human
Oh, no, indeed! I have never played with him; I do not know him; I never play with any boys here. Oh, no, indeed!
gpt
But why not, Ferdy? What! a whole month in this tiresome tent, and not make the acquaintance of your nearest neighbor,--such a sturdy, hearty chunk of a fellow as that is?--I have no doubt he's good-natured, too, for he's fat and funny, tough and independent. Besides, he's a carpenter's son, you know; so there's a chance to borrow a saw to make the dog-house with. Who knows but his father will take a fancy to you,--I'm sure he is very likely to,--and make you a church dog-house, steeple and all complete and painted, and much finer than Charley Saunders's martin-box?
human
Oh, I should like to, so much! And perhaps he has a Newfoundlander with a bushy tail and a brass collar,--that would be nicer than a kangaroo. But--but --looking comically bothered,--
gpt
I never knew a carpenter's son in my life. I am sure my father would not give me permission,--I am sure he would be very angry, if I asked him. Are they not very disagreeable, that sort of boys? Don't they swear, and tear their clothes, and fight, and sing vulgar songs, and tell lies, and sit down in the middle of the street?
human
Ferdy, said I,
gpt
I'll talk with your father myself. But tell me, now, what makes you so happy to-day.
human
My father got a letter this morning, --a mail had just arrived; it brought no smile or tear for me,--no parallelogram of tragedy or comedy in stationery,--
gpt
They have made him a chevalier again, I wondered.
human
Your uncle Miguel is your father's brother, then, Ferdy. And did you ever see him?
gpt
Ah! my dear Doctor, I am rejoiced to find you here; I have been wishing for you. See! your picture is finished. Tell me if you like it.
human
Indeed, a work of beauty, Pintal.
gpt
To me, too, it never looked so well before; but I see things with glad eyes to-day. I have much to tell you. Ferdy, your mother is dining at the restaurant; go join her. And when you have finished your dinner, ask her to take you to walk. Say that I am engaged. Would you not like to walk, my boy, and see how fast the new streets spring up? When you return, you can tell me of all you saw.