human
I mean to rise earlier, she said,
gpt
No, he said,
human
I'm not going to have your health sacrificed even to mental improvement; and certainly not to fancy work; I shall insist on plenty of rest and sleep and abundance of exercise in the open air for the dear little woman I have taken charge of.
gpt
Then, sir, you're not to be cross if the studies are not attended to.
human
They will be if put before novels, fancy work, and other equally unnecessary employments.
gpt
Well, I've said they shall be in future. O Ned, and she nestled closer to his side, looking up lovingly into his face,
human
I hope you may never find out. I hope I may be spared to take care of you, as long as you need me, little wife,
gpt
It's most tea time, Zoe, she said;
human
I think you'll not have any too much time for changing your dress.
gpt
Then I must needs make haste,
human
Oh, yes, she said laughingly,
gpt
I had a reason for hurrying her away, because I want to tell you something. Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming. Maybe he will be here by to-morrow. Mamma heard he wasn't well, and she wrote and invited him to come and spend the winter with us, and she's just had a letter saying he will come. Aren't you glad, Ned?
human
I'm very well pleased, Rosie, but why shouldn't Zoe have heard your announcement?
gpt
Because I wanted to warn you first not to tell her or the Raymonds something (you know what) that must be kept secret at first, if we want to have some fun.
human
Oh, yes! he said, with a good-humored laugh.
gpt
Well, I think you may trust me not to tell. But how about all the others? Walter, especially?
human
Oh, he doesn't remember anything about it; and grandpa and mamma and all the rest have promised not to tell.
gpt
And you are quite sure Rosie may be trusted not to let the secret slip out unintentionally?
human
I hope so,