human
What do you want, sir?
gpt
I have come to beg--
human
Oh, yes, I know, cried Lionel, hurriedly (he was afraid some one might come, and then he would be snatched unceremoniously away from the open door, and the beggar sent smartly about his business by one of the pert-tongued maids);
gpt
I have come to beg, he said slowly,
human
That I will receive from you? he repeated slowly.
gpt
Then you are n't a beggar at all?
human
Most assuredly I am, responded the old man, promptly.
gpt
Do I not beg of you? What is a beggar? 'One who begs or entreats earnestly or with humility; a petitioner.' That is how your dictionary has it. It does n't say for what he begs or entreats. Where I come from things are so different,--there it is a mark of distinction, I can assure you, to be a beggar. One must have lived such a long life of poverty and self-sacrifice before one is permitted to beg--to beg others to receive one's benefits. Ah, yes, there it is so different!
human
Yes, it must be, assented Lionel.
gpt
Here beggars are just persons who go about and ask for cold bits or pennies; and we don't think much of them at all.
human
That is because they are not the right kind of almsfolk, nor you the right kind of almoners, responded the beggar; and then he repeated:
gpt
Ah, yes, there it is so different!
human
Where? inquired Lionel.
gpt
Won't you tell me about it?
human
Dear child, replied the beggar, gently,
gpt
Is it as nice as all that? questioned Lionel, eagerly.
human
Guess I 'll go, then. Will you take me ?
gpt
I can't take you, dear boy, he said.
human
I have to travel on. But I can set you on the road, and you will reach there in safety if you follow my directions.