human
Oh, Ray! dear Ray! I am so glad! exclaimed Pet, scarcely knowing what she said, in her joy and amazement.
gpt
Dearest Ray--my gracious! I didn't mean that; but, oh, Ray! I am so glad to see you again!
human
My own Petronilla! my dearest love!
gpt
How on earth did you ever find me out, Ray, stowed away here under the earth? asked Pet, whose utter amazement at seeing him here completely overmastered every other feeling.
human
Who told you these fellows had carried me off to this black hole?
gpt
No one--we only suspected it.
human
And you know, Ray, it was the greatest mistake all through. They meant to carry off Erminie--think of that!--and they took me in a mistake. I expect they are making an awful time about it up in the upper world--ain't they? I suppose papa's gone out of his head altogether.
gpt
Your father is not at home, Petronilla. Ranty is nearly distracted.
human
Ranty? Why, Ray--my goodness, Ray! is Ranty home?
gpt
Yes--arrived late last night.
human
Did you ever! And they had to take and carry me off at such a contrary time, and I wanted to see him so much. Well, if it's not the funniest, most disagreeable affair, from beginning to end! I say, Ray, how did you find me out, though?
gpt
It was all an accident. I will tell you another time. What was the cause of your being abducted this way, Pet?
human
Why, if your coming was an accident, mine was a mistake--thought it was your Erminie, you know, because I look so much like her, I expect. And now, what's going to turn up next? Are you going to take me home?
gpt
Hardly, I fancy, said Captain Reginald, who, with the rest, had all this time been watching them and listening, half-curious, half-amused.
human
Mr. Ray, if that is his name, will hardly get back as easily as he come.
gpt
Why, you hateful old brigand! You wouldn't be so ugly as to keep him whether he wanted to or not?
human
Sorry to disoblige a lady, but in this case, I fear I must,