human
Charley, Charley! said my Guardian.
gpt
How old are you?
human
Over thirteen, sir,
gpt
O! What a great age, said my Guardian.
human
What a great age, Charley!
gpt
And do you live alone here with these babies, Charley?
human
Yes, sir, returned the child, looking up into his face with perfect confidence,
gpt
And how do you live, Charley? O! Charley, said my Guardian, turning his face away for a moment,
human
Since father died, sir, I've gone out to work. I'm out washing to-day.
gpt
God help you, Charley! said my Guardian.
human
You're not tall enough to reach the tub!
gpt
In pattens I am, sir, she said quickly.
human
I've got a high pair as belonged to mother.
gpt
And when did mother die? Poor mother!
human
Mother died, just after Emma was born, said the child, glancing at the face upon her bosom.
gpt
Then, father said I was to be as good a mother to her as I could. And so I tried. And so I worked at home, and did cleaning and nursing and washing, for a long time before I began to go out. And that's how I know how; don't you see, sir?
human
And do you often go out?
gpt
As often as I can, said Charley, opening her eyes, and smiling,
human
And do you always lock the babies up when you go out?
gpt
To keep 'em safe, sir, don't you see? said Charley.
human
Mrs. Blinder comes up now and then, and Mr. Gridley comes up sometimes, and perhaps I can run in sometimes, and they can play, you know, and Tom ain't afraid of being locked up, are you, Tom?
gpt
No-o!
human
When it comes on dark, the lamps are lighted down in the court, and they show up here quite bright--almost quite bright. Don't they, Tom?
gpt
Yes, Charley, said Tom,
human
Then he's as good as gold, said the little creature--O! in such a motherly, womanly way!
gpt
And when Emma's tired, he puts her to bed. And when he's tired, he goes to bed himself. And when I come home and light the candle, and has a bit of supper, he sits up again and has it with me. Don't you, Tom?
human
O yes, Charley! said Tom.
gpt
That I do!