human
Well, said Sophy,
gpt
I will tell you, Grandy, what would make it nice: no one would vex and affront you,--we should be all by ourselves; and then, instead of those nasty lamps and those dreadful painted creatures, we could go out and play in the fields and gather daisies; and I could run after butterflies, and when I am tired I should come here, where I am now, any time of the day, and you would tell me stories and pretty verses, and teach me to write a little better than I do now, and make such a wise little woman of me; and if I wore gingham--but it need not be dingy, Grandy--it would be all mine, and you would be all mine too, and we'd keep a bird, and you'd teach it to sing; and oh, would it not be nice!
human
But still, Sophy, we should have to live, and we could not live upon daisies and butterflies. And I can't work now; for the matter of that, I never could work: more shame for me, but so it is. Merle says the fault is in the stars,--with all my heart. But the stars will not go to the jail or the workhouse instead of me. And though they want nothing to eat, we do.
gpt
But, Grandy, you have said every day since the first walk you took after coming here, that if you had three pounds, we could get away and live by ourselves and make a fortune!
human
A fortune!--that's a strong word: let it stand. A fortune! But still, Sophy, though we should be free of this thrice-execrable Rugge, the scheme I have in my head lies remote from daisies and butterflies. We should have to dwell in towns and exhibit!
gpt
On a stage, Grandy?
human
No, not exactly: a room would do.
gpt
And I should not wear those horrid, horrid dresses, nor mix with those horrid, horrid painted people.
human
No.
gpt
And we should be quite alone, you and I?
human
Hum! there would be a third.
gpt
Oh, Grandy, Grandy! cried Sophy, in a scream of shrill alarm.
human
I know, I know; you are thinking of joining us with the Pig-faced Lady!
gpt
A well-spoken and pleasing gentlewoman. But no such luck: three pounds would not buy her.
human
I am glad of that: I don't care so much for the Mermaid; she's dead and stuffed. But, oh! (another scream)
gpt
Calm your sanguine imagination; you aspire too high! But this I will tell you, that our companion, whatsoever or whosoever that companion may be, will be one you will like.
human
I don't believe it, said Sophy, shaking her head.
gpt
I only like you. But who is it?
human
Alas! said Mr. Waife,
gpt
But I said I would not sit.
human
And when you did say it, you heard Rugge's language to me--to you. And now you must think of packing up, and be off at dawn with the rest. And, added the comedian, colouring high,
gpt
I must again parade, to boors and clowns, this mangled form; again set myself out as a spectacle of bodily infirmity,--man's last degradation. And this I have come to--I!
human
No, no, Grandy, it will not last long! we will get the three pounds. We have always hoped on!--hope still! And, besides, I am sure those gentlemen will come here tonight. Mr. Merle said they would, at ten o'clock. It is near ten now, and your tea cold as a stone.