human
Why, Mr. Toosypegs, how do you do? I hope you have been quite well since I saw you last!
gpt
Thank you, Master Raymond, I've been quite well, I'm very much obliged to you, said Mr. Toosypegs, wriggling faintly in his grasp.
human
So is Miss Toosypegs, so is Aunt Bob, and all the rest of the family--I'm very much obliged to you.
gpt
Dogs and all, I hope, Orlando?
human
Yes, Miss Pet, the dogs are quite well, I'm obliged to you. I hope you feel pretty well yourself?
gpt
No, I ain't, then. I'm not well at all. I've been in a state of mind all the week, and there's no telling how long it may last.
human
Good gracious! you don't say so! said the alarmed Mr. Toosypegs.
gpt
It's not anything dangerous, I hope?
human
Well, people generally think the smallpox is dangerous!
gpt
The smallpox! Oh, my gracious! Why, Miss Pet, how could you go to come here, and give it to us all like this? Good gracious! for to think of being all full of holes like a potato-steamer!
human
But the smallpox ain't no circumstance to my trouble, went on Pet, as if she hadn't heard him.
gpt
I'm going to be sent to school!
human
Come back, Mr. Toosypegs; she hasn't got the smallpox, said Ray, laughing.
gpt
There is not the slightest danger, I assure you. Pet was only using an illustration that time.
human
Good gracious! exclaimed Mr. Toosypegs, dropping into a chair and wiping his face with his handkerchief,
gpt
Well, you wouldn't be the first one I've scared the life out of! said Pet, swinging her riding-whip.
human
I'm apt to astonish people now and then!
gpt
I should think so, said Ray.
human
Do you remember the night she coaxed you out sailing with her, Mr. Toosypegs, and upset the boat; and then added insult to injury by pulling you on shore by the hair of your head? That was an awful trick, Pet.
gpt
I haven't got it out of my bones yet, said Mr. Toosypegs, mournfully.
human
I never expected such treatment from. Miss Pet, I'm sure, and I don't know what I had ever done to deserve it.
gpt
Well, don't be mad, Orlando. I'll never do it again, said Pet, in a deeply-penitent tone.
human
But, I say, Minnie, when we are going to have breakfast? I've an awful appetite this morning.
gpt
In a moment. Hurry, Lucy,
human
I was just up-stairs, bringing grandmother her breakfast.
gpt
Hem! How is the old lady?
human
As well as usual. She hardly ever comes down-stairs now. Do hurry, Lucy. Miss Lawless will soon be starved, if you keep on so slowly!
gpt
Lor' sakes! I is hurryin', Miss Minnie, said Lucy, as, she bustled in, drew out a small, round table, laid the cloth, and prepared to arrange the breakfast-service.