human
Where have I a chance of rare insects? But he seemed, after a while, to be trying to learn the geography of the parish in detail, and especially of the ground round Vavasour's house.
gpt
However it's no business of mine,
human
Then the house lies quite in the bottom of the glen? Is there a good fall to the stream--for a stream I suppose there is?
gpt
Cold boggy stewponds in the garden, such as our ancestors loved, damming up the stream. They must needs have fish in Lent, we know; and paid the penalty of it by ague and fever.
human
Stewponds damming up the stream? Scoutbush ought to drain them instantly! said the Major, half to himself.
gpt
But still the house lies high--with regard to the town, I mean. No chance of malaria coming up?
human
Upon my word, sir, as a professional man, that is a thing that I dare not say. The chances are not great--the house is two hundred yards from the nearest cottage: but if there be an east wind--
gpt
I cannot bear this any longer. It is perfect madness!
human
I trust, sir, that you do not think that I have neglected the matter. I have pointed it all out, I assure you, to Mr. Vavasour.
gpt
And it is not altered?
human
I believe it is to be altered--that is--the truth is, sir, that Mr. Vavasour shrinks so much from the very notion of cholera, that--
gpt
That he does not like to do anything which may look like believing in its possibility?
human
He says, quoth Tom, parrying the question, but in a somewhat dry tone,
gpt
Well, that is at least a fault on the right side. Mrs. Vavasour's brother, as owner of the place, is of course the proper person to make the house fit for habitation.
human
Are you going? It is not late; not ten o'clock yet.
gpt
A medical man, who may be called up at any moment, must make sure of his 'beauty sleep,'
human
I will walk with you, and smoke my last cigar.