human
You got home very well that day from the Priory; I watched you all the way,
gpt
Oh! yes; the distance is nothing.
human
You are very good, answered Miss Sheckleton, looking down.
gpt
Yes, we _are_ obliged to be very careful; but it is hardly worth breaking a rule; we may possibly be here for so very short a time, you know. And about the books----
human
Oh! about the books I'll hear nothing; there are books coming for me to Ware, and I shan't be there to receive them. And I shall be, I assure you, ever so much obliged if you'll only just give them house-room--they'll be so much safer--at Malory; and you won't deny me the pleasure of thinking that you and Miss Fanshawe will look over them?
gpt
Oh! poor little Whisk. There has been a tragedy: some horrid thing, a wild cat or an owl, killed him the other night, and mangled him so; poor little, dear thing, you must not ask.
human
Oh dear! I'm _so_ sorry; and Miss Fanshawe can so ill spare a companion just now.
gpt
Yes, it has been a great blow; and--and I think, Mr. Verney, I should prefer bidding you good-bye _here_,