human
What are you studying?
gpt
Fractions,
human
Do you have any trouble?
gpt
Yes, lots, speaking a little crossly, for he wanted to go on with his work;
human
I can't get this one I'm at, to save my head.
gpt
Suppose I see what is the matter.
human
Rather, suppose you see for yourself, he said in a few moments.
gpt
Just run over that multiplication at the top of the slate.
human
Oh, bother! Edward said, after he had obeyed orders;
gpt
Smaller things than figure threes make trouble. Have you been to school lately?
human
Always, till I came here; but I might just as well have been out until last winter.
gpt
What happened last winter?
human
Lots of things,
gpt
Wouldn't you get on faster with your books if you had a teacher?
human
Think likely I should; but I haven't got any, so I'll have to get on as fast as I can.
gpt
How would it do if I should play teacher while I am at home, and give you the hour from nine till ten?
human
Do you mean it?
gpt
Certainly I do; I shouldn't say so if I didn't. Don't you think you would like it?
human
Like it! I guess I would. But I don't know--What do you do it for?
gpt
Because I am glad to help a boy who seems to be trying to help himself. We will consider it settled, then. It is ten o'clock; will you come out to prayers now?
human
Is Mr. Minturn here?
gpt
No; but his son is. Are you so surprised that I should have prayers in my father's absence?
human
Yes, said Edward;
gpt
I didn't know--I mean I didn't think
human
You didn't think I had learned to pray, perhaps. Thank God, I have. Then he laid his hand kindly on Edward's shoulder.
gpt
Have _you_ learned that precious lesson yet, my friend?
human
Yes, said Edward softly;
gpt
I am very glad; you will never learn anything else that is quite so important. What is all the study for, by the way? Have you any plans.'
human
Yes, said Edward, astonished at what he was about to tell to a stranger;
gpt
I want to get an education, and then, if I possibly _can_ do that, I want to be a minister.
human
God bless you, and help you. I hope you will never have to give it up.
gpt
Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.