human
Do you ever read?
gpt
Oh yes; society newspapers, and French novels.
human
But they are so improper.
gpt
Nothing amusing is improper to my mind, said Lady Jim, calmly;
human
Oh! Miss Jaffray gasped again.
gpt
He did so much good.
human
Perhaps that is why his books are dull. Thoroughly good people are invariably---- Here she discreetly pulled the reins, as Miss Jaffray, considering herself good, might not relish the malicious witticism, presuming she could understand it.
gpt
I'll take you as my instructor, dear Miss Jaffray, added Leah, stifling another yawn.
human
Do tell me what to read.
gpt
There's Wilkie Collins's _Armadale_, said the old maid, delighted at being put into the pulpit;
human
Why should I?
gpt
There's a character in it so like you, in appearance, apologised Miss Jaffray;
human
Miss--how much?
gpt
Gwilt. G-w-i-l-t, spelt the spinster--
human
Oh, I have heard of that. What is it about?
gpt
A striking resemblance between two women. One is passed off by her wicked husband as the other, and buried--to get money, you understand--a kind of fraud.
human
I don't think I should like that book at all, she said, diplomatically cunning;
gpt
It's in yonder bookshelf, said Miss Jaffray, pointing a lean finger to the end of the room,
human
Red hair, corrected Lady Jim, rising.
gpt
I'm rather proud of it.
human
You ought to be, said the old maid, with simple admiration, and rising to put away her tome.
gpt
I can imagine you a queen of beauty in the dear old tournaments, with knights at your feet.
human
Oh, many are there now, without tournaments, said Leah, with superb self-confidence;
gpt
she added generously,