human
So the thing is out?
gpt
It's out--and all over the place, Drusilla answered, tearfully.
human
We're the only people who haven't known it--but it's always that way with those who are most concerned.
gpt
And over three hundred guests invited to Olivia's wedding next Thursday fortnight! And the British Military Attaché coming from Washington! And Lord Woolwich from Ottawa! What's to happen _I_ don't know.
human
Oh, Peter, can't you do anything?
gpt
What can he do, child? If Henry's been making away with all that money it would take a fortune to--
human
Oh, men can do things--in business, Drusilla asserted.
gpt
I know they can. Banks lend them money, _don't_ they, Peter? Banks are always lending money to tide people over. I've often heard of it. Oh, Peter, _do_ something. I'm so glad you're here. It seems like a providence.
human
Colonel Ashley will be here next week, too,
gpt
Oh, mother dear, don't _speak_ of him! Drusilla put up her two hands, palms outward, before her averted face, as though to banish the suggestion.
human
If you'd ever known him you'd see how impossible--how _impossible_--this kind of situation is for a man like him. Poor, poor Olivia! It's impossible for her, too, I know; but then we Americans--well, we're more used to things. But one thing is certain, anyhow, she continued, rising in her place on the stairs and stretching out her hand oratorically:
gpt
If this happens I shall never go back to Southsea--never, never!--no, nor to Silchester. With my temperament I couldn't face it. My career will be over. There'll be nothing left for _me_, mother dear, but to stay at home with father and you.
human
Well, I suppose we must go to bed, though I must say it seems harder to do that than almost anything. None of us'll sleep.
gpt
Oh, Peter, _won't_ you do something?
human
I'll--I'll think it over,
gpt
Oh, _thank_ you, Peter! I must say it seems like a providence--your being here. With my temperament I always feel that there's nothing like a big strong man to lean on.