human
O Mr. Moore! she said.
gpt
I was afraid it was my uncle again: he and I have quarrelled.
human
Mr. Sympson should let you alone, was the reply.
gpt
Can he not see that you are as yet far from strong?
human
I assure you he did not find me weak. I did not cry when he was here.
gpt
He is about to evacuate Fieldhead--so he says. He is now giving orders to his family. He has been in the schoolroom issuing commands in a manner which, I suppose, was a continuation of that with which he has harassed you.
human
Are you and Henry to go?
gpt
I believe, as far as Henry is concerned, that was the tenor of his scarcely intelligible directions; but he may change all to-morrow. He is just in that mood when you cannot depend on his consistency for two consecutive hours. I doubt whether he will leave you for weeks yet. To myself he addressed some words which will require a little attention and comment by-and-by, when I have time to bestow on them. At the moment he came in I was busied with a note I had got from Mr. Yorke--so fully busied that I cut short the interview with him somewhat abruptly. I left him raving. Here is the note. I wish you to see it. It refers to my brother Robert.
human
I shall be glad to hear news of him. Is he coming home?
gpt
He is come. He is in Yorkshire. Mr. Yorke went yesterday to Stilbro' to meet him.
human
Mr. Moore, something is wrong----
gpt
Did my voice tremble? He is now at Briarmains, and I am going to see him.
human
What has occurred?
gpt
If you turn so pale I shall be sorry I have spoken. It might have been worse. Robert is not dead, but much hurt.
human
O sir, it is you who are pale. Sit down near me.
gpt
Read the note. Let me open it.
human
No doubt, Mr. Yorke observed,
gpt
He is my only brother, said Louis, as Shirley returned the note.
human
I cannot hear unmoved that ruffians have laid in wait for him, and shot him down, like some wild beast from behind a wall.
gpt
Be comforted; be hopeful. He will get better--I know he will.
human
Well, give me your hand, he said.
gpt
It will be for the first time; it is in a moment of calamity. Give it me.
human
I am going to Briarmains now, he went on.
gpt
I want you to step over to the rectory and tell Caroline Helstone what has happened. Will you do this? She will hear it best from you.
human
Immediately, said Shirley, with docile promptitude.
gpt
Ought I to say that there is no danger?
human
Say so.
gpt
You will come back soon, and let me know more?
human
I will either come or write.
gpt
Trust me for watching over Caroline. I will communicate with your sister too; but doubtless she is already with Robert?
human
Doubtless, or will be soon. Good-morning now.
gpt
You will bear up, come what may.
human
We shall see that.
gpt
I thought I should have had to support her, he said, as he walked towards Briarmains,