human
While she was only on trial, it did not so much signify; besides, if it did, we had only buttons on the press doors; but now she is our regular servant we ought to institute a regular system of authority. How can she respect a family that never locks up any thing?
gpt
How can we respect a servant from whom we lock up every thing!
human
Respect a servant! What do you mean, Hilary?
gpt
I mean that if I did not respect a servant I would be very sorry to keep her one day in any house of mine.
human
Wait till you've a house of your own to keep, Miss, said Selina, crossly.
gpt
I never heard such nonsense. Is that the way you mean to behave to Elizabeth? leave every thing open to her--clothes, books, money; trust her with all your secrets; treat her as your most particular friend?
human
A girl of fifteen would be rather an inconvenient particular friend! And I have happily few secrets to trust her with. But if I could not trust her with our coffee, tea, sugar, and so on, and bring her up from the very first in the habit of being trusted, I would recommend her being sent away to-morrow.
gpt
Very fine talking; and what do you say, Johanna?--if that is not an unnecessary question after Hilary has given her opinion.
human
I think, replied the elder sister, taking no notice of the long familiar innuendo,