human
Oh, sir! I am ashamed you should see how my poor wife and I are overcome by the work which has been going on for this last fortnight, and to which almost the finishing-stroke has been put this very day. And I, old fool that I am! have hardly been able to keep away from the place, sir! though every stroke of the masons seemed like a blow upon my heart, and every stone that fell, like a drop of blood from it. And poor Celia! though she kept at home, could hear the sounds even here. Grief has sharp ears, sir.
gpt
Ah, is it even so, my good friend? said L----, affected even to tears.
human
I have been away from home almost this month, you know; I had not heard what was going on. So then the old Hall is no more? I have looked my last at its venerable walls. Would I had returned a few days earlier--in time to have seen but one fragment standing.
gpt
That you may do yet, sir! that you may do yet, sobbed out the old servant, with a burst of now uncontrolled feeling;
human
Then, Hallings, I must go this very evening--this very moment, to take my farewell look at all that remains--that last remaining portion so sacred to my feelings and to yours.