human
I'll warrant, now, said Harriet, when she returned,
gpt
I'll warrant, my good aunt is becoming fonder of that little staid piece of propriety than of me. How say you, Aunt Singleton?
human
Why, niece Harriet, said the old lady, looking up quaintly from her canvass,
gpt
I defy you, aunt! said Harriet, suddenly kissing her.
human
Come here, ma mie, she added, drawing Margaret aside;
gpt
No, indeed, Harriet, returned Margaret, smiling;
human
Ha, ha! said Harriet.
gpt
You are a surprising little creature; for he is not a person to despise. I mean in point of manner and appearance.
human
I wish you made that opinion of yours a little more evident,
gpt
Why, you bold little creature, returned Harriet;
human
Oh, fie! Niece Harriet,
gpt
No, but you don't understand, Aunt Singleton: this is Margaret's plan, not mine.
human
Oh fie! Niece Harriet,
gpt
It is not my plan, is it, Margaret? said Harriet, laughing.
human
By the way, do I talk hoarsely?
gpt
I think you do, a little.
human
Then my good uncle is right, and I am going to have a cold: my throat is very uncomfortable. I will tell you what you must do to-night--take my place at the piano with Mr. Humphries. You can sing ten times better than I can.
gpt
But I do so dislike singing in company. People are always bored by good music.
human
People, my love, are bored if you sing; but they are enraged if you don't. Choose the least evil.
gpt
Mr. Humphries, Miss Capel will take the first of that fine duet in Norma, 'Qual cor tradisti:' you will then hear the purest mezzo soprano in England.