human
If Andrew ever wishes to have his say in business matters, I should have neither the desire nor the authority to object,
gpt
Then we may rest assured that everything will be done to facilitate his departure for Canada, Robert said decidedly.
human
There is only another point--I wonder whether Mrs. Olcott could by any means be induced to leave the neighborhood.
gpt
It would be wiser to leave the hatching of the plot until Andrew has sailed!
human
Plot is not the right word; and you are mistaken if you imagine that any fear of Andrew's displeasure would deter me in a matter of duty. With the welfare of the parish at heart----
gpt
Duty's a good deal easier when it chimes with one's inclinations; and the welfare of the parish isn't threatened by Mrs. Olcott. There are, however, one or two abuses you could put your finger on to-morrow if you liked, though I dare say it would get you into trouble.
human
I think we needn't talk about the matter any more, she said.
gpt
It is decided that Andrew shall be sent to Canada.
human
Where have you been? he asked.
gpt
I haven't seen you since we came.
human
Florence found me an errand that kept me out of the way, said Hilda pointedly.
gpt
Now what have you and the others been talking about?
human
I mustn't betray a confidence, answered Wannop with twinkling eyes.
gpt
Still, I dare say you can guess.
human
Of course! They were discussing my erring brother. Aren't they silly?
gpt
I think so. It's curious that you and I, whose opinions don't count for much, should venture to differ with the rest.
human
But we are the ones who see most clearly. I have always felt that you are to be trusted.
gpt
I must try to deserve such confidence.
human
Don't be foolish; this is serious. They mean well, but they're all wrong about Andrew. Of course, I make fun of him now and then, but I'm very fond of him. It's a mistake to think he's stupid; and Leonard's responsible for it.
gpt
I'll admit that something of the kind has occurred to me,
human
Well, she said,
gpt
I have never had much confidence in Leonard, though the others think him perfect. I've an idea that all along he has been gently pushing Andrew aside, making him look silly, and undermining the influence he ought to have. Now he's sending him to Canada--I very much wonder why? He has some reason.
human
My dear, your suspicions go a trifle farther than mine. You may be right, though it's not nice to think so. But where does all this lead?
gpt
Andrew may need supporters who don't altogether believe in the immaculate Leonard some day. I think, if needful, he could count on us.
human
And on nobody else?
gpt
Not until the others understood; and it would be hard to make them see.
human
Uncommonly hard, Wannop admitted.
gpt
Well, Hilda, you and I will be allies. We can conspire together unsuspected, because we are the two who are not supposed to count--you because you're too young and charming; I because I haven't the fine moral fastidiousness and air of distinction that marks the Allinsons. But I'll let you into a secret--Gertrude's wavering in her ideas about Andrew: I'm perverting her.
human
There's something I'd better tell you. I met Mrs. Olcott half an hour ago and I stopped and spoke. I like her--there isn't the least reason why I shouldn't--and I'm sorry for her. I know she feels being left alone, and we're going to be friends. Now if the others should try to make things unpleasant?
gpt
I imagine Robert means mischief.
human
I was afraid of it, said Hilda.
gpt
Of course, he's as silly and unable to see things properly as an owl in daylight, but solemn stupid people often pass for being wise, and he might do harm. If he tries, can you stop him? I know Andrew would like it.
human
As I'm unromantically stout, getting elderly, and devoid of personal charm, I might perhaps venture to interfere in this matter. After all, there's a sense in which Andrew is undoubtedly to blame. Why do you let him go to The Firs so often?
gpt
If I should give him a hint that people are talking, it would only make him angry. You know he really is slow at understanding now and then.