human
Rip will tell you, said Richard, deferentially signalling the lawyer.
gpt
I'm a bad hand at these matters. Tell them how it stands, Rip.
human
Oh, nothing! She very curious old character! She--a--wears a wig. She--a--very curious old character indeed! She--a--quite the old style. There's no doing anything with her!
gpt
So it appears, Hippias commented, and Algernon asked:
human
Well? and about her wig? Somebody stole it?
gpt
Oh, nothing! She-- Richard knows her better than I do--an old lady--somewhere down in Suffolk. I think we had better advise her not to proceed. The expenses of litigation are enormous! She--I think we had better advise her to stop short, and not make any scandal.
human
And not make any scandal! Algernon took him up.
gpt
Come, come! there's something more than a wig, then?
human
She--there's a daughter.
gpt
Born with effort! ejaculated Hippias.
human
Must give her pause after that! and I'll take the opportunity to stretch my length on the sofa. Heigho! that's true what Austin says: 'The general prayer should be for a full stomach, and the individual for one that works well; for on that basis only are we a match for temporal matters, and able to contemplate eternal.' Sententious, but true. I gave him the idea, though! Take care of your stomachs, boys! and if ever you hear of a monument proposed to a scientific cook or gastronomic doctor, send in your subscriptions. Or say to him while he lives, Go forth, and be a Knight! Ha! They have a good cook at this house. He suits me better than ours at Raynham. I almost wish I had brought my manuscript to town, I feel so much better. Aha! I didn't expect to digest at all without my regular incentive. I think I shall give it up.--What do you say to the theatre to-night, boys!
gpt
Bravo, uncle!
human
Let Mr. Thompson finish first, said Algernon.
gpt
I want to hear the conclusion of the story. The old girl has a wig and a daughter. I'll swear somebody runs away with one of the two! Fill your glass, Mr. Thompson, and forward!
human
So somebody does, Ripton received his impetus.
gpt
And they're found in town together, he made a fresh jerk.
human
She--a--that is, the old lady-- found them in company.
gpt
She finds him with her wig on in company! said Algernon.
human
Capital! Here's matter for the lawyers!
gpt
And you advise her not to proceed, under such circumstances of aggravation?
human
It's the daughter, Ripton sighed, and surrendering to pressure, hurried on recklessly,
gpt
A runaway match--beautiful girl!--the only son of a baronet--married by special licence. A--the point is, he now brightened and spoke from his own element,
human
What a muddle you're in, Rip! You're mixing half-a-dozen stories together. The old lady I told you about was old Dame Bakewell, and the dispute was concerning a neighbour of hers who encroached on her garden, and I said I'd pay the money to see her righted!
gpt
Ah, said Ripton, humbly,
human
I was thinking of the other. Her garden! Cabbages don't interest me
gpt
Here, come along, Richard beckoned to him savagely.
human
I'll be back in five minutes, uncle,