human
You are too clever by half, Miss Hart.
gpt
Well, somebody has to keep their wits about them, with such a love as Peachie to care for. I dressed her myself to-day. 'The pearl-grey gown if you like,' I said, 'but not a scrap of black with it. Just a touch of colour at the throat, please.' 'No, dear Liz,' she said, 'it would call for remark, since I have never done so since I lost Major Porcher.' But there, Mr. Lovegrove, I insisted. For why she should go on wearing complimentary mourning all her life for a wretch that nearly broke her heart and ruined her, passes me. 'Forget the serpent,' I said, 'and put on a little turquoise tulle pompom.' Now just look at her!
human
Rather dangerous for some people, is it not?
gpt
Hard on our gentlemen, you mean? Well, perhaps it is. But then they always have the sight of me to put up with.--No compliments, thank you. I have my eyesight and my toilet-glass, and they have let me know I was no Venus ever since I can remember. It would not do to depress our gentlemen too much. They might leave, and then wherever would Cedar Lodge be?
human
And that reminds me, she went on.
gpt
I wanted to have a private word with you to-day about a certain gentleman.
human
Who may be?
gpt
You can guess, can't you? Your own candidate.
human
Mr. Iglesias?
gpt
Peachie must be spared anxiety, therefore I speak, Mr. Lovegrove. Something is going on, and she is getting worried. You cannot approach the person to whom we are alluding as you can either of our others. Rather stand-offish, even now after nearly eight years that he has been with us. Between you and me and the bedpost, Mr. Lovegrove, I am just a wee bit nervous of that person. So if you could hint, quite in confidence, what his plans may be for the future it would' be really friendly.
human
Dear me, dear me! Plans? I do not quite follow you, Miss Hart. Nothing wrong with him, I trust?
gpt
That is just what we cannot find out. No spying, of course, Mr. Lovegrove. Neither Peachie nor I would descend to such meanness. Our gentlemen have perfect liberty. We would scorn to put questions. But it is close on a week now since the person we are alluding to has been to the City.
human
Bless me! You surprise me. He cannot have left Barking Brothers & Barking?
gpt
I believe that is just exactly what he has done.
human
You do surprise me. I can hardly credit it. Nearly a week, and he as punctual and regular as clockwork! I must run over this evening and catch him. Something must be wrong. And yet why has he not been here? Dear me. Miss Hart, you----
gpt
Truly, the prosperity of the nation, Dr. Nevington was saying,
human
You do hear very sad tales from the country districts, certainly,
gpt
The state of affairs is more than sad, it is iniquitous. And therefore the Church must assert herself. The individual minister must assert himself, and claim a higher scale of remuneration. Help yourself, show push and principle, cultivate practical aims--that is what I preach to young men reading for Holy Orders. We have no place in these days for visionaries and dreamers. We want men who march with the times, who are interested in politics, and can make themselves felt.