human
Sir, I am--proud to have met you. Sir, there is a poor crippled soldier as I know,--My cottage is very small, and humble sir, but if you ever feel like--dropping in on him, sir,--by day or night, he will be--honoured, sir, honoured! And that's me--Sergeant Richard Appleby--late of the Nineteenth Hussars--at your service, sir!
gpt
Well? enquired Miss Priscilla in her quick, bright way,
human
Well Mr. Bellew, what do you think of him?--first impressions are always best,--at least, I think so,--what do you think of Sergeant Appleby?
gpt
I think he's a splendid fellow,
human
A very foolish old fellow, I think, and as stiff as one of the ram-rods of one of his own guns!
gpt
And as fine a soldier as a man, I'm sure,
human
Why yes, he _was_ a good soldier, once upon a time, I believe,--he won the Victoria Cross for doing something or other that was very brave, and he wears it with all his other medals, pinned on the inside of his coat. Oh yes, he was a fine soldier, once, but he's a very foolish old soldier, now,--I think, and as stiff as the ram-rod of one of his own guns. But I'm glad you like him, Mr. Bellew, and he will be proud, and happy for you to call and see him at his cottage. And now, I suppose, it is half past eleven, isn't it?
gpt
Yes, just half past!
human
Exact to time, as usual! said Miss Priscilla,
gpt
I don't think the Sergeant has missed a minute, or varied a minute in the last five years,--you see, he is such a very methodical man, Mr. Bellew!
human
Why then, does he come every day, at the same hour?
gpt
Every day! nodded Miss Priscilla,
human
Ah?
gpt
If you were to ask me why he comes, I should answer that I fancy it is to--look at the peaches. Dear me, Mr. Bellew! what a very foolish old soldier he is, to be sure!