book_id
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listlengths 1
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|---|---|---|---|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The very first thing he will say will be that 'it is a very fine day,' nodded Miss Priscilla, stitching away faster than ever,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A particular fine day, Miss Priscilla, for the time o' the year,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed I quite agree with you Sergeant, returned little Miss Priscilla with a bright nod, and a sly glance at Bellew, as much as to say,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you so!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the peaches, mam, continued the Sergeant,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, to be sure, Sergeant, nodded Miss Priscilla, with another sly look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But let me introduce you to Mr. Bellew who is staying at Dapplemere."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Proud to know you, sir,--your servant, sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you do!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My left, sir, said he apologetically,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sergeant, said Miss Priscilla, without seeming to glance up from her sewing,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sergeant,--your hat!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sergeant, said Miss Priscilla again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you mam,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, said he, staring straight in front of him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, very well, thank you,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good! exclaimed the Sergeant, with his eyes still fixed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how, said he again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Master Georgy is as well as ever,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And pray, mam, said the Sergeant, removing his gaze from the tree with a jerk,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Much the same as usual, thank you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You look, said he, pausing to cough behind his hand again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm an old woman, Sergeant, as well you know!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Old, mam! repeated the Sergeant,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course not!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nor than we look,--eh sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly not, Sergeant!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And she, sir,--she don't look--a day older than--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thirty five!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly, sir, very true! My own opinion,--thirty five exactly, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sergeant, said Miss Priscilla, bending over her work again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sergeant,--your hat!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Must be going, he said, standing very straight, and looking down at little Miss Priscilla,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Must you go--so soon, Sergeant? Then Good-bye,--until to-morrow,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sir, I am--proud to have met you. Sir, there is a poor crippled soldier as I know,--My cottage is very small, and humble sir, but if you ever feel like--dropping in on him, sir,--by day or night, he will be--honoured, sir, honoured! And that's me--Sergeant Richard Appleby--late of the Nineteenth Hussars--at your service, sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well? enquired Miss Priscilla in her quick, bright way,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well Mr. Bellew, what do you think of him?--first impressions are always best,--at least, I think so,--what do you think of Sergeant Appleby?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think he's a splendid fellow,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A very foolish old fellow, I think, and as stiff as one of the ram-rods of one of his own guns!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And as fine a soldier as a man, I'm sure,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why yes, he _was_ a good soldier, once upon a time, I believe,--he won the Victoria Cross for doing something or other that was very brave, and he wears it with all his other medals, pinned on the inside of his coat. Oh yes, he was a fine soldier, once, but he's a very foolish old soldier, now,--I think, and as stiff as the ram-rod of one of his own guns. But I'm glad you like him, Mr. Bellew, and he will be proud, and happy for you to call and see him at his cottage. And now, I suppose, it is half past eleven, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, just half past!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exact to time, as usual! said Miss Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think the Sergeant has missed a minute, or varied a minute in the last five years,--you see, he is such a very methodical man, Mr. Bellew!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why then, does he come every day, at the same hour?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every day! nodded Miss Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you were to ask me why he comes, I should answer that I fancy it is to--look at the peaches. Dear me, Mr. Bellew! what a very foolish old soldier he is, to be sure!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yes,--I'm a cripple, you see, she nodded,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh very, very lame! my ankle, you know. That is why I came here, the big world didn't want a poor, lame, old woman,--that is why Miss Anthea made me her Aunt, God bless her! No thank you,--I can carry my basket. So you see,--he--has lost an arm,--his right one, and I--am lame in my foot. Perhaps that is why--Heigho! how beautifully the black birds are singing this morning, to be sure!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and to win over sharp-eyed, shrewd little Miss Priscilla to the extent of declaring him to be:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First a gentleman, Anthea, my dear, and Secondly,--what is much rarer, now-a-days,--a true man!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Adam, he was saying,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, as to that, Mr. Belloo, sir, Adam retorted,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say--so be it, so long as I ain't near the wrong end of it, for the way you do 'ave of flourishin' an' a whirlin' that theer fork, is fair as-tonishin', I do declare it be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why you see, Adam, there are some born with a leaning towards pitch-forks, as there are others born to the pen, and the--er--palette, and things, but for me, Adam, the pitch-fork, every time!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you was to try an' 'andle it more as if it _was_ a pitchfork now, Mr. Belloo, sir--"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is good, said he, looking up into the witching face, above him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I was thinking it was good to see you work,--just for once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Work! he exclaimed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How ridiculous you are!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And how perfectly content!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is anyone ever quite content?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not unless they have found Arcadia,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he nodded complacently,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you--sure?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite sure!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arcadia! she repeated, wrinkling her brows,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arcadia, answered Bellew, watching the smoke rise up from his pipe, with a dreamy eye,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arcadia is the--Promised Land,--the Land that everyone tries to find, sometime or other, and may be--anywhere."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And how came you to--find it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By the most fortunate chance in the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me, said Anthea, taking a wisp of hay, and beginning to plait it in dexterous, brown fingers,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why then you must know, in the first place, he began in his slow, even voice,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, one day,--Fate, or Chance, or Destiny,--or their benevolent spirit, sent a certain square-shouldered Waggoner to show me the way, and, after him, a very small Porges,--bless him!--to lead me into this wonderful Arcadia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I see!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But there is something more,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall I tell you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If--it is--very interesting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well then, in this delightful land there is a castle, grim, embattled, and very strong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A castle?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Castle of Heart's Desire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, continued Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am waiting, very patiently, until, in her own good time, she who rules within, shall open the gate to me, or--bid me go away."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go on, Uncle Porges,--what about the dragons? Oh, please go on!--there's always dragons in 'chanted castles, you know, to guard the lovely Princess,--aren't you going to have any dragons that hiss, you know, an' spit out smoke, an' flames? Oh!--do please have a dragon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Certainly, my Porges, nodded Bellew, drawing the small figure down beside him,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was forgetting the dragons, but there they are, with scaly backs, and iron claws, spitting out sparks and flames, just as self-respecting dragons should, and roaring away like thunder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! exclaimed Small Porges, nestling closer to Bellew, and reaching out a hand to Auntie Anthea,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you think a--er--dozen would be enough, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yes! But s'pose the beautiful Princess didn't open the door,--what would you do if you were really a wandering knight who was waiting patiently for it to open,--what would you do then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shin up a tree, my Porges."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh but that wouldn't be a bit right--would it, Auntie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course not! laughed Anthea,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "added Small Porges,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I'd make an awful' good try at it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Small Porges, shaking his head,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then what would happen?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why then the lovely Princess would open the gate, an' marry you of course, an' live happy ever after, an' all would be revelry an' joy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! sighed Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why then, said Small Porges, wrinkling his brow,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A most excellent idea, my Porges! If I should happen to find myself in like circumstances, I'll surely take your advice."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, Miss Anthea, said he, lifting his hat,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I sent Georgy to find you, but it seems he forgot to mention that I was waiting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm awful' sorry, Mr. Cassilis,--but Uncle Porges was telling us 'bout dragons, you know,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dragons! repeated Mr. Cassilis, with his supercilious smile,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me introduce you to each other, said Anthea, conscious of this attitude,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Cassilis, of Brampton Court,--Mr. Bellew!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of nowhere in particular, sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And pray, said Mr. Cassilis perfunctorily as they strolled on across the meadow,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Immensely, sir,--beyond all expression!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, it is considered rather pretty, I believe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lovely, sir! nodded Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, indeed! said Mr. Cassilis, with a sudden, sharp glance,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Goose-berries, sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--ah--beg your pardon?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sir, said Bellew gravely,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ha?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, in goose-berries, as in everything else, sir, there is to be found the superlative, the quintessence,--the ideal. Consequently I have roamed East and West, and North and South, in quest of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, in Dapplemere, concluded Bellew, solemnly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have, at last, found my ideal--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Goose-berry!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arcadia being a land of ideals!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ideals, said Mr. Cassilis, caressing his moustache,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course it is all a matter of taste!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, Mr. Cassilis went on, fairly turning his back upon him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sale!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wished, said Cassilis, leaning nearer to her, and lowering his voice confidentially,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Five-acre"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uncle Porges--why do you frown so?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frown, my Porges,--did I? Well, I was thinking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I'm thinking too, only I don't frown, you know, but I'm thinking just the same."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what might you be thinking, nephew?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why I was thinking that although you're so awful fond of goose-berries, an' though there's lots of ripe ones on the bushes I've never seen you eat a single one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look at the moon to-night, Uncle Porges!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's awfull' big, an' round, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, it's very big, and very round."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An'--rather--yellow, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very yellow!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just like a great, big golden sovereign, isn't it"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very much like a sovereign, my Porges."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, do you know, I was wondering--if there was any chance that it was a--Money Moon?