human
Is anything the matter?
gpt
No. Why?
human
I feel as if a bird had left off singing,
gpt
What a pretty way of putting it! Bertie isn't nearly so complimentary. He calls me the magpie, which is really very unfair, for he talks much more than I do. Dear old Bertie!
human
Dear little Dot!
gpt
Anne darling, I've got something to tell you--something you very possibly won't quite like. You won't be vexed any, will you?
human
Not any,
gpt
No, but it isn't a small thing. It--it's rather immense. But Bertie said I was to tell you, because you are not to be taken by surprise again. He doesn't think it fair, and of course he's right.
human
What is it, dear?
gpt
My dear, said Dot, holding her closely,