human
How did she know I was hurt?
gpt
By rumour, no doubt. But it is too good in her to trouble herself about you. For my part, it was of your victims I was thinking when I inquired after the wounded. What damage have your opponents sustained?
human
One of the rioters, or victims as you call them, was killed, and six were hurt.
gpt
What have you done with them?
human
What you will perfectly approve. Medical aid was procured immediately; and as soon as we can get a couple of covered wagons and some clean straw, they will be removed to Stilbro'.
gpt
Straw! You must have beds and bedding. I will send my wagon directly, properly furnished; and Mr. Yorke, I am sure, will send his.
human
You guess correctly; he has volunteered already. And Mrs. Yorke--who, like you, seems disposed to regard the rioters as martyrs, and me, and especially Mr. Helstone, as murderers--is at this moment, I believe, most assiduously engaged in fitting it up with feather-beds, pillows, bolsters, blankets, etc. The _victims_ lack no attentions, I promise you. Mr. Hall, your favourite parson, has been with them ever since six o'clock, exhorting them, praying with them, and even waiting on them like any nurse; and Caroline's good friend, Miss Ainley, that _very_ plain old maid, sent in a stock of lint and linen, something in the proportion of another lady's allowance of beef and wine.
gpt
That will do. Where is your sister?
human
Well cared for. I had her securely domiciled with Miss Mann. This very morning the two set out for Wormwood Wells [a noted watering-place], and will stay there some weeks.
gpt
So Mr. Helstone domiciled me at the rectory! Mighty clever you gentlemen think you are! I make you heartily welcome to the idea, and hope its savour, as you chew the cud of reflection upon it, gives you pleasure. Acute and astute, why are you not also omniscient? How is it that events transpire, under your very noses, of which you have no suspicion? It should be so, otherwise the exquisite gratification of outmanoeuvring you would be unknown. Ah, friend, you may search my countenance, but you cannot read it.
human
You think me a dangerous specimen of my sex. Don't you now?
gpt
A peculiar one, at least.
human
But Caroline--is she peculiar?
gpt
In her way--yes.
human
Her way! What is her way?
gpt
You know her as well as I do.
human
And knowing her, I assert that she is neither eccentric nor difficult of control. Is she?
gpt
That depends----
human
However, there is nothing masculine about _her_?
gpt
Why lay such emphasis on _her_? Do you consider her a contrast, in that respect, to yourself?
human
You do, no doubt; but that does not signify. Caroline is neither masculine, nor of what they call the spirited order of women.
gpt
I have seen her flash out.
human
So have I, but not with manly fire. It was a short, vivid, trembling glow, that shot up, shone, vanished----
gpt
And left her scared at her own daring. You describe others besides Caroline.
human
The point I wish to establish is, that Miss Helstone, though gentle, tractable, and candid enough, is still perfectly capable of defying even Mr. Moore's penetration.
gpt
What have you and she been doing?
human
Have you had any breakfast?
gpt
What is your mutual mystery?
human
If you are hungry, Mrs. Gill will give you something to eat here. Step into the oak parlour, and ring the bell. You will be served as if at an inn; or, if you like better, go back to the Hollow.
gpt
The alternative is not open to me; I _must_ go back. Good-morning. The first leisure I have I will see you again.