human
Could yer tell me where the 'firmary are, please?
gpt
Why, there, right afore your eyes.
human
What, that?
gpt
Ay, to be sure,
human
Oh, lor'! was the reply,
gpt
I thought that wur the 'ouse the Queen lived in.
human
Do you want to get in?
gpt
Ay, said Benny,
human
Then go up this street. There's the lodge door on your left; you can't miss it.
gpt
Thanks, sir,
human
This are the 'firmary, ain't it?
gpt
Yes, my little man, was the answer.
human
What do you want?
gpt
I wants to know if Nelly are in 'ere?
human
I don't know. Who is she?
gpt
My sister,
human
When was she brought here?
gpt
To-day. Bill Tucker said as 'ow she was hurt in the street an' brought here.
human
Yes, a little girl was brought in two or three hours ago.
gpt
Wur she very white, an' had long hair?
human
Yes, my little man.
gpt
Oh, that wur Nelly. Let me see her, please.
human
You cannot to-day, it's against rules; you can see her to-morrow morning, after ten o'clock.
gpt
Oh, do let me jist peep at her.
human
I cannot, my little fellow; and besides, it would do her no good.
gpt
But it ud do me good, said Benny, gulping down a great lump in his throat.
human
She is all I has in the world.
gpt
I'm very sorry, my boy, but you can't see her to-night.
human
Not for jist a minit?
gpt
No, not to-night.
human
She ain't dead, then?
gpt
No, but she is unconscious.
human
Will she get better?
gpt
I hope so. Now run away and come again to-morrow, and rest satisfied that your little sister will be well taken care of.
human
Oh, please,
gpt
I cannot let you see her, however willing I might be, said the man.
human
Now run away, there's a good lad.
gpt
Oh, dear, groaned Benny, as he stepped out into the darkening street.
human
What shall I do? what shall I do?