Miss Florence will soon come to her own, and Curtis Waring will be out in the cold.
gpt
The most I have against him is that he tried to marry Florence when he had a wife already.
human
He's as bad as they make 'em, Dodger. It won't be my fault if Mr. Linden's eyes are not opened to his wickedness.
gpt
Why should I let the poor man suffer when I can relieve him?