human
You mustn't think too much about Paul,
gpt
Thank you, sir, replied Eugenia, with a smile,
human
I'll think just enough and no more. But it was my mother that told me to ask about him if I saw you. She is very fond of him. You never come to see us now,
gpt
Why, I reckon she'd kick me down the steps if I called without having some business with her. If you were to ask her who her worst enemy is, she'd tell you that I am the man.
human
Well, sir, replied Eugenia archly,
gpt
I have been knowing mother a good many years, but I've never seen her put any one out of the house yet. We were talking about you to-day, and she said you must be very lonely, now that Paul is away, and I know she sympathises with those who are lonely; I've heard her say so many a time.
human
Yes; that may be true, remarked Silas,
gpt
I'm afraid you misjudge us both, said Eugenia demurely.
human
If you knew us better, you'd like us better. I'm sure of that.
gpt
Humph! grunted Silas. Then looking hard at the girl, he bluntly asked,
human
Is there anything between you and Paul?
gpt
A good many miles, sir, just now,
human
H-m-m; yes, you are right, a good many miles. Well, there can't be too many.
gpt
I think you are cruel, sir. Is Paul not to come home any more? Paul is a very good friend of mine, and I could wish him well wherever he might be; but how would you feel, sir, if he were never to return?
human
Well, I must go,
gpt
Shall I tell mother that you have given your promise to call soon?
human
Now, I hope you are not making fun of me,
gpt
How could that be, sir? Don't you think it would be extremely pert in a young girl to make fun of a gentleman old enough to be her father?
human
Well, I have seen some very pert ones,