human
Well, Missy, said old Scott as he dug his spade deep down into the soil;
gpt
How is Dan?
human
A-wrastling with his pain,
gpt
Is he expecting me and mother with the beautiful apples?
human
Is he expecting you, Missy? answered the old man, raising his beetling brows and fixing his black eyes on the child.
gpt
Is he a-counting the hours? Do ducks swim, Missy, and do little sick boys a-smothered up in bed in small close rooms want apples and little ladies to visit 'em or not? You said you'd go, Missy, and Dan he's counting the minutes.
human
Of course I'll go, replied Sibyl, but she looked anxious and _distrait_. Then she added,
gpt
I will go if I possibly can.
human
I didn't know there was any doubt about it, Missy, and I tell you Dan is counting the minutes. Last thing he said afore I went out this morning was, 'I'll see little Missy to-day, and she is to bring me a basket of apples.' Seems to me he thinks a sight more of you than the fruit.
gpt
Dear, dear, it is quite dreadful, she said,
human
I could cry about it, I could really, truly.
gpt
But why, Missy? What's up? I don't like to see a little lady like you a-fretting.
human
Mr. Scott, I'm awfully, awfully sorry; I am terribly afraid I can't go.
gpt
You promised you'd go,
human
I did, I certainly did, but mother was to have gone with me, and she has had to go to town about the bazaar. I suppose you couldn't take back the apples with you when you go home to-night, Mr. Scott?
gpt
I could not,
human
Besides, he added,
gpt
Lord Jesus wouldn't curse a little girl like me, a little girl who loves Him,
human
I'll do my very best,
gpt
I wouldn't disappoint the little lad if I was you, Missy. He's a-counting of the minutes.
human
I could take the apples, he said to himself;
gpt
I could if I had a mind to, but I don't see why the quality shouldn't keep their word, and I'm due to speak at the Mission Hall this evening. Little Miss should know afore she makes promises. She's a rare fine little 'un, though, for all that. I never see a straighter face, eyes that could look through you. Dear little Missy! Dan thinks a precious sight of her. I expect somehow she'll take him the apples.