human
Will you amuse yourself with this sketch-book, please, said the pretty lad,
gpt
With pleasure, my boy,--if you are sure your father will not object.
human
Oh, no, indeed, Sir! My father has told me I must always entertain any gentlemen who may call when he is out,--that is, if he is to return soon; and any one may look at this book;--it is only his portfolio, in which he sketches whatever new or pretty things we see on our travels; but there are some very nice pictures in it,--landscapes, and houses, and people.
gpt
Have you travelled much, then?
human
Oh, yes! we have been travelling ever since I can remember; we have been far, and seen a great many strange sights, and some such queer people!--There! that is our shepherd in Australia; isn't he funny? his name was Dirk. I tied that blue ribbon round his straw hat, that seems big enough for an umbrella. He looks as if he were laughing, doesn't he? That's because I was there when my father sketched him; and he made such droll faces, with his brown skin and his great grizzly moustaches, when father told him he must make up a pleasant expression, that it set me laughing,--for my father said he looked like a Cape lion making love; and then Dirk would laugh too, and spoil his pleasant expression; and father would scold; and it was so funny! I loved Dirk very much, he was so good to me; he gave me a tame kangaroo, and a black swan, and taught me to throw the boomerang; and once, when he went to Sydney, he spent ever so much money to buy me a silver bell for Lipse, my yellow lamb. I wonder if Dirk is living yet? Do you think he is dead, Sir? I should be very much grieved, if he were; for I promised I would come back to see him when I am a man.
gpt
Yes, and good, too, I should think, from the kind face she has. Who was Dolores?