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And pray, said Anthea, laying that same hand in the most natural manner in the world, upon the Small Porges' curls,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pray what might you two be discussing so very solemnly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moon, answered Small Porges."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was wondering if it was a Money Moon, an' Uncle Porges hasn't said if it is, yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why no, old chap, answered Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And pray, said Anthea again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, explained Small Porges,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah Georgy dear! sighed Anthea, stooping her dark head down to his golden curls,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, old chap, yes, nodded Bellew,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "King Arthur, --nor of Small Porges, nor of any one or anything in this world but only of the sudden, light touch of a warm, soft hand upon his."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be that you, sir?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be that you, Mr. Beloo, sir?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes Adam, it is I."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! an' how might you be feelin' now--arter your exercise wi' the pitch-fork, sir?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very fit, I thank you, Adam. Sit down, and smoke, and let us converse together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why thankee sir, answered Adam, producing the small, black clay pipe from his waistcoat pocket, and accepting Bellew's proffered pouch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've been up to the 'ouse a visitin' Prudence, the cook,--an' a rare cook she be, too, Mr. Beloo sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And a rare buxom girl into the bargain, Adam!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, ah!--she's well enough, sir; I won't go for to deny as she's a fine, up-standing, well-shaped, tall, an' proper figure of a woman as ever was, sir,--though the Kentish lasses be a tidy lot, Mr. Beloo sir. But, Lord! when you come to think of her gift for Yorkshire Puddin', likewise jam-rollers, and seed-cake,--(which, though mentioned last, ain't by no manner o' means least),--when you come to think of her brew o' ale, an' cider, an' ginger wine,--why then--I'm took, sir, I'm took altogether, an' the 'Old Adam' inside o' me works hisself into such a state that if another chap--'specially that there Job Jagway gets lookin' her way too often, why it's got to get took out o' him, or took out o' me in good 'ard knocks, Mr. Belloo, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And when are you going to get married, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well sir, we was thinkin' that if Miss Anthea has a good season, this year, we'd get it over an' done wi' some time in October, sir,--but it's all accordin'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "According to what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To the 'ops, sir,--the H-O-P-S--'ops, sir. They're comin' on fine,--ah! scrumptuous they be! If they don't take the blight, sir, they'll be the finest 'ops this side o' Maidstone. But then, if they do take the blight,--why then my 'opes is blighted likewise sir,--B-L-I-T-E-D, --blighted, Mr. Belloo sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Cassilis was over to-day, Adam,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah sir!--I seen him,--'e also seen me. 'E told me as Job Jagway was up and about again,--likewise Job Jagway will be over 'ere to-morrow, along wi' the rest of 'em for the sale, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah yes,--the sale!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To think o' that there Job Jagway a coming over here to buy Miss Anthea's furnitur' do set the Old Adam a workin' inside o' me to that amazin' extent as I can't sit still, Mr. Belloo sir! If that there Job crosses my path to-morrer--well--let 'im--look out, that's all!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam, said Bellew, in the same thoughtful tone,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder if you would do something for me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anything you ax me, sir, so long as you don't want me to--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want you to buy some of that furniture for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What! exclaimed Adam, and vented his great laugh again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam, said Bellew, turning suddenly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, Adam, pursued Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want you to put back your ten pounds, keep it for Prudence,--because I happen to have rather more than we shall want,--see here!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want you to take this, Bellew went on, counting a sum into Adam's nerveless hand,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But sir,--that there old drorin'-room cab'net wi' the--carvings--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Buy it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An' the silver candle-sticks,--and the four-post bed-stead,--an' the--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Buy 'em, Adam,--buy everything! If we haven't enough money there's plenty more where this came from,--only buy!--You understand?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yes sir, I understand! 'Ow much 'ave you give me? Why, here's--forty-five,--fifty,--sixty,--Lord!--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Put it away, Adam,--forget all about it till to-morrow,--and not a word, mind!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A hundred pound! gasped Adam,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lord!--Oh I won't speak of it, trust me, Mr. Belloo, sir! But to think of me a walking about wi' a hundred pound in my pocket,--Lord! I won't say nothing--but to think of Old Adam wi' a hundred pound in his pocket, e'Cod! it do seem that comical! saying which, Adam buttoned the money into a capacious pocket, slapped it, nodded, and rose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well sir, I'll be going,--there be Miss Anthea in the garden yonder, and if she was to see me now there's no sayin' but I should be took a laughin' to think o' this 'ere hundred pound."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Anthea!--where?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Comin' through the rose-gardin. She be off to see old Mother Dibbin. They call Mother Dibbin a witch, an' now as she's down wi' the rheumatics there ain't nobody to look arter 'er,--'cept Miss Anthea,--she'd ha' starved afore now if it 'adn't been for Miss Anthea, but Lord love your eyes, an' limbs, Mr. Belloo sir! Miss Anthea don't care if she's a witch, or fifty witches, not she! So good-night, Mr. Belloo sir, an' mum's the word!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Man with the Tiger Mark"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam tells me that you are going out, Miss Anthea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only as far as Mrs. Dibbin's cottage,--just across the meadow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam also informs me that Mrs. Dibbin is a witch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "People call her so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never in all my days have I seen a genuine, old witch,--so I'll come with you, if I may?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, this is a very gentle old witch, and she is neither humpbacked, nor does she ride a broom-stick,--so I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Mr. Bellew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, at least, I can carry your basket,--allow me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a glorious night it is! exclaimed Anthea suddenly, drawing a deep breath of the fragrant air,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! it is good to be alive! In spite of all the cares, and worries, life is very sweet!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope, said Bellew at last,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do sincerely hope that you 'tucked up' my nephew safe in bed,--you see--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your nephew, indeed!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our nephew, then; I ask because he tells me that he can't possibly sleep unless you go to 'tuck him up,'--and I can quite believe it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you know, Mr. Bellew, I'm growing quite jealous of you, he can't move a step without you, and he is for ever talking, and lauding your numberless virtues!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But then--I'm only an uncle, after all, and if he talks of me to you, he talks of you to me, all day long."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, does he!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And, among other things, he told me that I ought to see you when your hair is down, and all about you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed, our nephew is much luckier than I, because I never had an aunt of my own to come and 'tuck me up' at night with her hair hanging all about her--like a beautiful cloak. So, you see, I have no boyish recollections to go upon, but I think I can imagine--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what do you think of the Sergeant?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I like him so much that I am going to take him at his word, and call upon him at the first opportunity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did Aunt Priscilla tell you that he comes marching along regularly every day, at exactly the same hour?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,--to see how the peaches are getting on!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For such a very brave soldier he is a dreadful coward, said Anthea, smiling,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has he never--spoken to Miss Priscilla,--?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never,--though, of course, she knows, and has done from the very first. I asked him once, why he had never told her what it was brought him so regularly,--to look at the peaches,--and he said, in his quick, sharp way: 'Miss Anthea,--can't be done, mam,--a poor, battered, old soldier,--only one arm,--no mam.'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder if one could find just such another Sergeant outside Arcadia, said Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I beg your pardon!--how awkward I am!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, said Bellew, shaking his head,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, that is nothing, thank you!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ought to warn you that Mrs. Dibbin is very old, and sometimes a little queer, and sometimes says very--surprising things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excellent! nodded Bellew, holding the little gate open for her,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I--would rather you waited outside,--if you don't mind, Mr. Bellew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean that I am to be denied the joy of conversing with a real, live, old witch, and having my fortune told? he sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, if such is your will--so be it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I won't keep you waiting very long,--and--thank you!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come in! come in! cried an old, quavering voice, albeit, very sharp, and piercing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That be my own soft dove of a maid,--my proud, beautiful, white lady! Come in! come in!--and bring him wi' you,--him as is so big, and strong,--him as I've expected so long,--the tall, golden man from over seas. Bid him come in, Miss Anthea, that Goody Dibbin's old eyes may look at him at last."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right! she quavered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean by 'Tiger-mark?'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, young master wi' your golden curls,--I mean as, sitting here day in, and day out, staring down into my fire, I has my dreams,--leastways, I calls 'em my dreams, though there's them as calls it the 'second sight.' But pray sit down, tall sir, on the stool there; and you, my tender maid, my dark lady, come you here--upon my right, and, if you wish, I'll look into the ink, or read your pretty hand, or tell you what I see down there in the fire. But no,--first, show what you have brought for Old Nannie in the blessed basket,--the fine, strong basket as holds so much. Yes, set it down here--where I can open it myself, tall sir. Eh,--what's this?--Tea! God bless you for the tea, my dear! And eggs, and butter,--and a cold chicken!--the Lord bless your kind heart, Miss Anthea! Ah, my proud lady, happy the man who shall win ye! Happy the man who shall wed ye, my dark, beautiful maid. And strong must he be, aye, and masterful he who shall wake the love-light in those dark, great, passionate eyes of yours. And there is no man in all this world can do it but he must be a golden man--wi' the Tiger-mark upon him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why--oh Nannie--!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye,--blush if ye will, my dark lady, but Mother Dibbin knows she's seen it in the fire, dreamed it in her dreams, and read it in the ink. The path lies very dark afore ye, my lady,--aye very dark it be, and full o' cares, and troubles, but there's the sun shining beyond,--bright, and golden. You be proud, and high, and scornful, my lady,--'tis in your blood,--you'll need a strong hand to guide ye,--and the strong hand shall come. By force you shall be wooed, and by force you shall be wed,--and there be no man strong enough to woo, and wed ye, but him as I've told ye of--him as bears the Tiger-mark."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Nannie, said Anthea again, gently interrupting her, and patting the old woman's shrivelled hand,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye, aye! nodded old Nannie,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A pound of your favourite tobacco!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh the good weed! The blessed weed! cried the old woman, clutching the package with trembling fingers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! who can tell the comfort it has been to me in the long, long days, and the long, long nights,--the blessed weed! when I've sat here a looking and a looking into the fire. God bless you, my sweet maid, for your kindly thought!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, tall sir, can I do ought for ye? Shall I look into the fire for ye, or the ink, or read your hand?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why yes, answered Bellew, stretching out his hand to her,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, but I don't need to look into your hand to tell you that, tall sir, nor yet in the ink, or in the fire, for I've dreamed it all in my dreams. And now, see you, 'tis a strong place, this Castle,--wi' thick doors, and great locks, and bars. But I have seen those doors broke' down,--those great locks, and bars burst asunder,--but--there is none can do this but him as bears the Tiger-Mark. So much for the first. And, for the second,--Happiness shall come a riding to you on the full moon,--but you must reach up--and take it for yourself,--if you be tall enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And--even you are not tall enough to do that, Mr. Bellew! laughed Anthea, as she rose to bid Old Nannie"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-night,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the full o' the moon, tall sir! she repeated,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Poor old Nannie! said Anthea, as they went on down the grassy lane,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so that is why you come to sit with her, and let her talk to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And do you believe in her dreams, and visions?