human
Anthea my dear, said she suddenly,
gpt
I'm fond of music, and I love to hear you play, as you know,--but I never heard you play quite so--dolefully? dear me, no,--that's not the right word,--nor dismal,--but I mean something between the two.
human
I thought you were fond of Grieg, Aunt Priscilla.
gpt
So I am, but then, even in his gayest moments, poor Mr. Grieg was always breaking his heart over something, or other. And-- Gracious!--there's Mr. Bellew at the window. Pray come in, Mr. Bellew, and tell us how you liked Peterday, and the muffins?
human
Thank you! said Bellew, stepping in through the long French window,
gpt
I only play when I feel like it,--to please myself,--and Aunt Priscilla,
human
Why then, said Bellew, sinking into the easy-chair that Miss Priscilla indicated with a little stab of her needle,
gpt
And the shrimps, Mr. Bellew?
human
Out-shrimped all other shrimps so ever!
gpt
And did--_He_--pour out the tea? enquired Miss Priscilla,
human
He did.
gpt
Just as usual; yes he always does,--and every year he gives me three lumps of sugar,--and I only take one, you know. It's a pity, sighed Miss Priscilla,
human
And here she sighed again, and, catching herself, glanced up quickly at Bellew, and smiled to see how completely absorbed he was in contemplation of the silent figure in the window-seat.
gpt
But, after all, better a right arm--than a leg, she pursued,--
human
Certainly!
gpt
A man with only one leg, you see, would be almost as helpless as an--old woman with a crippled foot,--
human
Who grows younger, and brighter, every year! added Bellew, turning to her with his pleasant smile,
gpt
Oh, Mr. Bellew! exclaimed Miss Priscilla shaking her head at him reprovingly, yet looking pleased, none the less,--
human
Why, it was the Sergeant who put it into my head,--
gpt
The Sergeant?
human
Yes,--it was after I had given him your message about peaches, Aunt Priscilla and--
gpt
Oh dear heart! exclaimed Miss Priscilla, at this juncture,
human
Prudence is out, to-night, and I promised to bake the bread for her, and here I sit chatting, and gossipping while that bread goes rising, and rising all over the kitchen!
gpt
And I was almost forgetting to wish you 'many happy returns of the day, Aunt Priscilla!'