human
But, Mr. Counsellor, is there then anybody who has accused you of believing in witchcraft?
gpt
No, dear madam; but for all that I can assure you, that at the moment the clock struck twelve I thought that you, by two o'clock, most fly away in the form of a bird.
human
As the clock struck twelve now, at noon?--not at midnight?
gpt
No, just a little since.
human
That is remarkable. Can you satisfy my curiosity, and tell me why?
gpt
Because under ordinary circumstances it appears to me impossible for a lady to make her toilette and drive ten miles in less than two hours.
human
That is quite true, Mr. Counsellor; but neither do I intend to drive ten miles to-day.
gpt
It was for that reason that I said, fly.
human
Neither fly. And to convince you and quite certainly rid you of the idea of witchcraft, you can stay here, if you please, until--what time was it?
gpt
Two o'clock.
human
That is two long hours; but the Counsellor can, if he please, lay that offering upon the altar of education.
gpt
Oh! I know another altar, upon which I would rather offer the two only all too short hours
human
Let it now be upon that of education. You promised my cousin and me that you would read to us about popular science of nature and interesting facts in the life of animals.
gpt
Yes, dear madam; but _I_ cannot fly: my carriage stands waiting at the tavern.
human
Oh, I beg pardon! an agreeable journey, Mr. Counsellor.
gpt
Yes; but I don't understand why I shall drive the ten miles.
human
Every one knows his own concerns best.
gpt
Oh, yes! that is true. But I at least don't know mine.
human
I would, continued the counsellor, somewhat puzzled,
gpt
I have already told the Counsellor that I did not intend to go to town to-day,
human
Yes, continued Bagger, following his own ideas,