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No,--of course not! answered Anthea, rather hurriedly, and with a deeper colour in her cheeks, though Bellew was still intent upon the moon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't either,--do you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I don't quite know, he answered slowly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, she has wonderful thick hair still, nodded Anthea,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, but I wasn't meaning her eyes, or her hair, or her hearing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh,--then pray what were you pleased to mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you happen to notice what she said about a--er--Man with, a--Tiger-Mark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Man with the Tiger-Mark,--of course! he has been much in her dreams, lately, and she has talked of him a great deal,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has she? said Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes,--her mind is full of strange twists, and fancies,--you see she is so very old,--and she loves to tell me her dreams, and read the future for me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Though, of course, you don't believe it,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Believe it! Anthea repeated, and walked some dozen paces, or so, before she answered,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then--none of your fortune,--nothing she told you has ever come true?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No,--oh no! answered Anthea, rather hastily, and laughed again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Old Nannie has seen him in her dreams--everywhere,--in India, and Africa, and China; in hot countries, and cold countries--oh! Nannie has seen him everywhere, but I have seen him--nowhere, and, of course, I never shall."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! said Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I listen very patiently, Anthea nodded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, answered Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonderful?--poor old Nannie's fancies!--What do you mean by wonderful?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Upon my word, I hardly know, said Bellew, shaking his head,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really!--now you grow mysterious, Mr. Bellew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like the night!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What did you mean when you said Old Nannie's dreams were so wonderful?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll show you!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why-- said she at last, finding voice in a little gasp,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am the Man with the Tiger Mark!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uncle Porges, there's a little man in the hall with a red, red nose, an' a blue, blue chin,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I've seen him,--also his nose, and chin, my Porges."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he's sticking little papers with numbers on them, all over my Auntie Anthea's chairs,--an' tables. Now what do you s'pose he's doing that for?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who knows? It's probably all on account of his red nose, and blue chin, my Porges. Anyway, don't worry about him,--let us rather, find our Auntie Anthea."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're getting rid of some of the old furniture, you see, Mr. Bellew, she said, laying her hand on an antique cabinet nearby,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why is that man's nose so awful' red, and his chin so blue, Auntie Anthea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush Georgy!--I don't know,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An' why is he sticking his little numbers all over our best furniture!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is to guide the auctioneer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where to,--an' what is an auctioneer?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A lovely day it do be for drivin', said Adam touching his hat,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll--look after things for me, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aye,--I will that, Miss Anthea!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Bellew, we can find room for you if you care to come with us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks, said he, shaking his head,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then,--'Good-bye!'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-bye! cried Small Porges,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The mare is--er--rather fresh this morning, isn't she, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fresh sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that's rather a--er--dangerous sort of thing for a woman to drive, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanin' the dog-cart, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meaning the dog-cart, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, Lord love ye, Mr. Belloo sir! cried Adam with his great laugh,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hum!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who is that round, red man, yonder, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That! replied Adam in a tone of profound disgust,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean as it be him as holds the mortgage on Dapplemere, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah,--and how much?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Over three thousand pound, Mr. Belloo sir! sighed Adam, with a hopeless shake of the head,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lord! exclaimed Adam,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can't you look where you're going?--you clumsy fool!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ax your pardon, Mr. Grimes, said Adam solemnly,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-day!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That there Adam, puffed the Corn-chandler,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "repeated the Corn-chandler,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, nodded the other,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So so, Parsons, nodded Grimes,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall you buy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am a-going, said the Corn-chandler with much deliberation,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am a-going to take them tapestry cheers, sir, likewise the grand-feyther clock in the corner here, likewise the four-post bed-stead wi' the carved 'ead-board,--and--most particular, Parsons, I shall take this here side-board. There ain't another piece like this in the county, as I know of,--solid ma-hogany, sir!--and the carvings! and herewith, he gave two loud double knocks upon the article of furniture in question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! I've 'ad my eye on this side-board for years, and years,--knowed I'd get it some day, too,--the only wonder is as she ain't had to sell up afore now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meaning Miss Anthea, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah,--her! I say as it's a wonder to me,--wo't wi' the interest on the mortgage I 'old on the place, and one thing and another,--it's a wonder to me as she's kept her 'ead above water so long. But--mark me, Parsons, mark me,--she'll be selling again soon, and next time it'll be lock, stock, and barrel, Parsons!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I don't 'old wi' women farmers, myself! nodded Parsons."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But,--as to that cup-board over there,--Sheraton, I think,--what might you suppose it to be worth,--betwixt friends, now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't say till I've seed it, and likewise felt it, answered the Corn-chandler, rising."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me lay my 'and upon it, and I'll tell you--to a shilling,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gentlemen!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Confound ye for a clumsy rascal! Will ye keep them elbers o' yourn to out o' my weskit, eh? Will ye keep them big feet o' yourn to yeself? If there ain't room enough for ye,--out ye go, d'ye hear--I'll have ye took, and shook,--and throwed out where ye belong; so jest mind where ye come a trampin', and a treadin'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tread! repeated Adam,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord! where am I to tread? If I steps backward I tread on ye,--If I steps sideways I tread on ye, if I steps for-ard I tread on ye. It do seem to me as I can't go nowhere but there you be a-waitin' to be trod on, Mr. Grimes, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gentlemen! you have all had an opportunity to examine the furniture I am about to dispose of, and, as fair minded human beings I think you will admit that a finer lot of genuine antique was never offered at one and the same time. Gentlemen, I am not going to burst forth into laudatory rodomontade, (which is a word, gentlemen that I employ only among an enlightened community such as I now have the honour of addressing),--neither do I propose to waste your time in purposeless verbiage, (which is another of the same kind, gentlemen),--therefore, without further preface, or preamble, we will proceed at once to business. The first lot I have to offer you is a screen,--six foot high,--bring out the screen, Theodore! There it is, gentlemen,--open it out, Theodore! Observe, Gentlemen it is carved rosewood, the panels hand painted, and representing shepherds, and shepherdesses, disporting themselves under a tree with banjo and guitar. Now what am I offered for this hand-painted, antique screen,--come?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fifteen shillings!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Start as low as you like, gentlemen! I am offered a miserable fifteen shillings for a genuine, hand-painted--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sixteen!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A pound!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A guinea!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Twenty-five shillin's!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At twenty-five shillings! cried the Auctioneer,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Theer be that Job Jagway, sir, said Adam, leaning across the side-board to impart this information,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next lot I'm going to dispose of, gentlemen, is a fine set of six chairs with carved antique backs, and upholstered in tapestry. Also two arm-chairs to match,--wheel 'em out, Theodore! Now what is your price for these eight fine pieces,--look 'em over and bid accordingly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thirty shillings!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ha! ha!--you joke sir! laughed the Auctioneer, rubbing his hands in his most jovial manner,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Three pound!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guineas!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Four pound!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Four pound ten!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Five!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Six pound ten!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eight!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ten!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eleven!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At eleven,--at eleven pounds!--this fine suite of hand-carved antique chairs, at eleven pounds!--at eleven!--at eleven, going--going!--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fifteen!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fifteen pounds! chanted the Auctioneer,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have fifteen,--I am given fifteen,--any advance? These eight antique chairs, going at fifteen!--going! for the last time,--going!--gone! Sold to the gentleman in the corner behind the side-board, Theodore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They were certainly fine chairs, Mr. Grimes!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So so! said the Corn-chandler, sitting down heavily,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So so, Parsons!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neck, and crop!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That seems to be a fair proposition, smiled the Auctioneer, who had already experienced some doubts as to Adam's financial capabilities, yet with his joviality all unruffled,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye, for sure! nodded Adam, stepping forward; and, unbuttoning a capacious pocket he drew out a handful of bank-notes,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, said the Auctioneer, rubbing his hands as he eyed the fistful of bank-notes,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, gentlemen, last, but by no means least, we come to the gem of the sale,--a side-board, gentlemen,--a magnificent, mahogany side-board, being a superb example of the carver's art! Here is a side-board, gentlemen, which,--if it can be equalled,--cannot be excelled--no, gentlemen, not if you were to search all the baronial halls, and lordly mansions in this land of mansions, and baronials. It is a truly magnificent piece, in perfect condition,--and to be sold at your own price. I say no more. Gentlemen,--how much for this magnificent, mahogany piece?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ten pound!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eleven!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fifteen!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seventeen!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eighteen!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go easy there, Job! hissed Adam, edging a little nearer to him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come, come Gentlemen! remonstrated the Auctioneer,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Twenty!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Twenty-one! roared Adam, making his last bid, and then, turning, he hissed in Job's unwilling ear,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Twenty-five!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Twenty-seven!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Twenty-eight!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thirty!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thirty-two!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thirty-six!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thirty-seven!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forty!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That drops me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! chuckled the Corn-chandler,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At forty! cried the Auctioneer,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forty-one's the bid,--I have forty-one from the gent in the corner--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forty-five!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Six!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fifty!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gent in the corner gives me fifty-one! chanted the Auctioneer--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fifty-five!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Add ten!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gent in the corner offers me sixty-five,--at sixty-five,--this magnificent piece at sixty-five! What, are you all done?--at sixty-five, and cheap at the price,--come, gentlemen, take your time, give it another look over, and bid accordingly."