human
Good even, Mr Louvaine, said he, rising:
gpt
I had the honour this evening to wait on my Lady your grandmother, and was desired to drop a word to you as I went home, to the effect that your friends have a mind to speak with you on some matter of import. Her Ladyship bids you, the first opportunity you can make, to visit the White Bear.
human
I will do so, said Aubrey, recovering from his alarm.
gpt
I cry you mercy for my short greeting, but truly I was afraid, not knowing if you had ill news for me.
human
That I have not at this time, God be thanked! Yet if I may, I would fain ask you, Mr Louvaine, whether some time hath not run since you saw your friends in King Street?
gpt
Oh no! not very long--at least not more than common--only about-- Aubrey hesitated and flushed, as he realised that it was now the middle of October, and his last visit had been paid early in June.
human
You see, Sir, I am close tied by my duties here,
gpt
So close tied that you may not even be away for an hour? Well, you know your own duty; do it, and all shall be well. But I would beseech you not to neglect this call any longer than till your earliest opportunity shall give leave.
human
May God bless you!
gpt
Who is your visitor, Louvaine?
human
If it please your Lordship, 'tis but a messenger from my grandmother.
gpt
What would the ancient dame?
human
She would have me go and wait on her: what else I know not. I shall find out, I reckon, when I go.
gpt
When saw you her Ladyship, Mr Louvaine?
human
Madam, in June last, under your Ladyship's pleasure.
gpt
It scarcely is to my pleasure. Son Henry, cannot you allow this young gentlemen to visit his friends more often?
human
Under your leave, Madam, he can visit them every day if he will. I tarry him not.
gpt
Then how comes it, Mr Louvaine, that you have not waited on my Lady Lettice for four months?
human
Methinks your duty to your mother and Lady Lettice should be your first business after God, said the Countess gravely.
gpt
I pray you, Mr Louvaine, that you wait on her Ladyship to-morrow even. The Earl will give you leave.