human
Father is there?
gpt
He's a-telling of what the perlice said to him in the City, but I don't think as the Jew gentleman minds him much.
human
one after another with still increasing emphasis, Rachel had no doubt believed them all. And she was taking great trouble with herself, practising every day for two hours together, with a looking-glass before her on the pianoforte, as Mr. Moss had made her quite understand that the opening of her mouth wide was the chief qualification necessary to her, beyond that which nature had done for her. Rachel did think it possible that she might become the undoubted prima donna of the day, as M. Le Gros had called her; and she thought it much more probable that she should do so under the auspices of M. Le Gros, than those of Mr. Moss. When, therefore, she went down at last to the sitting-room, she did so, determined to oppose Mr. Moss, as bidding for her voice, rather than as a candidate for her love. When she entered the room, she could not help beginning with something of an apology, in that she had kept the man waiting; but Mr. Moss soon stopped her.
gpt
It does not signify the least in the world, he said, laying his hand upon his waistcoat.
human
If only I can get this opportunity of speaking to you while your father is present. Then, when she looked at the brilliance of his garments, and heard the tones of his voice, she was sure that the attack on this occasion was not to be made on M. Le Gros. She remained silent, and sat square on her chair, looking at him. A man must be well-versed in feminine wiles, who could decipher under Rachel's manners her determination to look as ugly as possible on the occasion. In a moment she had flattened every jaunty twist and turn out of her habiliments, and had given to herself an air of absolute dowdyism. Her father sat by without saying a word.
gpt
Miss O'Mahony, if I may venture to ask a question, I trust you may not be offended.
human
I suppose not as my father is present,
gpt
Am I right in believing the engagement to be over which bound you to Mr.--Jones?
human
You are,
gpt
That obstacle is then removed?
human
Mr. Jones is removed, and has gone to Ireland. Then Mr. Moss sighed deeply.
gpt
I can manage my singing very well without Mr.--Jones.
human
Not a doubt. Not a doubt. And I have heard that you have made an engagement in all respects beneficial with M. Le Gros, of Covent Garden. M. Le Gros is a gentleman for whom I have a most profound respect.
gpt
So have I.
human
Had I been at your elbow, it is possible that something better might have been done; but two months;--they run by--oh, so quickly!
gpt
Quite so. If I can do any good I shall quickly get another engagement.
human
You will no doubt do a great deal of good. But Mr. Jones is now at an end.
gpt
Mr. Jones is at an end, said Rachel, with another blow at her gown.
human
A singing girl like me does better without a lover,--especially if she has got a father to look after her.
gpt
That's as may be,
human
That's as may be, said Mr. Moss, again laying his hand upon his heart. The tone in which Mr. Moss repeated Mr. O'Mahony's words was indicative of the feeling and poetry within him.
gpt
If you had a lover such as is your faithful Moss, the words seemed to say,
human
I believe I could do very well with no one to look after me.
gpt
Of course you and I have misunderstood each other hitherto.
human
Not at all,
gpt
I was unaware at first that Mr. Jones was an absolute reality. You must excuse me, but the name misled me.
human
Why shouldn't a girl be engaged to a man named Jones? Jones is as good a name as Moss, at any rate; and a deal more--
gpt
At any rate you are now free?
human
No, I am not. Yes, I am. I am free, and I mean to remain so. Why don't you tell him, father?
gpt
I have got nothing to tell him, my dear. You are so much better able to tell him everything yourself.
human
If you would only listen to me, Miss O'Mahony.
gpt
You had better listen to him, Rachel.
human
Very well; I will listen. Now go on.