human
When my children were young, and their papa always being noted for so active a man among his people, I don't know what I should have done if I had been easily frightened, said Mrs. Tufton.
gpt
Don't worry--keep her quiet, and give her----
human
Mrs. Vincent never said she was afraid of infection, said Adelaide.
gpt
Is it typhus fever? My mother jumps at everything, and never stops to inquire. I daresay it's something quite different. Love affairs? Oh no; of course we don't want you to tell us. I don't think Phoebe Tozer will die of her failure. This young man from Homerton will console her. Has your son recovered his little affair with the young Dowager, Mrs. Vincent? He dined there, you know. I daresay his head was turned; but there is one safeguard with those fine ladies. If a man has his wits about him, he can always know that they mean nothing all the time.
human
Indeed, I don't know what you mean. My son knows Lady Western, I believe; I remember one time he dined there. My Arthur, said the mother, with a faint smile,
gpt
Ah, he's a precious young man! said Mr. Tufton, see-sawing the air with his large grey hand.
human
I am much interested in my dear young brother. He thinks too much, perhaps--too much--of pleasing the carnal mind; and my people, that have been used to practical preaching so long, find the difference. But when he has deeper experiences----
gpt
Stuff! said the invalid, turning her head half aside;
human
I have heard my son speak of her,
gpt
She was some connection of the Bedford family, said Adelaide, going on, with her curious eyes fixed on Mrs. Vincent's face, who quailed before her,
human
Adelaide! cried Mrs. Tufton;
gpt
Mrs. Vincent sees well enough I am not a girl to be frightened for words, said the sick woman.
human
Now, what I want to know is, what has your son to do with it? He's gone off after them, now, for some reason or other; of course I don't expect you to tell me. Perhaps Lady Western has sent him?--never mind, I will find out; but I know it has something to do with Mrs. Hilyard, for they both went off from Carlingford the same day. I have no share in life for myself, said Adelaide, with another keen look at the stranger;
gpt
Indeed it is a pity when people have anything to conceal,