human
You would like some whisky-punch? Betty said.
gpt
I know how to make it.
human
Thank you, my dear; I should very much. And do you three lassies object to a pipe?
gpt
Object! said Betty.
human
No; Donald smokes every night; and since--since---- Her voice faltered; her face grew pale. After a minute's silence she said in an abrupt tone,
gpt
We go into the kitchen most nights to talk to Donald while he smokes.
human
Then to-night you must talk to me. I can tell you, my dears, you are the luckiest young girls in the whole of Great Britain to have got admitted to Haddo Court; and my child Fan will look after you. You understand, dears, that everything you want you apply to me for. I am your guardian, appointed to that position by your dear aunt. You can write to me yourselves, or ask Fan to do so. By the way, I have been looking through some papers in a desk which belonged to your dear aunt, and cannot find a little sealed packet which she left there. Do you know anything about it, any of you?
gpt
No, uncle, nothing,
human
Well, I suppose it doesn't matter, said Sir John;
gpt
Oh, don't! said Betty.
human
Get over it? We'll never get over it!
gpt
My dear, dear child, time softens all troubles. If it did not we couldn't live. I admire you, Betty, for showing love for one so worthy----
human
If you don't look out, Uncle John, suddenly exclaimed Hetty,
gpt
You will be very happy at Haddo Court, he said;
human
Sir John held out his hand as he spoke.
gpt
Kiss me, Betty,
human
Are you my uncle?
gpt
No; your father and I were first cousins. But, my poor child, I stand in the place of father and guardian to you now.
human
I'd rather not kiss you, if you don't mind,
gpt
You must please yourself. Now go to bed, all of you.
human
Jean, said Betty,
gpt
And what is the question, my puir bit lassie?
human
It is this, said Betty--
gpt
Take you in, my bonny dears! Need you ask? There's a shelter always for the bit lassies under this roof,
human
Thanks, Donald, said Betty.
gpt
And thank you, Jean, she added.
human
Come, girls, let's go to bed.