human
Mamma, I do not like Jane
gpt
Why so? I asked.
human
She seems respectable, and she does her work systematically. I have no fault to find with her, none whatever.
gpt
She may do her work, said Bessie, my daughter,
human
Inquisitiveness! I exclaimed.
gpt
What do you mean? Has she been looking into your drawers?
human
No, mamma, but she watches me. It is hot weather now, and when I am in my room, occasionally, I leave my door open whilst writing a letter, or doing any little bit of needlework, and then I am almost certain to hear her outside. If I turn sharply round, I see her slipping out of sight. It is most annoying. I really was unaware that I was such an interesting personage as to make it worth anyone's while to spy out my proceedings.
gpt
Nonsense, my dear. You are sure it is Jane?
human
Well--I suppose so. There was a slight hesitation in her voice.
gpt
If not Jane, who can it be?
human
Are you sure it is not cook?
gpt
Oh, no, it is not cook; she is busy in the kitchen. I have heard her there, when I have gone outside my room upon the landing, after having caught that girl watching me.
human
If you have caught her, said I,
gpt
I suppose you spoke to her about the impropriety of her conduct.
human
Well, caught is the wrong word. I have not actually _caught_ her at it. Only to-day I distinctly heard her at my door, and I saw her back as she turned to run away, when I went towards her.
gpt
But you followed her, of course?
human
Yes, but I did not find her on the landing when I got outside.
gpt
Where was she, then?
human
I don't know.
gpt
But did you not go and see?
human
She slipped away with astonishing celerity,
gpt
I can take no steps in the matter. If she does it again, speak to her and remonstrate.
human
But I never have a chance. She is gone in a moment.
gpt
She cannot get away so quickly as all that.
human
Somehow she does.
gpt
And you are sure it is Jane? again I asked; and again she replied:
human
If not Jane, who else can it be? There is no one else in the house.