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At sixty-five! cried the Auctioneer, leaning towards Grimes with his hammer poised,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I say--no sir! returned the Corn-chandler, slowly, and impressively,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say no, sir,--I say--make it another--twenty pound, sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I get eighty-five! any advance on eighty-five?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eighty-six!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come sir, don't let a pound or so stand between you and a side-board that can't be matched in the length and breadth of the United Kingdom,--come, what do you say to another ten shillings?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say, sir, said Grimes, with his gaze still riveted upon Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I say--no sir,--I say make it another--twenty pound sir!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One hundred and six pounds! cried the Auctioneer,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have one hundred and six pounds! is there any advance, yes or no?--going at one hundred and six!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At one hundred and six pounds!--at one six,--going at one hundred and six pounds--!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going at one hundred and six!--going!--going!--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fifty up!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What! cried Grimes,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gent in the corner gives me one hundred and fifty six pounds, said the Auctioneer, with a jovial eye upon the Corn-chandler's lowering visage,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lord! said Adam, pausing with a chair under either arm,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord, Mr. Belloo sir,--I wonder what Miss Anthea will say?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lord! exclaimed Adam again, balanced now upon a ladder, and pausing to wipe his brow with one hand and with a picture swinging in the other,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord! what ever will Miss Anthea say, Mr. Belloo sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! nodded Bellew thoughtfully,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you suppose she'll say, Miss Priscilla, mam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you'd better be careful of that picture, Adam!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Which means, said Bellew, smiling down into Miss Priscilla's young, bright eyes,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Mr. Bellew, she'll be very--glad, of course,--happier I think, than you or I can guess, because I know she loves every stick, and stave of that old furniture,--but--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But! nodded Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Bellew, if Anthea,--God bless her dear heart!--but if she has a fault--it is pride, Mr. Bellew, Pride! Pride! Pride!--with a capital P!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, she is very proud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She'll be that 'appy-'earted, said Adam, pausing near-by with a great armful of miscellaneous articles,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I rose this morning--very early, Mr. Bellew,--Oh! very early! said Miss Priscilla, following Adam's laden figure with watchful eyes,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh dear yes!--had been up--hours! And what--what do you suppose she was doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was rubbing and polishing that old side-board that you paid such a dreadful price for,--down on her knees before it,--yes she was! and polishing, and rubbing, and--crying all the while. Oh dear heart! such great, big tears,--and so very quiet! When she heard my little stick come tapping along she tried to hide them,--I mean her tears, of course, Mr. Bellew, and when I drew her dear, beautiful head down into my arms, she--tried to smile. 'I'm so very silly, Aunt Priscilla,' she said, crying more than ever, 'but it _is_ so hard to let the old things be taken away,--you see,--I do _love_ them so! I tell you all this, Mr. Bellew, because I like you,--ever since you took the trouble to pick up a ball of worsted for a poor, old lame woman--in an orchard,--first impressions, you know. And secondly, I tell you all this to explain to you why I--hum!--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Threw a kiss--from a minstrel's gallery, to a most unworthy individual, Aunt Priscilla?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Threw you a kiss, Mr. Bellew,--I had to,--the side-board you know,--on her knees--you understand?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You see, Mr. Belloo sir, said Adam, at this juncture, speaking from beneath an inlaid table which he held balanced upon his head,--"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When do you expect--she will come home?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, if she drove straight back from Cranbrook she would be here now,--but I fancy she won't be so very anxious to get home to-day,--and may come the longest way round; yes, it's in my mind she will keep away from Dapplemere as long as ever she can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I think, said Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I think I'll take a walk. I'll go and call upon the Sergeant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Sergeant! said Miss Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "she went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I will go to the 'King's Head,' said Bellew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what message do you send him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None, said Miss Priscilla, laughing and shaking her head,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I won't forget,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To look at that theer 'all, sir, you wouldn't never know as there'd ever been any sale at all,--not no'ow. Now the only question as worrits me, and as I'm a-axin' of myself constant is,--what will Miss Anthea 'ave to say about it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, said Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me--tell me--all about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-bye"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What would Miss Anthea say?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tell ye--you shall get out o' my cottage! he was saying,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I say you shall quit my cottage at the end o' the month,--and when I says a thing, I means it,--I say you shall get off of my property,--you--and that beggarly cobbler. I say you shall be throwed out o' my cottage,--lock, stock, and barrel. I say--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn't, Mr. Grimes,--leastways, not if I was you, another voice broke in, calm and deliberate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I wouldn't go for to say another word, sir; because, if ye do say another word, I know a man as will drag you down out o' that cart, sir,--I know a man as will break your whip over your very own back, sir,--I know a man as will then take and heave you into the horse-pond, sir,--and that man is me--Sergeant Appleby, late of the Nineteenth Hussars, sir."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Out ye go,--at the end o' the month,--mind that!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Sergeant, said Bellew extending his hand,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hearty, sir,--hearty I thank you, though, at this precise moment, just a leetle put out, sir. None the less I know a man as is happy to see you, Mr. Bellew, sir,--and that's me--Sergeant Appleby, at your service, sir. My cottage lies down the road yonder, an easy march--if you will step that far?--Speaking for my comrade and myself--we shall be proud for you to take tea with us--muffins sir--shrimps, Mr. Bellew--also a pikelet or two.--Not a great feast--but tolerable good rations, sir--and plenty of 'em--what do you say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I say--done, and thank you very much!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will be wondering at the tantrums of the man Grimes, sir,--of his ordering me and my comrade Peterday out of his cottage. Sir--I'll tell you--in two words. It's all owing to the sale--up at the Farm, sir. You see, Grimes is a great hand at buying things uncommonly cheap, and selling 'em--uncommonly dear. To-day it seems--he was disappointed--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At exactly--twenty-three minutes to six, sir, said the Sergeant, consulting his large silver watch,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I were sitting in my usual corner--beside the chimley, sir,--when in comes Grimes--like a thunder-cloud.--Calls for a pint of ale--in a tankard. Tom draws pint--which Tom is the landlord, sir. 'Buy anything at the sale, Mr. Grimes?' says Tom,--'Sale!' says Grimes, 'sale indeed!' and falls a cursing--folk up at the Farm--shocking--outrageous. Ends by threatening to foreclose mortgage--within the month. Upon which--I raise a protest--upon which he grows abusive,--upon which I was forced to pour his ale over him,--after which I ran him out into the road--and there it is, you see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And--he threatened to foreclose the mortgage on Dapplemere Farm, did he, Sergeant!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Within the month, sir!--upon which I warned him--inn parlour no place--lady's private money troubles--gaping crowd--dammit!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so he is turning you out of his cottage?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Within the week, sir,--but then--beer down the neck--is rather unpleasant! and here the Sergeant uttered a short laugh, and was immediately grave again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It isn't, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very remarkable!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then again,--there's my comrade,--Peter Day (The Sergeant pronounced it as though it were all one word). Sir, my comrade Peterday is a very remarkable man,--most cobblers are. When he's not cobbling, he's reading,--when not reading, he's cobbling, or mending clocks, and watches, and, betwixt this and that, my comrade has picked up a power of information,--though he lost his leg a doing of it--in a gale of wind--off the Cape of Good Hope, for my comrade was a sailor, sir. Consequently he is a handy man, most sailors are and makes his own wooden legs, sir, he is also a musician--the tin whistle, sir,--and here we are!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tom Bowling"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peterday, said the Sergeant,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Bel-lew!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad to see you sir, said the mariner, saluting the visitor with a quick bob of the head, and a backward scrape of the wooden leg."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You couldn't make port at a better time, sir,--and because why?--because the kettle's a biling, sir, the muffins is piping hot, and the shrimps is a-laying hove to, waiting to be took aboard, sir."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It aren't often as we're honoured wi' company, sir, said Peterday, as they sat down,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We ain't had company to tea, said Peterday, passing Bellew the muffins,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Honoured us, said the Sergeant, nodding his head approvingly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And the last time was this day twelve months, sir,--because why?--because this day twelve months 'appened to be Miss Priscilla's birthday,--consequently to-day is her birthday, likewise,--wherefore the muffins, and wherefore the shrimps, sir, for they was this day to have once more graced our board, Mr. Bellew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "said the Sergeant, nodding his head again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Messmate, said Peterday, with a note of concern in his voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tolerable, comrade, tolerable!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then--why forget the tea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tea! said the Sergeant with a guilty start,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Sergeant tells me you are a musician,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A musician,--me! think o' that now! To be sure, I do toot on the tin whistle now and then, sir, such things as 'The British Grenadiers,' and the 'Girl I left behind me,' for my shipmate, and 'The Bay o' Biscay,' and 'A Life on the Ocean Wave,' for myself,--but a musician, Lord! Ye see, sir, said Peterday, taking advantage of the Sergeant's abstraction, and whispering confidentially behind his muffin,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And it is about the only instrument I could ever get the hang of,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why--do you mean as you play, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hardly that, but I make a good bluff at it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why then,--I've got a couple o' very good whistles,--if you're so minded we might try a doo-et, sir, arter tea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With pleasure!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How's the wind, now, Shipmate?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why so so, Peterday, fairish! fairish!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then messmate,--why not a muffin, or even a occasional shrimp,--where be your appetite?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peterday, said the Sergeant, beginning to stir his tea faster than ever, and with his eyes still fixed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What messmate, is it heave our anchor, you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, comrade--that on Saturday next, being the twenty-fifth instant,--we march out--bag and baggage--horse, foot, and artillery,--we evacuate our position--in face of superior force,--for good and all, comrade."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that so, shipmate?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's rough on you, Peterday--it's hard on you, I'll admit, but things were said, comrade--relative to--business troubles of one as we both respect, Peterday,--things was said as called for--beer down the neck,--and running out into the road, comrade. But it's rough on you, Peterday seeing as you--like the Hussars at Assuan--was never engaged, so to speak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aye, aye, Shipmate, that does ketch me,--all aback, shipmate. Why Lord! I'd give a pound,--two pound--ah, ten!--just to have been astarn of him wi' a rope's end,--though--come to think of it I'd ha' preferred a capstan-bar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peterday, said the Sergeant removing his gaze from the wall with a jerk,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Say, messmate,--why that you and me, honouring, and respecting two ladies as deserves to be honoured, and respected, ain't going to let such a small thing as this here cottage come betwixt us, and our honouring and respecting of them two ladies. If, therefore, we are due to quit this anchorage, why then it's all hands to the windlass with a heave yo ho, and merrily! say I. Messmate,--my fist!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peterday,--you have lifted a load off my heart--I thank ye comrade,--and spoke like a true soldier. Peterday--the muffins!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Peterday, said the Sergeant, hanging each cup upon its appointed nail, and setting each saucer solicitously in the space reserved for it on the small dresser,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cupboard! returned Peterday with a snort of disdain,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "True Peterday, but then I'm used to it, and use is everything as you know,--I can lay my hand upon anything--in a minute--watch me!