human
Lord, Gammon! isn't it glorious? quoth Mr. Quirk, heatedly, rubbing his hands together;
gpt
--and he shook his partner's hand with vehement cordiality.
human
This fellow Aubrey is a trump--isn't he?--Egad, if I'd been in his shoes--one way or another, I'd have stuck at Yatton for a dozen years to come--ah, ha!
gpt
Yes, I am sure you would--if you had been able,
human
Ay, that I would, replied he, with a triumphant chuckle--
gpt
We've put an ape into possession of Paradise--that's all
human
Humph!--what of that? said Mr. Quirk--
gpt
It answers _our_ purposes, at any rate! By the way, Gammon, you see what's said about our bill--eh? The sooner it's made out the better, I should say--and--ahem! hem!--while Mr. Aubrey's on the tight rope he won't think of looking down at the particular items, will he? I should say, _now's_ our time; and we should strike while the iron's hot! I've got _rather_ a stiff entry, I can assure you. I must say Snap's done his duty; and _I've_ not had my eyes shut--or my pen idle! You know one _must_ live in these hard times--eh?
human
You must not _overdo_ it, Mr. Quirk--but all that I leave, as usual, to your admirable management, as to that of a first-rate man of business. You know I'm a sad hand at accounts; but you and Snap are perfect adepts--in short, I'm satisfied you'll do all that should be done.
gpt
Ay, ay, trust us! interrupted Quirk, quickly, with a significant nod, and fancying himself and Snap already at work, plundering the poor Aubreys.
human
And, by the way, Gammon, there are the mesne profits--that's a mighty fine postscript of theirs, isn't it? and replacing his spectacles, he read it over aloud.
gpt
All my eye, of course! he added, as he laid down the letter--
human
That will be quite an after consideration,
gpt
Egad--an _after_ consideration? Hang me if I think so, Gammon! There's a certain _bond_--eh? don't you recollect
human
I assure you, Mr. Quirk, that my eye is fixed quite as steadily and anxiously on that point as yours,
gpt
Thank you--thank you, Gammon! replied Quirk, with the air of a man suddenly relieved from apprehension--
human
he dropped his voice,
gpt
Very great caution is necessary, Mr. Quirk, just now
human
You _don't_ think the young scamp's going to turn round on us, and snap his fingers in our face, eh?
gpt
If you leave him implicitly to me, you shall get all you want,