human
Let me give you another cup of tea, she said, as the butterman paused in the supernumerary meal which that excellent man was making;
gpt
I am so glad you happened to come this evening when I am taking a little leisure. I hope the congregation will not think me indifferent, Mr. Tozer. I am sure you and Mrs. Tozer will kindly explain to them how much I have been occupied. When Susan is well, I hope to make acquaintance with all my son's people. Arthur, my dear boy, you are over-tired, you don't eat anything--and you made a very poor dinner. I wish you would advise him to take a little rest, Mr. Tozer. He minds his mother in most things, but not in this. It is vain for me to say anything to him about giving up work; but perhaps a little advice from you would have more effect. I spoke to Dr. Rider on the subject, and he says a little rest is all my son requires; but rest is exactly what he will never take. It was just the same with his dear father--and you are not strong enough, Arthur, to bear so much.
human
I daresay as you're right, ma'am, said Tozer;
gpt
I did not see him;--I mean I am sorry I was not able to call on Pigeon to-day, said Vincent, hastily;
human
I was unexpectedly detained, he added, growing rather red, and looking Tozer in the face.
gpt
Indeed, I am not sure that I ought to call on Pigeon, continued the minister, after a pause;
human
I have done nothing to offend him. If he chooses to take an affront which was never intended, I can't help it. Why should I go and court every man who is sulky or ill-tempered in the congregation? Look here, Tozer--you are a sensible man--you have been very kind, as my mother says. I set out to-day intending to go and see this man for your sake; but you know very well this is not what I came to Carlingford for. If I had known the sort of thing that was required of me! cried Vincent, rising up and resuming his place on the hearthrug--
gpt
Mr. Vincent, sir, said Tozer solemnly, pushing away his empty teacup, and leaning forward over the table on his folded arms,
human
But Arthur is well aware of it, said the alarmed mother, interposing hastily, conscious that to be thus appealed to was the greatest danger which could threaten her.
gpt
His dear father always told him so; yet, after all, Mr. Vincent used to say, added the anxious diplomatist,
human
continued the minister's mother, with a tremulous smile--
gpt
No more for me, ma'am, thankye, said Tozer, laying his hand over his cup.
human
I don't deny as there's truth in what you say. I don't deny as a family here and there in a flock may be aggravating like them Pigeons, I'm not the man to be hard on a minister, if that ain't his turn. A pastor may have a weakness, and not feel himself as equal to one part of his work as to another; but to go for to say as visiting and keeping the flock pleased, ain't his duty--it's that, ma'am, as goes to my heart.
gpt
If Pigeon has anything to find fault with, let him come and have it out, said Vincent, bringing, as his mother instantly perceived, a less clouded countenance into the light of the lamp.
human
You, who are a much better judge than Pigeon, were not displeased on Sunday,