human
Margaret, said Miss Cunningham, who had joined the walking party merely from not knowing how to employ her time satisfactorily while they were away,
gpt
I want you to talk to me a little; never mind the rest, they will manage very well; and really what I have to say is of consequence.
human
Is it, indeed? replied Margaret, who dearly loved a little mystery;
gpt
It cannot signify what Dora says; she is not to rule every one; at least I am sure she shall not rule me. But what I wanted to say to you was about London. I talked to papa this morning; and he says, after all, he thinks there is a chance of your going.
human
Oh no! he cannot really mean it; mamma was so very positive the other night.
gpt
Yes, I know that; but it is something about Mrs Herbert which makes the difference. Your papa thinks her very ill, and he wants to have advice for her; and if Dr Bailey does not give a good report, he will try and persuade her to go, and then all the family are to go too.
human
Well, that would be delightful; but the time would not suit you--it will be so soon.
gpt
But if you were to go at once, papa would not object to being there earlier himself, for he is determined that we shall have lessons together.
human
So then it is all settled, said Margaret, her eyes sparkling with pleasure.
gpt
To be sure, I am sorry for poor Amy, but I daresay there is nothing very much the matter; and with a London physician Aunt Herbert will soon get well.
human
I don't think it is settled at all, answered Miss Cunningham;
gpt
But, said Margaret, looking much perplexed,
human
It does follow, though, replied Miss Cunningham, angrily;
gpt
That is right, said Margaret;
human
But my way is to stay at home; I can do that if I choose, for mamma will like it; but I will never go near London to be laughed at by rude, vulgar people as I was this morning; so you may manage as well as you can without me.
gpt
What do you wish me to do?
human
Nothing, was the reply;
gpt
It is very unkind of you, Lucy, she said.
human
You sometimes tell me you love me; and yet you don't seem inclined to put yourself in the least out of your way to please me. You know very well that there will be no pleasure in London if you are away; we shall go nowhere and see nothing.
gpt
Yes, I know it; but it can't be helped.
human
That odious Emily Morton! exclaimed Margaret;
gpt
And she will never be anything else, said Miss Cunningham;
human
I wish you joy of her.
gpt
But is there nothing to be done?