human
Then it is not only Tudor mansions that attract you?
gpt
Really!
human
Have I put my luckless foot into it again?
gpt
May I not be impressed by magnanimity?
human
Mrs. Temperley is pleased to deride me. Craddock Dene must shrivel under destroying blasts like these.
gpt
Not so much as one might think.
human
A splendid night,
gpt
Glorious!
human
Spring is our best season here, the time of blossoming.
gpt
I am horribly tempted to take root in the lovely district, in the hope of also blossoming. Can you imagine me a sort of patriarchal apple-tree laden with snowy blooms?
human
You somewhat burden my imagination.
gpt
I have had to work hard all my life, until an unexpected legacy from an admirable distant relation put me at the end of a longer tether. I still have to work, but less hard. I have always tried not to ossify, keeping in view a possible serene time to come, when I might put forth blossoms in this vernal fashion that tempts my middle-aged fancy. And where could I choose a sweeter spot for these late efforts to be young and green, than here in this perfect south of England home?
human
It seems large,
gpt
You don't appear to take a keen interest in my blossoming.
human
I cannot naturally expect it, Professor Theobald continued, reading her silence aright,
gpt
Really, Professor Theobald, it is impossible for me to advise you in a matter so entirely depending on your own taste and your own affairs.
human
You can at least tell me how you like the district yourself; whether it satisfies you as to society, easy access of town, influence on the mind and the spirits, and so forth.
gpt
We are considered well off as to society. There are a good many neighbours within a radius of five miles; the trains to town are not all that could be wished. There are only two in the day worth calling such.
human
And as to its effect upon the general aspect of life; is it rousing, cheering, inspiring, invigorating?
gpt
I must refer you to other inhabitants on this point. I think Lady Engleton finds it fairly inspiring.
human
Lady Engleton is not Mrs. Temperley.
gpt
I doubt not that same speech has already done duty as a compliment to Lady Engleton.
human
You are incorrigible!
gpt
I wish you would make it when she is present, said Hadria,
human
I don't know what social treasures may be buried within your radius of five miles, but the mines need not be worked. An inhabitant of the Priory would not need them. Mrs. Temperley is a society in herself.
gpt
An inhabitant of the Priory might risk disappointment, in supposing that Mrs. Temperley had nothing else to do than to supply her neighbours with society.
human
I don't think, on the whole, that I will take the Priory, he said, after a considerable pause;
gpt
I suppose I should be an unwelcome neighbour,
human
I fear any polite assurance, after such a challenge, would be a poor compliment. As for entreating you to take the Priory, I really do not feel equal to the responsibility.
gpt
I accept in all humility, said the Professor, as he opened the gate of the Red House,
human
A singular character!
gpt
There is a lot of good in her,