human
I am sorry to see you so downcast like, my dear young lady,
gpt
How can I help it, Mrs. O'Keefe?
human
Try not to think of your wicked cousin, my dear.
gpt
It isn't of him that I think--it is of my uncle. How could he be so cruel, and turn against me after years of kindness?
human
It's that wicked Curtis that is settin' him against you, take my word for it, Miss Florence. Shure, he must be wake-minded to let such a spalpeen set him against a swate young leddy like you.
gpt
He is weak in body, not in mind, Mrs. O'Keefe. You are right in thinking that it is Curtis that is the cause of my misfortune.
human
Your uncle will come to his right mind some day, never fear! And now, my dear, shall I give you a bit of advice?
gpt
Go on, my kind friend. I will promise to consider whatever you say.
human
Then you'd better get some kind of work to take up your mind--a bit of sewin', or writin', or anything that comes to hand. I suppose you wouldn't want to mind my apple-stand a couple of hours every day?
gpt
No, answered Florence.
human
I don't feel equal to that.
gpt
It would do you no end of good to be out in the open air. It would bring back the roses to your pale cheeks. If you coop yourself up in this dark room, you'll fade away and get thin.
human
You are right. I will make an effort and go out. Besides, I must see about work.
gpt
How are you feelin', Florence? he asked; he had given up saying Miss Florence at her request.
human
Here's an advertisement that'll maybe suit you.
gpt
Show it to me, Dodger,
human
Wanted.--A governess for a girl of twelve. Must be a good performer on the piano, and able to instruct in French and the usual English branches. Terms must be moderate. Apply to Mrs. Leighton, at 127 W. ---- Street.
gpt
There, Florence, what do you say to that? That's better than sewin'.
human
I don't know, Dodger, whether I am competent.
gpt
You play on the pianner, don't you?
human
Yes.
gpt
Well enough to teach?
human
I think so; but I may not have the gift of teaching.
gpt
Yes, you have. Haven't you been teachin' me every evenin'? You make everything just as clear as mud--no, I don't mean that. You just explain so that I can't help understandin'.
human
Then, said Florence,
gpt
I suppose I am at liberty to refer to you.
human
Yes; you can tell the lady to call at the office of Dodger, Esq., any mornin' after sunrise, and he'll give her full particulars.