human
You were going to say, Mr. Cornelius?
gpt
Yes. Will you sit down, Miss Fleming?
human
He is going to tell me about the _Upheaving of Ælfred_ thought Phillis.
gpt
And how does the Workshop get on?
human
Fairly well, he replied modestly.
gpt
We publish in the autumn. The work is to be brought out, you will be glad to learn, with all the luxury of the best illustrations, paper, print, and binding that money can procure.
human
So that all you want is the poem itself,
gpt
Ye-es---- he winced a little.
human
As you say, the Epic itself alone is wanting, and that advances with mighty strides. My brother Humphrey--a noble creature is Humphrey, Miss Fleming----
gpt
Is he still hard at work? Always hard at work?
human
His work is crushing him, Miss Fleming--may I call you Phillis? He spoke very solemnly--
gpt
His work is crushing him.
human
Of course you may, Mr. Cornelius. We are quite old friends. But I am sorry to hear that your brother is being crushed.
gpt
Yesterday, Phillis--I feel to you already like a brother, pursued the Poet--
human
If you please. She began to be a little bored. Also she noticed that Agatha wore a look of mute suffering, as if the Artist was getting altogether too much for her.
gpt
If you please; but be quick, because I think Mrs. L'Estrange wants me.
human
I will tell you the secret in a few words. My brother Humphrey adores you with all the simplicity and strength of a noble artistic nature.
gpt
Does he? You mean he likes me very much. How good he his! I am glad to hear it, Mr. Cornelius, though why it need be a secret I do not know.
human
Then my poor brother--he is all loyalty, and brings you a virgin heart, (O Cornelius! and the model with the blue black hair!)
gpt
Certainly, she said;
human
I am sure I would like to see him hoping.
gpt
I will tell him, sister Phillis, said Cornelius, nodding with a sunny smile.
human
You have made two men happy, and one at least grateful.