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A pair o' jack-boots,--two brushes,--blacking,--and a burnisher."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Bellew, sir,--this evening being the anniversary of a certain--event, sir, I will ask you--to excuse me--while I make the necessary preparations--to honour this anniversary--as is ever my custom."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A fine fellow is Dick, sir! nodded Peterday, beginning to fill a long clay pipe,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord!--what a sailor he 'd ha' made, to be sure!--failing which he's as fine a soldier as ever was, or will be, with enough war-medals to fill my Sunday hat, sir. When he lost his arm they gave him the V.C., and his discharge, sir,--because why--because a soldier wi' one arm ain't any more good than a sailor wi' one leg, d'ye see. So they tried to discharge Dick, but--Lord love you!--they couldn't, sir,--because why?--because Dick were a soldier bred and born, and is as much a soldier to-day, as ever he was,--ah! and always will be--until he goes marching aloft,--like poor Tom Bowling,--until one as is General of all the armies, and Admiral of all the fleets as ever sailed, shall call the last muster roll, sir. At this present moment, sir, continued the sailor, lighting his pipe with a live coal from the fire,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On guard! repeated Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid I don't understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course you don't, sir, chuckled Peterday,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sir, said he,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "three or four selections, each of which had been vociferously encored by Peterday, or Bellew,--and had just finished an impassioned rendering of the"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Suwanee River,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shipmate! cried Peterday, flourishing his whistle,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The British Grenadiers? and never did tin whistles render the famous old tune with more fire, and dash. As the stirring notes rang out, the Sergeant, standing upon the hearth, seemed to grow taller, his broad chest expanded, his eyes glowed, a flush crept up into his cheek, and the whole man thrilled to the music as he had done, many a time and oft, in years gone by. As the last notes died away, he glanced down at the empty sleeve pinned across his breast, shook his head, and thanking them in a very gruff voice indeed, turned on his heel, and busied himself at his little cupboard. Peterday now rose, and set a jug together with three glasses upon the table, also spoons, and a lemon, keeping his"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right O, shipmate! he cried, very much as though he had been hailing the"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "whereupon the Sergeant emerged from between the clothes-press and the dresser with a black bottle in his hand, which he passed over to Peterday who set about brewing what he called a"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Bellew, and comrade, said he, lifting his glass,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I give you--Miss Priscilla!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God bless her!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Amen!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sergeant, said Bellew, after they had walked some distance,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a message for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For me, sir?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From Miss Priscilla."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From--indeed, sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She bid me tell you that--the peaches are riper to-night than ever they were."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Sergeant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Riper!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Riper than ever they were!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The--peaches, I think, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The peaches, yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Bellew, sir--she is a--very remarkable woman, sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Sergeant!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A--wonderful woman!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Sergeant!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The kind of woman that--improves with age, sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Sergeant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Talking of--peaches, sir, I've often thought--she is--very like a peach--herself, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very, Sergeant, but--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peaches do--_not_ improve with age, Sergeant,--'and the peaches are--riper than ever they were,--to-night!'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why--sir, said he very slowly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I do!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord! he whispered--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lord! Lord!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sergeant, said Bellew, laying a hand upon his shoulder,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Speak to her,--what me! No, no, Mr. Bellew! said the Sergeant, hastily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no,--can't be done, sir,--not to be mentioned, or thought of, sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The surprising thing to me, Sergeant, is that you have never thought of putting your fortune to the test, and--speaking your mind to her, before now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thought of it, sir! repeated the Sergeant, bitterly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "he cried suddenly, wheeling and confronting Bellew, but not at all like his bold, erect, soldierly self,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, look at me,--a poor, battered, old soldier--with his--best arm gone,--left behind him in India, and with nothing in the world but his old uniform,--getting very frayed and worn,--like himself, sir,--a pair o' jack boots, likewise very much worn, though wonderfully patched, here and there, by my good comrade, Peterday,--a handful of medals, and a very modest pension. Look at me, with the best o' my days behind me, and wi' only one arm left--and I'm a deal more awkward and helpless with that one arm than you'd think, sir,--look at me, and then tell me how could such a man dare to speak his mind to--such a woman. What right has--such a man to even think of speaking his mind to--such a woman, when there's part o' that man already in the grave? Why, no right, sir,--none in the world. Poverty, and one arm, are facts as make it impossible for that man to--ever speak his mind. And, sir--that man--never will. Sir,--good night to you!--and a pleasant walk!--I turn back here."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Miss Anthea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How much money did Mr. Bellew give you to--buy the furniture?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You ax me--how much it were, Miss Anthea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Adam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well,--it were a goodish sum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was it--fifty pounds?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fifty pound! repeated Adam, in a tone of lofty disdain,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you mean it was--more?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! nodded Adam,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean as it were a sight more. If you was to take the fifty pound you mention, add twenty more, and then another twenty to that, and then come ten more to that,--why then--you'd be a bit nigher the figure--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hundred pounds!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! a hundred pound! nodded Adam, rolling the words upon his tongue with great gusto,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Adam!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord love you, Miss Anthea!--that weren't nothing,--that were only a flea-bite, as you might say,--he give more--ah! nigh double as much as that for the side-board."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nonsense, Adam!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It be gospel true, Miss Anthea. That there sideboard were the plum o' the sale, so to speak, an' old Grimes had set 'is 'eart on it, d'ye see. Well, it were bid up to eighty-six pound, an' then Old Grimes 'e goes twenty more, making it a hundred an' six. Then--jest as I thought it were all over, an' jest as that there Old Grimes were beginning to swell hisself up wi' triumph, an' get that red in the face as 'e were a sight to behold,--Mr. Belloo, who'd been lightin' 'is pipe all this time, up and sez,--'Fifty up!' 'e sez in his quiet way, making it a hundred an' fifty-six pound, Miss Anthea,--which were too much for Grimes,--Lord! I thought as that there man were going to burst, Miss Anthea!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hundred and fifty-six pounds! she repeated in an awed voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Steepish! admitted Adam,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, Adam, why did he do it! Why did he buy--all that furniture?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well,--to keep it from being took away, p'raps!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Adam!--what am I to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do, Miss Anthea?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The mortgage must be paid off--dreadfully soon--you know that, and--I can't--Oh, I can't give the money back--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why--give it back!--No, a course not, Miss Anthea!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I--can't--keep it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't keep it, Miss Anthea mam,--an' why not?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I'm very sure he doesn't want all those things,--the idea is quite--absurd! And yet,--even if the hops do well, the money they bring will hardly be enough by itself, and so--I was selling my furniture to make it up, and--now--Oh! what am I to do?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Anthea, said he, drawing a step nearer, and lowering his voice mysteriously,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now how can he, Adam? It isn't as though he lived in England, said Anthea, shaking her head,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah!--but then--even a American--may get married. Miss Anthea, mam!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Married! she repeated, glancing up very quickly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam--what do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why you must know, began Adam, wringing at his hat again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes?--Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Mr. Belloo, continued Adam, heavily,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Belloo has done me--the--the honour, here Adam paused to give an extra twist to his hat,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Adam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of confiding to me 'is 'opes-- said Adam slowly, finding it much harder to frame his well-meaning falsehood than he had supposed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes--Adam!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Consequently--'e bought all your furnitur' to set up 'ousekeepin', don't ye see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,--I see, Adam!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you don't 'ave to be no-wise back-ard about keepin' the money, Miss Anthea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh no,--no, of course not, I--I understand, it was--just a--business transaction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah!--that's it,--a business transaction! nodded Adam,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you'll put the money a one side to help pay off the mortgage, eh, Miss Anthea?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the 'ops comes up to what they promise to come up to,--you'll be able to get rid of Old Grimes--for good an' all, Miss Anthea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An' you be quite easy in your mind, now, Miss Anthea--about keepin' the money?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite!--Thank you, Adam--for--telling me. You can go now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why then--Good-night! Miss Anthea, mam,--the mortgage is as good as paid,--there ain't no such 'ops nowhere near so good as our'n be. An'--you're quite free o' care, an' 'appy 'earted, Miss Anthea?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite--Oh quite, Adam!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be, or not to be! Bellew leaned against the mighty bole of"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "King Arthur, and stared up at the moon with knitted brows."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is the question!--whether I shall brave the slings, and arrows and things, and--speak tonight, and have done with it--one way or another, or live on, a while, secure in this uncertainty? To wait? Whether I shall, at this so early stage, pit all my chances of happiness against the chances of--losing her, and with her--Small Porges, bless him! and all the quaint, and lovable beings of this wonderful Arcadia of mine. For, if her answer be 'No,'--what recourse have I,--what is there left me but to go wandering forth again, following the wind, and with the gates of Arcadia shut upon me for ever? 'To be, or not to be,--that is the question!'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be that you, Mr. Belloo, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even so, Adam. Come sit ye a while, good knave, and gaze upon Dian's loveliness, and smoke, and let us converse of dead kings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, kings ain't much in my line, sir,--living or dead uns,--me never 'aving seen any--except a pic'ter,--and that tore, though very life like. But why I were a lookin' for you was to ax you to back me up,--an' to--play the game, Mr. Belloo sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why--as to that, my good Adam,--my gentle Daphnis,--my rugged Euphemio,--you may rely upon me to the uttermost. Are you in trouble? Is it counsel you need, or only money? Fill your pipe, and, while you smoke, confide your cares to me,--put me wise, or, as your French cousins would say,--make me 'au fait.'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, began Adam, when his pipe was well alight,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, to-night, sir, Miss Anthea calls me into the parlour to ax,--or as you might say,--en-quire as to the why, an' likewise the wherefore of you a buyin' all that furnitur'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did she, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah!--'why did 'e do it?' says she--'well, to keep it from bein' took away, p'raps,' says I--sharp as any gimblet, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah!--but it weren't no good, sir, returned Adam,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hum!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeing which, sir, an' because she must have that money if she 'opes to keep the roof of Dapplemere over 'er 'ead, I, there an' then, made up,--or as you might say,--concocted a story, a anecdote, or a yarn,--upon the spot, Mr. Belloo sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Most excellent Machiavelli!