human
Oh, my dear father!
gpt
My darling! said Mr. Brewer, as he kissed Claudia;
human
Oh, my dear father--my father, my dear father!
gpt
Yes, go; go for half an hour, Mrs. Evelyn. But don't be out of the way; I have a fancy for a little chat with you, too, to-day. A grave smile spread itself over Eleanor's placid face as she said she should come back when Lady Greystock sent for her, and then she went away. Once more, when she was gone, Mr. Brewer stood up and taking Claudia's hand, kissed her.
human
My darling, he said,
gpt
I have something to say, and I can only say it to you--I have some help to ask for, and only you can help me. But are you strong enough to help me; are you loving enough to trust me?
human
I will try to be all you want, father; I _am_ strong; I _can_ trust--but if you want to know how much I love you--why, you know I can't tell you that--it is more than I can measure, I am afraid. Don't look grave at me. It can't be anything very solemn, if _I_ can help you; or anything of much importance, if my help is worth your having.
gpt
Your help is absolutely necessary; at least necessary to my own comfort--now, Claudia. Tell your father why you broke off your engagement with Horace Erskine.
human
He wanted more money, father. It came as a test. He was in debt. I had loved him, as if--as if he had been what _you_ must have been in your youth. You were my one idea of man. I had had no heart to study but yours. I learnt that Horace Erskine was unworthy. He was a coward. The pressure of his debts had crushed him into meanness. He asked me to bear the trial, and to save him. I did. I did, father!
gpt
Yes, my darling.
human
But you were fond of Sir Geoffrey?
gpt
Yes; and glad, and grateful. I should have been very happy--but--
human
But he died,
gpt
But Horace sent to Sir Geoffrey the miniature I had given him--letters--and a lock of my poor curling hair-- How tight the pressure of the strong hand grew.
human
I found the open packet on the table --she could not say another word. Then a grave, deep voice told the rest for her--
gpt
And your honored husband's soul went up to God and found the truth
human
And that made you ill, my darling; my dear darling Claudia--my own {326} dear daughter! Thank you, my precious one. And you don't like Beremouth now?
gpt
I love Beremouth, and everything about it, cried Lady Greystock, raising her head, and gathering all her strength together for the effort;