human
Wouldn't you like this kind of thing, as well? Vane asked.
gpt
Of course, I mean what it implies--the power to take life easy and get as much enjoyment as possible out of it. It wouldn't be difficult, if you'd only take what I'd be glad to give you. He indicated the languid figures in the foreground.
human
You could, for instance, spend your time among people of this sort. After all, it's what you were meant to do.
gpt
Would that appeal to you?
human
Oh, I like it in the meantime,
gpt
Well, Lucy returned curtly,
human
I believe I'm more at home with the other kind of people--those in poverty, squalor and ignorance. I've an idea that they have a stronger claim on me; but that's not a point I can urge. The fact is, I've chosen my career, and there are practical reasons why I shouldn't abandon it. I had a good deal of trouble in getting a footing, and if I fell out now, it would be harder still to take my place in the ranks again.
gpt
But you wouldn't require to do so.
human
I can't be sure. I don't want to hurt you; but, after all, your success was sudden, and one understands that it isn't wise to depend on an income derived from mining properties.
gpt
None of you ever did believe in me!
human
I suppose there's some truth in that. You really did give us trouble, you know. Somehow, you were different--you wouldn't fit in; though I believe the same thing applied to me, for that matter.
gpt
And now you don't expect my prosperity to last?
human
Perhaps I'd better answer. You have it in you to work determinedly and, when it's necessary, to do things that men with less courage would shrink from; but I'm doubtful whether yours is the temperament that leads to success. You haven't the huckster's instincts; you're not cold-blooded enough; you wouldn't cajole your friends nor truckle to your enemies.
gpt
If I adopted the latter course, it would certainly be against the grain,
human
Well, I mean to go on earning my living; but you may take me up to London for a few days, if you want to, and buy me some hats and things. Then I don't mind your giving something to the Emancipation Society.
gpt
I am not sure that I believe in emancipation; but you may have ten guineas.
human
Thank you.
gpt
I'll give you a piece of advice, she added.
human
Stick to that man. He's cooler and less headstrong than you are; he'll prove a useful friend.
gpt
What are you two talking about? asked Carroll.
human
You look animated.
gpt
Wallace has just promised me ten guineas to assist the movement for the emancipation of women. Lucy answered pointedly.
human
Our society's efforts are sadly restricted by the lack of funds.
gpt
Vane is now and then a little inconsequential in his generosity, Carroll rejoined.
human
I didn't know he was interested in that kind of thing; but as I don't like to be outdone by my partner, I'll subscribe the same. By the way, why do you people reckon these things in guineas?
gpt
Thanks, smiled Lucy, making an entry in a notebook in a businesslike manner.
human
As you said it was a subscription, you'll hear from us next year. In answer to your question, it's an ancient custom, and it has the advantage that you get in the extra shillings.
gpt
Have you tackled Chisholm yet?
human
I never waste powder and shot, Lucy replied tersely.
gpt
A man of his restricted views would sooner subscribe handsomely to a movement to put us down.
human
Are you regretting the ten guineas, Vane? Carroll questioned laughingly.
gpt
You don't look pleased.
human
The fact is, I wanted to do something that wasn't allowed. I've met with the same disillusionment here as I did in British Columbia.
gpt
Did you attempt to give somebody money there?
human
I did. It's not worth discussing; and, anyway, she wouldn't listen to me.