--proceed!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told her, sir, as you bought that furnitur' on account of you being wishful to settle down,--whereat she starts, an' looks at me wi' her eyes big, an' surprised-like. I told 'er, likewise, as you had told me on the quiet,--or as you might say,--con-fi-dential, that you bought that furnitur' to set up 'ouse-keeping on account o' you being on the p'int o' marrying a fine young lady up to Lonnon,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You--told her--that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you knew it was a--confounded lie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye,--I knowed it. But I'd tell a hundred,--ah! thousands o' lies, con-founded, or otherwise,--to save Miss Anthea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To save her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From ruination, sir! From losing Dapplemere Farm, an' every thing she has in the world. Lord love ye!--the 'ops can never bring in by theirselves all the three thousand pounds as is owing,--it ain't to be expected,--but if that three thousand pound ain't paid over to that dirty Grimes by next Saturday week as ever was, that dirty Grimes turns Miss Anthea out o' Dapplemere, wi' Master Georgy, an' poor little Miss Priscilla,--An' what'll become o' them then,--I don't know. Lord! when I think of it the 'Old Adam' do rise up in me to that extent as I'm minded to take a pitch-fork and go and skewer that there Grimes to his own chimbley corner. Ye see Mr. Belloo sir, he went on, seeing Bellew was silent still,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Anthea be that proud, an' independent that she'd never ha' took your money, sir, if I hadn't told her that there lie,--so that's why I did tell her that here lie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see, nodded Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see!--yes,--you did quite right. You acted for the best, and you--did quite right, Adam,--yes, quite right"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thankee sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so--this is the game I am to play, is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's it, sir; if she ax's you,--'are you goin' to get married?'--you'll tell her 'yes,--to a lady as you've knowed from your childhood's hour,--living in Lonnon,'--that's all, sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's all is it, Adam! said Bellew slowly, turning to look up at the moon again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It doesn't sound very much, does it? Well, I'll play your game,--Adam,--yes, you may depend upon me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thankee, Mr. Belloo sir,--thankee sir!--though I do 'ope as you'll excuse me for taking such liberties, an' making so free wi' your 'eart, and your affections, sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh certainly, Adam!--the cause excuses--everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, good-night, sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-night, Adam!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anthea my dear, said she suddenly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm fond of music, and I love to hear you play, as you know,--but I never heard you play quite so--dolefully? dear me, no,--that's not the right word,--nor dismal,--but I mean something between the two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you were fond of Grieg, Aunt Priscilla."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I am, but then, even in his gayest moments, poor Mr. Grieg was always breaking his heart over something, or other. And-- Gracious!--there's Mr. Bellew at the window. Pray come in, Mr. Bellew, and tell us how you liked Peterday, and the muffins?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you! said Bellew, stepping in through the long French window,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I only play when I feel like it,--to please myself,--and Aunt Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why then, said Bellew, sinking into the easy-chair that Miss Priscilla indicated with a little stab of her needle,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the shrimps, Mr. Bellew?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Out-shrimped all other shrimps so ever!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And did--_He_--pour out the tea? enquired Miss Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as usual; yes he always does,--and every year he gives me three lumps of sugar,--and I only take one, you know. It's a pity, sighed Miss Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And here she sighed again, and, catching herself, glanced up quickly at Bellew, and smiled to see how completely absorbed he was in contemplation of the silent figure in the window-seat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, after all, better a right arm--than a leg, she pursued,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A man with only one leg, you see, would be almost as helpless as an--old woman with a crippled foot,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who grows younger, and brighter, every year! added Bellew, turning to her with his pleasant smile,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Mr. Bellew! exclaimed Miss Priscilla shaking her head at him reprovingly, yet looking pleased, none the less,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, it was the Sergeant who put it into my head,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Sergeant?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes,--it was after I had given him your message about peaches, Aunt Priscilla and--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh dear heart! exclaimed Miss Priscilla, at this juncture,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Prudence is out, to-night, and I promised to bake the bread for her, and here I sit chatting, and gossipping while that bread goes rising, and rising all over the kitchen!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I was almost forgetting to wish you 'many happy returns of the day, Aunt Priscilla!'"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well? enquired Anthea, at last, perfectly conscious of his look, and finding the silence growing irksome, yet still with her eyes averted,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Mr. Bellew?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the contrary, he answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The moon! she repeated,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suppose it is,--what then?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "True happiness can only come riding astride the full moon you know,--you remember old Nannie told us so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you--believed it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, of course!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, he went on, quite unabashed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think you will be tall enough?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We shall see,--when the time comes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it's all very ridiculous!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why then--suppose you play for me, that same, plaintive piece you were playing as I came in,--something of Grieg's I think it was,--will you, Miss Anthea?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! by the way, Mr. Bellew, she said, speaking as if the idea had but just entered her mind,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean--where would you like it--stored until you can send, and have it--taken away?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well,--I--er--rather thought of keeping it--where it was if you didn't mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm afraid that will be--impossible, Mr. Bellew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why then the barn will be an excellent place for it, I don't suppose the rats and mice will do it any real harm, and as for the damp, and the dust--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! you know what I mean! exclaimed Anthea, beginning to tap the floor impatiently with her foot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course we can't go on using the things now that they are your property, it--wouldn't be--right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, he nodded, his fingers questing anxiously after the rose again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll get Adam to help me to shift it all into the barn, to-morrow morning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you please be serious, Mr. Bellew!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As an owl!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why then--of course you will be leaving Dapplemere soon, and I should like to know exactly when, so that I can--make the necessary arrangements."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you see, I am not leaving Dapplemere soon or even thinking of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not until--you bid me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I--I understood that you--intend to--settle down?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Certainly! nodded Bellew, transferring his pipe to another pocket altogether, lest it should damage the rose's tender petals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To settle down has lately become the--er--ambition of my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then pray, said Anthea, taking up a sheet of music, and beginning to study it with attentive eyes,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That necessarily brings us back to the moon again,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The moon?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moon!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what in the world has the moon to do with your furniture?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything!--I bought that furniture with--er--with one eye on the moon, as it were,--consequently the furniture, the moon, and I, are bound indissolubly together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are pleased to talk in riddles, to-night, and really, Mr. Bellew, I have no time to waste over them, so, if you will excuse me--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you for playing to me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I played because I--I felt like it, Mr. Bellew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nevertheless, I thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you make up your mind about--the furniture,--please let me know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the moon is at the full, yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can it be possible that you are still harping on the wild words of poor old Nannie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nannie is very old, I'll admit, he nodded,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Early to bed, and early to rise Makes a man healthy, and wealthy, and wise."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "King Arthur"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aunt Priscilla!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh!--it's you? she exclaimed, just as though she hadn't known it all along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dear me! Mr. Bellew,--how lonely you look, and dreadfully thoughtful,--good gracious! and she glanced up at him with her quick, girlish smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose you are wondering what I am doing out here at this unhallowed time of night--it must be nearly eleven o'clock. Oh dear me!--yes you are!--Well, sit down, and I'll tell you. Let us sit here,--in the darkest corner,--there. Dear heart!--how bright the moon is to be sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Mr. Bellew, she began,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So then--you know he comes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why of course I do. And I love to hear the jingle of his spurs, and to watch the glitter of his sabre. So, every year, I come here, and sit among the shadows, where he can't see me, and watch him go march, march, marching up and down, and to and fro, until the clock strikes twelve, and he goes marching home again. Oh dear me!--it's all very foolish, of course,--but I love to hear the jingle of his spurs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And--have you sat here watching him, every year?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Every year!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he has never guessed you were watching him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good gracious me!--of course not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you think, Aunt Priscilla, that you are--just a little--cruel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cruel--why--what do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I gave him your message, Aunt Priscilla."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What message?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That 'to-night, the peaches were riper than ever they were.'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And--what did--he say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why the--the Sergeant, to be sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, he gave me to understand that a poor, old soldier with only one arm left him, must be content to stand aside, always and--hold his peace, just because he was a poor, maimed, old soldier. Don't you think that you have been--just a little cruel--all these years, Aunt Priscilla?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sometimes--one is cruel--only to be--kind!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aren't the peaches ripe enough, after all, Aunt Priscilla?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Over-ripe! she said bitterly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh--they are over-ripe!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that all, Aunt Priscilla?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, she answered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that all, Aunt Priscilla?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh!--isn't--that enough? Bellew rose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are you going--What are you going to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were quite right, he nodded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush! she whispered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sergeant! she said, speaking almost in a whisper,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh Sergeant--won't you--take it?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Priscilla? he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Priscilla?--Oh, Priscilla!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well,--I'm a bit worried, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Worried?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,--'fraid I shall be an old man before my time, Uncle Porges. Adam says it's worry that ages a man,--an' it killed a cat too!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And why do you worry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, it's my Auntie Anthea, a course!--she was crying again last night--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crying! Bellew had been lying flat upon his back in the fragrant shadow of the hay-rick, but now he sat up--very suddenly, so suddenly that Small Porges started."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Crying! he repeated,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yes! You see, she forgot to come an' 'tuck me up' last night, so I creeped downstairs,--very quietly, you know, to see why. An' I found her bending over the table, all sobbing, an' crying. At first she tried to pretend that she wasn't, but I saw the tears quite plain,--her cheeks were all wet, you know; an' when I put my arms round her--to comfort her a bit, an' asked her what was the matter, she only kissed me a lot, an' said 'nothing! nothing,--only a headache!'