human
Oh! what beautiful weather, exclaimed George Wilton, as he drew his chair nearer the fire.
gpt
This sort of evenings is so suitable for story-telling, that I regret more than ever the disagreeable necessity which has taken Mr. Stanley to foreign countries, and broken up our delightful parties. But yet, there are enough of us remaining at home to form a society; we _might_ manage without him. Do not you remember, papa, you said, when Julia Manvers was with us last summer, we were to examine into the particulars respecting the seas and oceans of the world; and not once was the subject mentioned while we were at Herne Bay, although the sea was continually before us to remind us of it. Are we _ever_ to have any more of those conversations? I liked them amazingly, and I am sure I learned a great deal more geography by them than I ever did out of Goldsmith, or any other dry lesson-book, which compels one to learn by rule. I wish, dear papa, you would settle to have these meetings again; we would write down all the particulars, and enclose them in a letter to Mr. Stanley: I am sure he would be quite pleased.
human
I think he would, George, replied Mr. Wilton,
gpt
Oh! dear papa, exclaimed Emma,
human
I am quite sure _that_ will be unnecessary. Grandy has often talked of the meetings held last year, and regretted that there seemed no disposition to renew them; therefore, we are sure of _her_ vote. Mamma was so useful with _her_ descriptions, that _she_ is not likely to object. Then you know, dear papa, how very much _I_ enjoyed these conversations; and, as far as any one else is concerned, I am convinced that _my_ candidate will be glad to prepare a portion of the subject as her admission fee, and will be as much interested in the welfare of the society as we old members are, who have already felt the advantages arising from it. May we decide now, papa?
gpt
I have a question to ask, said George.
human
May we have the meetings twice during the month, instead of once, as before? It will induce us to be more industrious, as we shall be obliged to work to get up the information. I can share the labor with Emma now, because I can write easily, and quickly; besides, it will be such pleasant employment for the half-holidays.
gpt
Very well, my dear, said Mr. Wilton;
human
And when shall we begin, papa?
gpt
My engagements until the 7th of February are so numerous as to preclude the possibility of my presence at a meeting before that time; but after the 7th inst. I shall be more at liberty, and we will, if you please, commence our voyage, and (wind and weather permitting) travel on regularly and perseveringly until we have circumnavigated the globe.
human
Agreed! agreed!
gpt
I know which of my friends I shall ask, said George;
human
I fancy you cannot, returned Emma:
gpt
I do not intend to tell any one, either, until I hear whether or not she can come; therefore check your inquisitiveness, Master George, and wait patiently, for you will not know before the 7th, when I will introduce my friend.
human
Now, said Grandy,
gpt
We may now, said Mr. Wilton,
human
Well, what must it be? Something nautical, I suppose; for as we are about to set sail in a few days, it will be appropriate, will it not?
gpt
Oh yes! dear Grandy, a nautical story, if you please.