human
Can you meet me to-morrow morning at my rooms, St. James's Street?
gpt
I shall have to go up to-morrow, he said to Toby;
human
Alington wants me to meet him in London; I shall go, of course. What a blessing one is a gentleman, and doesn't scream and sweat! Now, not a word to anyone; it may not be as bad as it looks.
gpt
People _in extremis_ do not play pianos,
human
I am glad you were able to come, he said;
gpt
What has happened?
human
The unexpected--it always does: this, in fact.
gpt
Chavasse left for England by P. and O. yesterday.
human
You don't understand, my dear Conybeare, do you? he said.
gpt
It is a very short story, and quite a little romance in its way.
human
I make no doubt what has occurred, he said.
gpt
The man has drawn out the somewhat considerable balance I left at Melbourne for him to invest when ordered, and has taken it off with him. He has also, I expect, got hold of his own confession--a clever rogue.
human
But the telegram? asked Jack.
gpt
Who sent the telegram about the strong support in Australia?
human
I, my dear fellow! he said;
gpt
And what next?
human
Unless the shares go up again before next settling-day, I shall almost certainly be bankrupt,
gpt
Then why, if the papers were correctly informed, did you go on buying last night?
human
Because I could get Carmel dirt cheap, he said.
gpt
If they go up, I am so much the richer; if they do not, I am done in any case. This unfortunate _contretemps_ about my foolish valet does not affect the value of the mine. The gold is there just the same.
human
But nobody will believe that,
gpt
For the present, as you say--for the immediate present--they will not realize it. They will think themselves lucky to part with their shares enormously below their value. My fortune depends on how soon they realize it.
human
There will be an inquiry into the matter?
gpt
Undoubtedly. Bogus telegrams are not officially recognised by the Stock Exchange.