human
I thought you lived away at the other end of the village, laddie?
gpt
Yes’m, I do.
human
You haven’t wheeled yourself all this way?
gpt
Yes’m.
human
What’s the matter with you that you can’t walk, Tommie?
gpt
My back is broken.
human
My dear little fellow--I’m very sorry for you!
gpt
Oh, don’t be sorry for me.
human
Not sorry for you?
gpt
I have a pretty good time; it’s my mother--I’m sorry for her.
human
Ah, indeed, your mother! echoed Alice, struck by his words.
gpt
I am sorry for both of you then. And how did you break your back?
human
In our yard--climbing, ma’am.
gpt
Poor devil, he’s not the first one that has broken his back climbing, muttered Kimberly, taking a note from his waistcoat.
human
Give him something, Alice.
gpt
As much as this?
human
Why not? It’s of no possible use to us, and it will be a nine-months’ wonder in that little household.
gpt
Take this home to your mother.
human
Thank you. I can make little baskets,
gpt
Can you? echoed Alice, pleased.
human
Would you make one for me?
gpt
I will bring one up to your house if you want me to.
human
That would be too far! And you don’t know where I live.
gpt
Up at The Towers, ma’am.
human
Very well; bring it to The Towers, directed Kimberly,
gpt
I’ll see that she gets it.
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
And see here; don’t lose that note, Tommie. By Heavens, he handles money more carelessly than I do. No matter, wait till his mother sees it.