human
I don't know what you call knowledge. I can only say that I am sure that you have not yet got to the root of the matter; that there is still something to be explained; because I am convinced that my father has left behind him a great deal of money.
gpt
It is more than probable you are right; nothing will surprise me more than to learn that he hasn't; all that is wanted is a clue. Tell us on what you found your conviction.
human
It is not altogether easy, but I'll try. The faintest touch of colour tinged her cheeks.
gpt
You know I am engaged to be married. My father, in congratulating me, said that the fact that Mr. Spencer had no money wouldn't matter, because I should have enough for both. I am sure he would not have said that had it not been true; I know my father.
human
In other words, he practically told you that, after he was gone, he would leave you well provided for.
gpt
That was what it amounted to, yes.
human
He said nothing about the quarter from which the provision was to come?
gpt
He said nothing except what I have told you; but, for me, that is enough.
human
No doubt, Miss Nora, but what we want is something which will tell us where the money which he spoke of is to be found.
gpt
It will be found.
human
Where? how? when? These questions must be answered.
gpt
They will be answered, in God's good time.
human
I wish to say nothing in the least impious; but if it is to be in good time the answer must come now; before Cloverlea is sold, and you are homeless.
gpt
Cloverlea--sold? The notion seemed to startle her.
human
Who talks of selling Cloverlea?
gpt
My dear young lady, here's a creditor for over four thousand pounds, who writes to say that if his claim is not settled at once proceedings will immediately be taken against your father's estate----
human
Four thousand pounds! To whom did my father owe four thousand pounds?
gpt
That's the worst of it; it's a money-lender.
human
A money-lender?
gpt
The fellow holds your father's paper--promissory notes--to the amount of nearly four thousand five hundred pounds, which is now overdue; and he says he has other paper, which will mature shortly, to the extent of another five thousand pounds. And he is not the only one; claims have been raining in from similar gentry. It actually appears that your father owed them at least thirty thousand pounds.
human
I don't believe it.
gpt
I found it hard to credit; but--there are the bills, accepted by your father; what do you suggest? that they are forgeries?
human
At present I suggest nothing; what can I suggest? But I do not believe that my father ever borrowed money from a usurer.
gpt
I am afraid that this is not a matter with which we can deal as a question of belief; do you propose to contest these claims? If so, notice must be given at once; you must clearly understand what that would mean; you would have to prove that the signatures upon these bills, which purport to be your father's, are forgeries; I don't know in which event the consequences would be more serious, if you proved it or if you failed to prove it.
human
How do the people who hold these bills pretend they got them?
gpt
Guldenheim, who is the chief holder, is, in his way, a perfectly respectable man, and enormously rich. I called on him yesterday to put that question. He looked me up and down; and then observed that if payment was not made this week he should commence proceedings, when he would supply the Court with all the necessary information; then he asked his clerk to show me to the door. I am afraid there was something in the manner in which I asked the question which he resented, and perhaps was entitled to resent.
human
What will be the result if he does take proceedings?
gpt
Probably in a short time you'll have the sheriff's officers in the house, and, perhaps before you've had time to turn round, you'll be left without a roof to cover you. Whatever happens we must avoid that.
human
How are we going to avoid it? How are we going to find money with which to pay these men?
gpt
My proposal is that the creditors should be called together all of them; we will explain to them exactly how matters stand; and then I think, for their own sakes, they will join with us in making the best of what your father has left.
human
As you say that Cloverlea is all that my father has left I presume that means that, in any case, Cloverlea will have to be sold, that we, my home and I, are at the mercy of a gang of usurers.
gpt
I am afraid I don't see what else is to be done.
human
Thank you; that is all I wish to know. She stood up, very erect; on her face there was still no sign of bitterness, only a quiet calmness, which was in strange contrast with the conspicuous lack of ease which marked the bearing of the others.
gpt
Do not suppose, she said, in a voice which was very soft and gentle,
human
She stopped, as if, for the moment, she was unable to continue; and then added,
gpt
I'll think over all that you have said.