human
Where were you last night?
gpt
I was with Henry Vand from seven until after ten, said the woman meekly, and evidently unaware why the leading question had been put.
human
I left your father in his study, and when I returned I let myself in by the back door and went to bed quietly. You know, Jabez always objected to my seeing Henry, so I wished to avoid trouble. This morning, when I went into the--ugh! ugh! come and see for yourself! and Mrs. Coppersley gripped Bella's wrist to draw her towards the door--
gpt
It's murder and robbery!
human
Robbery! What do you mean?
gpt
Come and see! said Mrs. Coppersley hysterically.
human
We must send for the police, I suppose. Oh, my poor nerves! Never, never shall I get over this shock, disagreeable as Jabez always was to me. And he wasn't ready for heaven, either; though perhaps he did send for Mr. Pence to talk religion to him.
gpt
Did my father send for Mr. Pence?
human
Yes. He asked me to go to the village with a note for Mr. Pence. I could not find Mr. Pence at home, so left the note for him. Then I met Henry, and returned, as I told you, after ten o'clock.
gpt
Did Mr. Pence come to see my father?
human
I don't know--I can't say--oh, dear me, how dreadful it all is! maundered Mrs. Coppersley, opening the door of the study.
gpt
Just look for yourself, Bella. Your father lies dead in his blood. Oh, how I hope that the villain who killed and robbed him will be hanged and drawn and quartered! That I do, the wretch, the viper, the beast! I must get some rum. I can't stay in this room without some rum. I shall faint, I know I shall. What's the time? Seven o'clock. Oh, dear me, so late! I must send Tunks for the police. He has to be here to see your father, and oh, dear me, he can't see your father unless he goes to heaven, where I'm sure I hope Jabez has gone. But one never knows, and he certainly was most disagreeable to me. Oh, how ill I am! oh, how very, very bad I feel!