human
Look! she suddenly exclaimed at last.
gpt
The boys are coming home! Can't you see them there, down in the avenue? and she pointed with her finger.
human
Well, she added,
gpt
Of course, you must, I said.
human
But who is to be the happy man? Have you decided?
gpt
M'-well, I don't quite know. Ellice Winsloe is a good fellow, and we're very friendly, she admitted.
human
The mater approves of him, because he's well off.
gpt
Then she wouldn't approve of me, I laughed.
human
You know I haven't got very much.
gpt
I've never asked her. Indeed, if you would marry me I shouldn't ask her, I should marry first and ask afterwards.
human
But do you really mean to marry Ellice? I asked seriously.
gpt
Is he-- well, such a very particular friend?
human
He proposed to me a fortnight ago after the Jardines' dance, and I refused him--I always refuse, you know,
gpt
Then you've had other offers?
human
Of course, but mostly from the undesirables. Oh! you would laugh if you could hear them laying open their hearts, as they call it, she said gaily.
gpt
Why does a man call his love his secret--as though he'd committed some awful crime? It is most amusing, I can assure you. Mason and I have some good laughs over it very often.
human
But you surely don't tell your maid such things?
gpt
Indeed I do. Mason enjoys the joke just as much as I do.
human
Ah! Tibbie, I said reproachfully,
gpt
Why don't you? That's just what I want. Then we should marry and live happy ever after. It would be so delightful. I'd marry you to-morrow, dear old boy, if you wished,
human
And regret it the day after, I laughed.
gpt
Why, Tibbie, you know how horribly badly off the poor old governor left me--a bare thousand a year when all expenses of Netherdene are paid. The place is an absolute white elephant, shabby, worn out, dilapidated--certainly not the house to take a bride to. I haven't been up there for nearly two years. A cotton-spinner in Oldham rents the shoot, and his cheque is always helpful.
human
Yes, she remarked thoughtfully, gazing down upon the oak floor,
gpt
Netherdene certainly isn't a very cheerful spot. It would make a nice home for incurables, or a lunatic asylum. Why don't you try and form a company, or something in the City, and run it? Other fellows do.
human
What's the use? I asked.
gpt
I'm no hand at business; I only wish I were. Then I could make money. Now, I only wander about and spend it.
human
Well, you have a decent time, so what more can you want? she asked, looking at me with those wonderful eyes that had caused many a man's head to reel.
gpt
You ought, after all, to be satisfied, and thank your stars you're not worse off.
human
You're not satisfied yourself, even though you are one of the most popular girls in town? I said.
gpt
You want a husband.
human
I shouldn't want one if the mater gave me a decent allowance. I hate to be continually borrowing from Cynthia when the mater has plenty and Jack is throwing it away on the Stock Exchange. He's always learning of good things from his friends, but they generally result in losses.
gpt
And so, Tibbie, you intend to marry Ellice!