human
Why, how's this? hae we all been sleepin' a week or ten days? exclaimed Mr. Lilburn.
gpt
The lad was to hae been absent that length o' time, and I thought it was but yesterday he went; yet here he is!
human
This is an unexpected pleasure, my dear boy,
gpt
Good-morning,
human
Good-morning to you all, returned Edward, taking his seat.
gpt
Of course I have not had time to attend to the business matter that took me away; but the fact is, I found I could not do without my wife, so came back after her.
human
Where is she now?
gpt
I left her still in bed and asleep. I came home by the stage, found her awake--indeed, I think she said she had not slept at all--and kept her awake for some time talking----
human
So much to say after so lengthened a separation?
gpt
Yes, sir, a good deal, Edward answered, coloring slightly.
human
So she has to make it up now, and I would not wake her.
gpt
Quite right, said his mother.
human
Her breakfast shall be sent up whenever she is ready for it.
gpt
I'm very glad you've come, Ned, remarked Rosie,
human
Thank you, my dear,
gpt
Ah, lassie, that's a' because your time hasna come yet, remarked Mr. Lilburn.
human
When it does, you'll be as lovelorn and foolish as the rest.
gpt
Granting that it is foolish for a woman to love her husband,
human
A heresy never to be countenanced here, said her spouse;
gpt
No, sir; not before to-morrow; not then unless Zoe is ready to go with me.
human
Quite right, my boy, your wife's health and happiness are, as your mother remarked to me yesterday, of more consequence than any mere business matter.
gpt
Can I have a word in private with you, mamma?
human
Certainly, she said.
gpt
I hope nothing is wrong with our little Zoe?
human
It is of her--and myself I want to speak. I feel impelled to make a confession to you, mother dear, that I would not willingly to any one else. Perhaps you have suspected, he added, coloring with mortification,
gpt
O Edward!
human
I am bitterly ashamed of my conduct, mother, he said with emotion,
gpt
I trust so, my dear boy, Elsie said,
human
But you, mamma, were a woman when you married, old enough and wise enough to guide and control yourself.
gpt
I was older than Zoe is, it is true; but do not be dictatorial, Edward; if you must rule, do it by love and persuasion; you will find it the easiest and happiest way for you both.
human
Yes, mother, I am convinced of it; but unfortunately for my poor little wife, I have not my father's gentleness and easy temper. Will you come up with me now and take a look at her? I fear she is not quite well--her cheeks are so flushed and her hands so hot. I shall never forgive myself if I have made her ill.
gpt
I sincerely hope you are not to be visited with so severe a punishment as that, his mother said.
human
But come, let us go to her at once.