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And why was she crying, do you suppose, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!--money, a course!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What makes you think it was money?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah? said Bellew, staring straight before him. His beloved pipe had slipped from his fingers, and, for a wonder, lay all neglected."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was after she had talked with Adam, was it, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes,--that's why I knew it was 'bout money; Adam's always talking 'bout morgyges, an' bills, an' money. Oh Uncle Porges, how I do--hate money!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is sometimes a confounded nuisance!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I do wish we had some,--so we could pay all her bills, an' morgyges for her. She'd be so happy, you know, an' go about singing like she used to,--an' I shouldn't worry myself into an old man before my time,--all wrinkled, an' gray, you know; an' all would be revelry, an' joy, if only she had enough gold, an' bank-notes!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And she was--crying, you say!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are quite sure you saw the--tears, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yes! an' there was one on her nose, too,--a big one, that shone awful' bright,--twinkled, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And she said it was only a headache, did she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, but that meant money,--money always makes her head ache, lately. Oh Uncle Porges!--I s'pose people do find fortunes, sometimes, don't they?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why yes, to be sure they do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I wish I knew where they looked for them, said he with a very big sigh indeed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've hunted an' hunted in all the attics, an' the cupboards, an' under hedges, an' in ditches, an' prayed, an' prayed, you know,--every night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, of course, you'll be answered, my Porges."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you really s'pose I shall be answered? You see it's such an awful' long way for one small prayer to have to go,--from here to heaven. An' there's clouds that get in the way; an' I'm 'fraid my prayers aren't quite big, or heavy enough, an' get lost, an' blown away in the wind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, my Porges, said Bellew, drawing his arm about the small disconsolate figure,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Answered?--Do you mean,--oh Uncle Porges!--do you mean--the Money Moon?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why yes, to be sure,--the Money Moon, my Porges,--it's bound to come, one of these fine nights."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah!--but when,--oh! when will the Money Moon ever come?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I can't be quite sure, but I rather fancy, from the look of things, my Porges, that it will be pretty soon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I do hope so!--for her sake, an' my sake. You see, she may go getting herself married to Mr. Cassilis, if something doesn't happen soon, an' I shouldn't like that, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither should I, my Porges. But what makes you think so?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why he's always bothering her, an' asking her to, you see. She always says 'No' a course, but--one of these fine days, I'm 'fraid she'll say 'Yes'--accidentally, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heaven forbid, nephew!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does that mean you hope not?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I say heaven forbid, too,--'cause I don't think she'd ever be happy in Mr. Cassilis's great, big house. An' I shouldn't either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, of course not!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it could hardly be called a confirmed habit of mine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's one of the things I like about you so,--all the time you've been here you haven't asked my Auntie Anthea once, have you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, my Porges,--not yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!--but you don't mean that you--ever will?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you be very grieved, and angry, if I did,--some day soon, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I--I didn't think you were that kind of a man!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm afraid I am, nephew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you really mean that you want to--marry my Auntie Anthea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As much as Mr. Cassilis does?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A great deal more, I think."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uncle Porges, said he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm--s'prised at you!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I rather feared you would be, nephew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's all so awful' silly, you know!--why do you want to marry her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because, like a Prince in a fairy tale, I'm--er--rather anxious to--live happy ever after."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! said Small Porges, turning this over in his mind,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never thought of that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Marriage is a very important institution, you see, my Porges,--especially in this case, because I can't possibly live happy ever after, unless I marry--first--now can I?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I s'pose not! Small Porges admitted, albeit reluctantly, after he had pondered the matter a while with wrinkled brow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just because she happens to be your Auntie Anthea, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why then, if she's got to be married some day, so she can live happy ever after,--well,--I s'pose you'd better take her, Uncle Porges."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, old chap,--I mean to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd rather you took her than Mr. Cassilis, an'--why there he is!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Cassilis. An' he's stopped, an' he's twisting his mestache."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, Mr. Bellew! what might it be this morning,--the pitchfork--the scythe, or the plough?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither, sir,--this morning it is--matrimony!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eh!--I beg your pardon,--matrimony?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a large M, sir, nodded Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is surely rather a--peculiar subject to discuss with a child, Mr. Bellew--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meaning my nephew, sir?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean--young George, there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Precisely,--my nephew, Small Porges."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I refer, said Mr. Cassilis, with slow, and crushing emphasis,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And mine, Mr. Cassilis,--mine by--er--mutual adoption, and inclination."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I repeat that your choice of subjects is--peculiar, to say the least of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But then, mine is rather a peculiar nephew, sir. But, surely it was not to discuss nephews,--mine or anyone else's, that you are hither come, and our ears do wait upon you,--pray be seated, sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, I prefer to stand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strange! murmured Bellew, shaking his head,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never stand if I can sit, or sit if I can lie down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should like you to define, exactly, your position--here at Dapplemere, Mr. Bellew."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My position here, sir, is truly the most--er--enviable in the world. Prudence is an admirable cook,--particularly as regard Yorkshire Pudding; gentle, little Miss Priscilla is the most--er Aunt-like, and perfect of housekeepers; and Miss Anthea is our sovereign lady, before whose radiant beauty, Small Porges and I like true knights, and gallant gentles, do constant homage, and in whose behalf Small Porges and I do stand prepared to wage stern battle, by day, or by night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, sir, nodded Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do confess me a most fortunate, and happy, wight who, having wandered hither and yon upon this planet of ours, which is so vast, and so very small,--has, by the most happy chance, found his way hither into Arcady."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And--may I enquire how long you intend to lead this Arcadian existence?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I fear I cannot answer that question until the full o' the moon, sir,--at present, I grieve to say,--I do not know."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At least you know, and will perhaps explain, what prompted you to buy all that furniture? You were the only buyer at the sale I understand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who--bought anything, yes,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And pray--what was your object,--you--a stranger?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, replied Bellew slowly, as he began to fill his pipe,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bought it because it was there to buy, you know; I bought it because furniture is apt to be rather useful, now and then,--I acquired the chairs to--er--sit in, the tables to--er--put things on, and--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't quibble with me, Mr. Bellew!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I beg your pardon, Mr. Cassilis!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I ask a question, sir, I am in the habit of receiving a direct reply,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And when I am asked a question, Mr. Cassilis, I am in the habit of answering it precisely as I please,--or not at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Bellew, let me impress upon you, once and for all, that Miss Devine has friends,--old and tried friends, to whom she can always turn for aid in any financial difficulty she may have to encounter,--friends who can more than tide over all her difficulties without the--interference of strangers; and, as one of her oldest friends, I demand to know by what right you force your wholly unnecessary assistance upon her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My very good sir, returned Bellew, shaking his head in gentle reproof,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is no answer!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Furthermore, pursued Bellew placidly, settling the tobacco in his pipe with his thumb,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Cassilis!--Mr. Bellew! she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed, and her bosom heaving with the haste she had made,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Upon my word, I hardly know, Miss Anthea. Our friend Mr. Cassilis seems to have got himself all worked up over the--er--sale, I fancy--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The furniture! exclaimed Anthea, and stamped her foot with vexation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That wretched furniture! Of course you explained your object in buying it, Mr. Bellew?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, no,--we hadn't got as far as that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Bellew bought my furniture because he intends to set up house-keeping--he is to be married--soon, I believe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the moon is at the full!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Married! exclaimed Mr. Cassilis, his frown vanishing as if by magic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, indeed--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am on my way to the hop-gardens, if you care to walk with me, Mr. Cassilis?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why do you frown so, Uncle Porges?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--er--was thinking, nephew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I'm thinking, too!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you quite sure you never told my Auntie Anthea that you were going to marry her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite sure, comrade,--why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then how did she know you were going to marry her, an' settle down?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Marry--her, and settle down?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes,--at the full o' the moon, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why really--I don't know, my Porges,--unless she guessed it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I specks she did,--she's awful' clever at guessing things! But, do you know--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm thinking I don't just like the way she smiled at Mr. Cassilis, I never saw her look at him like that before,--as if she were awful' glad to see him, you know; so I don't think I'd wait till the full o' the moon, if I were you. I think you'd better marry her--this afternoon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That, said Bellew, clapping him on the shoulder,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hop-picking"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Merry Monarch"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "you say? Hum! History tells us that William the Conqueror wooed his lady with a club, or a battle-axe, or something of the sort, and she consequently liked him the better for it; which was all very natural, and proper of course, in her case, seeing that hers was the day of battle-axes, and things. But then, as I said before, sir,--the times are sadly changed,--women may still admire strength of body, and even--occasionally--of mind, but the theory of"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dog, woman, and walnut tree"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No was generally taken to mean"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jogafrey,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, I have been in Arcadia--only three weeks! I have known Anthea only twenty-one days! A ridiculously short time, as time goes,--in any other place but Arcadia,--and yet sufficient to lay for ever, the--er--Haunting Spectre of the Might Have Been. Lord! what a preposterous ass I was! Baxter was quite right,--utterly, and completely right! Now, let us suppose that this paragraph had read: 'To-day, at St. George's, Hanover Square, Anthea Devine to--' No no,--confound it! and Bellew crumpled up the paper, and tossed it into a distant corner."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder what Baxter would think of me now,--good old faithful John. The Haunting Spectre of the Might Have Been,--What a preposterous ass!--what a monumental idiot I was!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Posterous ass, isn't a very pretty word, Uncle Porges,--or continental idiot!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "True, nephew, he answered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uncle Porges, said he, at last,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed, I hope not, Porges,--why do you ask?