human
It's nearly five o'clock, she said,
gpt
He often doesn't come home till seven,
human
Why, what's the matter with you, Winnie dear, said Sibyl--this was her pet name for the governess;
gpt
Not to-night. I was thinking that after tea you and I might go for a little walk.
human
Oh, I couldn't, really, truly; I must wait in till father comes.
gpt
It is such a fine evening, that perhaps----
human
No, no, I don't want to go.
gpt
But your mother has given me money; you are to buy anything you please at the toy-shop.
human
How much money?
gpt
Well, a good deal, a whole sovereign.
human
Twenty shillings, said Sibyl,
gpt
I could get a lovely doll's house for that. But I think sometimes I am getting tired of my dolls. It's so stupid of 'em not to talk, and never to cry, and not to feel pain or love. But, on the whole, I suppose I should like a new doll's house, and there was a beauty at the toy-shop for twenty shillings. It was there at Christmas-time. I expect it's a little dusty now, but I dare say Mr. Holman would let me have it cheap. I am _very_ fond of Mr. Holman, aren't you, Winnie? Don't you love him very, very much? He has such kind, sorrowful eyes. Don't you like him?
human
I don't know that I do, Sibyl. Come, finish your tea, my dear.
gpt
Have you been trying to 'prove yourself very much while I was away?
human
Prove myself?
gpt
I can never say that whole word. _Im_prove is what I mean. Have you been trying?
human
I always try, Sibyl.
gpt
Then I think Lord Jesus is helping you, for you _are_ 'proved, you're quite sympathisy. I like you when you're sympathisy. Yes, I have finished my tea, and, if you wish it, I'll go out just as far as Mr. Holman's to buy the doll's house. He is poor, and he'll be real glad to sell it. He has often told me how little money he makes by the toys, and how they lose their freshness and get dusty, and children toss 'em. Some children are _so_ careless. Yes, I'll go with you, and then we'll come straight home. Father will be back certain to-night at six. He'll know that I'll be wanting him.
human
Sibyl, I have something to tell you.
gpt
What?