human
Why naturally?
gpt
Because you know that Mr. Hazeldean is a relation of mine,--that my grandmother was a Hazeldean.
human
Ah! said Egerton, who, as it has been before said, knew little and cared less about the Hazeldean pedigree,
gpt
I was either not aware of that circumstance, or had forgotten it. And your father thinks that the squire may leave you a legacy?
human
Oh, sir, my father is not so mercenary,--such an idea never entered his head. But the squire himself has indeed said, 'Why, if anything happened to Frank, you would be next heir to my lands, and therefore we ought to know each other.' But--
gpt
Enough, interrupted Egerton.
human
I am the last man to pretend to the right of standing between you and a single chance of fortune, or of aid to it. And whom did you meet at Hazeldean?
gpt
There was no one there, sir; not even Frank.
human
Hum. Is the squire not on good terms with his parson? Any quarrel about tithes?
gpt
Oh, no quarrel. I forgot Mr. Dale; I saw him pretty often. He admires and praises you very much, sir.
human
Me--and why? What did he say of me?
gpt
That your heart was as sound as your head; that he had once seen you about some old parishioners of his, and that he had been much impressed with the depth of feeling he could not have anticipated in a man of the world, and a statesman.
human
Oh, that was all; some affair when I was member for Lansmere?
gpt
I suppose so.
human
I have no objection.
gpt
Doubtless one of the political refugees; take care not to set Madame di Negra on his track. Remember, she is suspected of being a spy of the Austrian government.
human
Rely on me, sir, said Randal;
gpt
That is no affair of ours, answered Egerton: