human
Oh, I want you! he said.
gpt
I was afraid you were already gone.--Caroline, come here.
human
I shall not sleep at home to-night, he continued.
gpt
I have just met with an old friend, and promised to accompany him. I shall return probably about noon to-morrow. Thomas, the clerk, is engaged, and I cannot get him to sleep in the house, as I usually do when I am absent for a night. Now----
human
Now, interrupted Shirley,
gpt
Exactly, captain. I thought the post would suit you. Will you favour Caroline so far as to be her guest for one night? Will you stay here instead of going back to Fieldhead?
human
And what will Mrs. Pryor do? she expects me home.
gpt
I will send her word. Come, make up your mind to stay. It grows late; the dew falls heavily. You and Caroline will enjoy each other's society, I doubt not.
human
I promise you, then, to stay with Caroline, replied Shirley.
gpt
As you say, we shall enjoy each other's society. We will not be separated to-night. Now, rejoin your old friend, and fear nothing for us.
human
If there should chance to be any disturbance in the night, captain; if you should hear the picking of a lock, the cutting out of a pane of glass, a stealthy tread of steps about the house (and I need not fear to tell _you_, who bear a well-tempered, mettlesome heart under your girl's ribbon sash, that such little incidents are very possible in the present time), what would you do?
gpt
Don't know; faint, perhaps--fall down, and have to be picked up again. But, doctor, if you assign me the post of honour, you must give me arms. What weapons are there in your stronghold?
human
You could not wield a sword?
gpt
No; I could manage the carving-knife better.
human
You will find a good one in the dining-room sideboard--a lady's knife, light to handle, and as sharp-pointed as a poniard.
gpt
It will suit Caroline. But you must give me a brace of pistols. I know you have pistols.
human
I have two pairs. One pair I can place at your disposal. You will find them suspended over the mantelpiece of my study in cloth cases.
gpt
Loaded?
human
Yes, but not on the cock. Cock them before you go to bed. It is paying you a great compliment, captain, to lend you these. Were you one of the awkward squad you should not have them.
gpt
I will take care. You need delay no longer, Mr. Helstone. You may go now.--He is gracious to me to lend me his pistols, she remarked, as the rector passed out at the garden gate.
human
But come, Lina, she continued,
gpt
Shirley, I hear the beck in the Hollow.