human
I think nothing evil of my pet, believe that! See the beauty now! That's the difference between harsh words and loving ones. If you'd only treat the 'beasties' as well as you do me, Angelique dear, you'd have less cause for scolding. What I think now is--speckled rooster. Right?
gpt
Aye. Dead as dead; and the feathers still stickin' to the villain's jaws. What's the life of such brutes to that o' good fowls? Pst! Meroude! Scat! Well, if it's milk you will, milk you shall!
human
Why, Angelique! only the other day, in that quaint old 'Book of Beauty' uncle has, I read how a Queen of Naples, and some noted Parisian beauties, used baths of milk for their complexions; but poor Meroude's a hopeless case, I fear.
gpt
Mistress Meroude's got a day's job to clean herself, the greedy. It's not her nose'll go in the pail another mornin'. No. No, indeed.
human
And it was so full. Yet that's the same Snowfoot who was to give us no more, because of the broken glass. Angelique, where's uncle?
gpt
How should I tell? Am I set to spy the master's ins and outs?
human
Funny Angelique! You're not set to do it, but you can usually tell them. And where's Adrian? I've called and called, but nobody answers. I can't guess where they all are. Even Pierre is out of sight, and he's mostly to be found at the kitchen door when meal time comes.
gpt
There, there, child. You can ask more questions than old Angelique can answer. But the breakfast. That's a good thought. So be. Whisk in and mix the batter cakes for the master's eatin'. 'Tis he, foolish man, finds they have better savor from Margot's fingers than mine. Simple one, with all his wisdom.
human
It's love gives them savor, sweet Angelique! and the desire to see me a proper housewife. I wonder why he cares about that, since you are here to do such things.
gpt
Ah! The 'I wonders!' and the 'Is its?' of a maid! They set the head awhirl. The batter cakes, my child. I see the master comin' down the hill this minute.
human
Well done, little housekeeper!
gpt
Why, what does it mean? Where is Adrian? Where Pierre? Why are only dishes for three?
human
Pst! my child! Hast been askin' questions in the sleep? Sure, you have ever since your eyes flew open. Say your grace and eat your meat, and let the master rest.
gpt
Yes, darling. Angelique is wise. Eat your breakfast as usual, and afterward I will tell you all--that you should know.
human
But, I cannot eat. It chokes me. It seems so awfully still and strange and empty. As I should think it might be, were somebody dead.
gpt
When he would have made such a lovely fricasee, yes. Indeed, 'twas a sinful waste!