human
Pardon me, Mr. LANE, he interrupts,
gpt
(
human
You will say at this--but you will sit down again_)
gpt
Norwood is a singularly favoured locality. Sir; its charms have induced many of our foremost men to select it for their _rus in urbe_. Why, in this very road--May I ask, by the way, if you are acquainted with Alderman MINCING? Alderman MINCING has been good enough to furnish me with many interesting details of his personal career, a photo-gravured portrait of him will be included, with views of the interior and exterior of 'The Drudgeries,' and a bit from the back-garden. (_You do know_ MINCING--_and you cannot help inwardly wondering at the absurd vanity of the man_--_a mere nobody, away from the City!_)
human
Between ourselves, says your interviewer, candidly, having possibly observed your expression,
gpt
I am by no means sure that I shall feel warranted in allotting Alderman MINCING as much space as I fear he will consider himself entitled to. Alderman MINCING, though a highly respectable man, does _not_ appeal to the popular imagination as others I could mention do--he is just a _little_ commonplace! (
human
you think to yourself--
gpt
Got_ MINCING's _measure!_ )
human
But I should feel it an honour, indeed, if such a man as yourself, now, would give me all the personal information you think proper to make public, while, as a specimen of what Norwood can do in luxurious and artistic domestic fittings, this house, Sir, would be invaluable! I do trust that you will see your way to-- (_At first, you suggest that you must talk it over with your Wife--but you presently see that if_ MINCING _and men of that calibre are to be in this, you cannot, for your own sake, hold aloof, and so your Visitor soon has his note-book out._)
gpt
Any remarkable traits recorded of you as an infant, Mr. LANE? A strong aversion to porridge, and an antipathy to black-beetles--both of which you still retain? Thank you, _very_ much. And you were educated? At Dulborough Grammar School? Just _so_! Never took to Latin, or learned Greek? Commercial aptitudes declaring themselves thus early--curious, _indeed_! Entered your father's office as clerk? Became a partner? Married your present lady--when? In 1860? Exactly!--and have offspring? Your subsequent life comparatively uneventful? That will do admirably--infinitely obliged to you, I am sure. It would be useless to ask you if you would care to have a copy of the work, when issued, forwarded to you--we can do it for you at the very nominal sum of two guineas, if paid in advance--a gratifying possession for your children after you have gone, Mr. LANE! I _may_ put you down? Thank you. For _two_ copies? (_On second thoughts, you do order two copies; you can send one out to your married Sister in Australia_--_it will amuse her._)
human
One, two, three, four guineas--_quite_ correct, Mr. LANE, and you shall have an early opportunity of revising a proof, and we will send down a competent artist, in a day or two, to take the photographs. Quite an agreeable change in the weather, is it not? _Good_ day!
gpt
You may have to wait.