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well,--'cause my Auntie Anthea's 'fraid you do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is she--hum!--Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When she came to 'tuck me up,' last night, she sat down on my bed, an' talked to me a long time. An' she sighed a lot, an' said she was 'fraid I didn't care for her any more,--which was awful' silly, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, of course!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An' then she asked me why I was so fond of you, an' I said 'cause you were my Uncle Porges that I found under a hedge. An' then she got more angrier than ever, an' said she wished I'd left you under the hedge--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did she, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; she said she wished she'd never seen you, an' she'd be awful' glad when you'd gone away. So I told her you weren't ever going away, an' that we were waiting for the Money Moon to come, an' bring us the fortune. An' then she shook her head, an' said 'Oh! my dear,--you mustn't believe anything he says to you about the moon, or anything else, 'cause he tells lies,'--an' she said 'lies' twice!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah!--and--did she stamp her foot, Porges?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I think she did; an' then she said there wasn't such a thing as a Money Moon, an' she told me you were going away very soon, to get married, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what did you say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! I told her that I was going too. An' then I thought she was going to cry, an' she said 'Oh Georgy! I didn't think you'd leave me--even for him.' So then I had to s'plain how we had arranged that she was going to marry you so that we could all live happy ever after,--I mean, that it was all settled, you know, an' that you were going to speak to her on the first--opportunity. An' then she looked at me a long time an' asked me--was I sure you had said so. An' then she got awful' angry indeed, an' said 'How dare he! Oh, how dare he!' So a course, I told her you'd dare anything--even a dragon,--'cause you are so big, an' brave, you know. So then she went an' stood at the window, an' she was so angry she cried,--an' I nearly cried too. But at last she kissed me 'Good night' an' said you were a man that never meant anything you said, an' that I must never believe you any more, an' that you were going away to marry a lady in London, an' that she was very glad, 'cause then we should all be happy again she s'posed. So she kissed me again, an' tucked me up, an' went away. But it was a long, long time before I could go to sleep, 'cause I kept on thinking, an' thinking s'posing there really wasn't any Money Moon, after all! s'posing you were going to marry another lady in London!--You see, it would all be so--frightfully awful, wouldn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Terribly dreadfully awful, my Porges."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you never _do_ tell lies,--do you, Uncle Porges?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An'--there _is_ a Money Moon, isn't there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why of course there is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An' you _are_ going to marry my Auntie Anthea in the full o' the moon, aren't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, my Porges."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why then--everything's all right again,--so let's go an' sit under the hay-stack, an' talk 'bout ships."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But why of ships?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'd find it more convenient, perhaps."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know all 'bout oceans, an' waves, and billows, don't you Uncle Porges?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I know a little."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An' are you ever sea-sick,--like a 'landlubber?'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I used to be, but I got over it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was it a very big ship that you came over in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No,--not so very big, but she's about as fast as anything in her class, and a corking sea-boat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's her name?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her name? repeated Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's an awful' pretty name for a ship."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hum!--so so,--but I have learned a prettier, and next time she puts out to sea we'll change her name, eh, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We? cried Small Porges, looking up with eager eyes,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't suppose I'd leave either of you behind, if I could help it, do you? We'd all sail away together--wherever you wished."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you mean, said Small Porges, in a suddenly awed voice,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yes-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But,--do you know, Uncle Porges, you don't look as though you had a ship--for your very own, somehow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You see, a ship is such a very big thing for one man to have for his very own self. An' has it got masts, an' funnels, an' anchors?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lots of 'em."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, please, when will you take me an' Auntie Anthea sailing all over the oceans?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just so soon as she is ready to come."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I think I'd like to go to Nova Zembla first,--I found it in my jogafrey to-day, an' it sounds nice an' far off, doesn't it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It does, Shipmate!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! that's fine! exclaimed Small Porges rapturously,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye, aye Shipmate!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then please, Uncle Por--I mean Captain,--what shall we name our ship,--I mean the new name?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, my Porges,--I mean, of course, shipmate,--I rather thought of calling her--Hallo!--why here's the Sergeant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "King Arthur"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why Sergeant, how are you? said Bellew, gripping the veteran's hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are half an hour before your usual time, to-day,--nothing wrong, I hope?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing wrong, Mr. Bellew, sir--I thank you. No, nothing wrong, but this--is a--memorable occasion, sir. May I trouble you to--step behind the tree with me--for half a moment, sir?"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not good enough--for such a woman--I know, but the best I could afford, sir!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why--it's very handsome, Sergeant! said Bellew, making the jewels sparkle in the sun,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, it did look pretty tidy--in the shop, sir,--to me, and Peterday. My comrade has a sharp eye, and a sound judgment in most things, sir--and we took--a deal of trouble in selecting it. But now--when it comes to--giving it to _Her_,--why it looks--uncommon small, and mean, sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A ruby, and two diamonds, and very fine stones, too, Sergeant!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I made so bold as to--come here sir, pursued the Sergeant still interested in the foliage above,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord, no! said Bellew, smiling and shaking his head,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good Lord! sir! exclaimed the Sergeant,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could never do that!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yes you could!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not unless you--stood by me--a force in reserve, as it were, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll do that willingly, Sergeant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then--p 'raps sir--you might happen to know--which finger?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The third finger of the left hand, I believe Sergeant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here's Aunt Priscilla now,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lord! exclaimed the Sergeant,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Priscilla, mam-- he said, and stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why--Sergeant! she exclaimed, though it was a very soft little exclamation indeed,--for her hand still rested in his, and so she could feel the quiver of the strong fingers,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Priscilla,--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Goodness me! exclaimed Miss Priscilla,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do believe he is going to forget to enquire about the peaches!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Peaches! repeated the Sergeant,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Priscilla."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And--why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Small Porges broke in,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And--here it is!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh Sergeant! she said, very softly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh Sergeant, I am only a poor, old woman--with a lame foot!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I am a poor, old soldier--with only one arm, Priscilla."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are the strongest, and gentlest, and bravest soldier in all the world, I think!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you, Priscilla, are the sweetest, and most beautiful _woman_ in the world, I _know!_ And so--I've loved you all these years, and--never dared to tell you so, because of my--one arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why then, said Miss Priscilla, smiling up at him through her tears,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I s'pose they'll be marrying each other, one of these fine days!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I expect so, Shipmate, nodded Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye, aye, Captain,--an' Amen!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good arternoon, Mr. Belloo sir,--an' Master Georgy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Adam, how are the hops?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rain, Adam, and wind,--and plenty of it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! so I think, sir,--driving storm, and thrashing tempest!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, sir,--p'raps you've never seen w'ot driving rain, an' raging wind, can do among the 'op-bines, sir. All I wish is that they 'ops was all safe picked an' gathered, sir!"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Auntie Anthea"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She says it's a head-ache, said Small Porges,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The hops, my Porges?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's worrying about them,--she's 'fraid of a storm, like Adam is. An' when she worries,--I worry. Oh Uncle Porges!--if only my prayers can bring the Money Moon--soon, you know,--very soon! If they don't bring it in a day or two,--'fraid I shall wake up, one fine morning, an' find I've worried, an' worried myself into an old man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never fear, Shipmate! said Bellew in his most nautical manner,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-night"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sir, said he, very gravely,"
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are placing all our hopes, this year, upon the hops!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ruined, sir!--Done for!--Lord love me! they ain't worth the trouble o? gatherin'--w'ot's left on 'em, Mr. Belloo sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So bad as that, Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bad!--ah, so bad as ever was, sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Has Miss Anthea seen,--does she know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! she were out at dawn, and Oh Lord, Mr. Belloo sir! I can't never forget her poor, stricken face,--so pale and sad it were. But she never said nothing, only: 'Oh, Adam!--my poor hops!' An' I see her lips all of a quiver while she spoke. An' so she turned away, an' came back to the 'ouse, sir. Poor lass! Oh poor lass! he exclaimed, his voice growing more husky."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's made a brave fight for it, sir,--but it weren't no use, ye see,--it'll be 'Good-bye' for her to Dapplemere, arter all, that there mortgage can't never be paid now,--nohow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When is it due?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, according to the bond, or the deed, or whatever they calls it,--it be doo--tonight, at nine o'clock, sir,--though Old Grimes,--as a special favour, an' arter much persuading,--'ad agreed to hold over till next Saturday,--on account o' the 'op-picking. But now--seeing as there ain't no 'ops to be picked,--why he'll fore-close to-night, an' glad enough to do it, you can lay your oath on that, Mr. Belloo sir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To-night! said Bellew,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and he stood, for a while with bent head, as though lost in profound thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam, said he, suddenly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What!--be you--goin' sir?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes;--hurry, man,--hurry!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "D'ye mean as you're a-goin' to leave her--now, in the middle o' all this trouble?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Adam,--I must go to London--on business,--now hurry, like a good fellow."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't, Auntie Anthea,--don't! he pleaded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know Uncle Porges has gone away, an' left us, but you've got me left, you know,--an' I shall be a man--very soon,--before my time, I think. So--don't cry,--though I'm awful' sorry he's gone, too--just when we needed him the most, you know!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh Georgy! she whispered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, never mind! said he, kneeling beside her, and drawing one small arm protectingly about her,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Baxter!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get me a pen, and ink!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sir."
}
]
|
10418 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Baxter!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oblige me by getting this cashed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sir."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bring half of it in gold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sir, said Baxter, glancing down at the slip of paper,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Baxter,--I'd take it all in gold only that it would be rather awkward to drag around. So bring half in gold, and the rest in--five pound notes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very good, sir!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And--Baxter!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sir?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take a cab!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Certainly sir."
}
]
|
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