human
You must know, Miss Stansfield, proceeded the stranger,
gpt
he added, with a smile, as he noticed her look of extreme surprise and her blush of bewilderment.
human
You are thinking, What can I have heard about one who is leading such a commonplace, retired life as yours? I will tell you. I have been rather anxious to know what sort of neighbours I shall have round me here, so I have been getting a little reliable information on the subject--where from it matters not; and my informant has told me about an old lady whose estate adjoins Riverton Park, and who has a niece living with her who belongs to a class for which I have a special respect, and which I may call `workers in the shade.' Do you understand me?
gpt
Perfectly, replied his companion;
human
Of course you do. And just for this reason, because you're in the habit of burning candles instead of letting off fireworks; and so you think your humble candles aren't of much service because they don't go off with a rush and a fizz. Is that it?
gpt
Perhaps it may be so,
human
Well, do you remember what Shakespeare says?
gpt
Now, I want you kindly to answer me a question. It is this, Are there any unselfish people in Franchope or the neighbourhood?
human
You're a little doubtful as to the old gentleman's vanity? he said, laughing;
gpt
Really, said the other, much amused,
human
Ah! True, was his reply,
gpt
Well, sir, if you mean by unselfish persons those who really work for God's glory and not their own, I freely admit that they are, and I suppose always must be, comparatively rare.
human
That is exactly what I _do_ mean, my dear young lady; can you help me to find a few such unselfish workers in your own rank of life, and of your own sex?
gpt
I judge, dear sir, from the tone of your questions that you are a follower of that Saviour who has set us the only perfect example of unselfishness.
human
I trust so, my young friend, was the other's reply;
gpt
I wish at least to be so. Well, I see we have only a few more steps to bring us to your aunt's lodge. We shall meet again, I have no doubt, before long; and perhaps when we do I shall have more to say to you on the same subject. Farewell, and thank you.