human
Ow, I say, it's most extraordinary! he declared, stroking his drooping mustache and swinging his monocle.
gpt
Why, do you know, I met the blooming bounder at Lord Yawp'n'am's--second cousin, you know, of this very decent chap, Gresham. Introduced him at my clubs and all that sort of thing, I assure you! I'll have the burning scoundrel blacklisted!
human
Thanks, said Loring with deep gratitude.
gpt
Of course that won't get back the million though.
human
Well, I'm bound to give you the right there, admitted Eugene,
gpt
And serve him right, I say; even jolly well right,
human
I must say that our friend Gresham has behaved well in the matter, added Eugene.
gpt
Birth and breeding are bound to tell. I fancy every one will admit that. What?
human
They tell a great deal, returned Loring dryly.
gpt
What did our friend Gresham do that was so decent?
human
Ow, yes, Eugene was reminded,
gpt
So you discharged Birchard,
human
Well, not exactly, replied Eugene.
gpt
You see it wasn't necessary. We never had definitely appointed him. Come to think, neither he nor Gresham insisted on it; and, anyhow, the fellow never came back to us.
human
I see, said Loring softly with a glance at Johnny.
gpt
So, you being without an agent, Gresham kindly consented to act for you--without commission.
human
Ow, yes, certainly, without commission, agreed Eugene.
gpt
Very decent indeed of him, now, wasn't it?
human
Almost pathetic, admitted Loring.
gpt
Well, Johnny, he said as they went back to the office,
human
And owe the rest of it to my friends? demanded Johnny.
gpt
Not any. I'll pay over the two and a half million I have on hand, complete the deal and stand the loss myself. I'll be broke, but I won't owe anybody.
human
You'll have to take a fresh start, he advised as lightly as possible, since one did not like to be caught expressing pity to Johnny.
gpt
You have two days left.
human
Guess again! directed Johnny.
gpt
One of them's a holiday--Decoration Day--to-morrow.
human
Tough luck, old man!
gpt
I didn't care for the million, Loring,
human
I know, agreed Loring gently, still suffering from his own hurt.
gpt
It was Constance. She may not be so keen for that million as you think.
human
I know she isn't, he admitted.
gpt
That's the hard part of it. She didn't seem to care when I had it--not for it or for me. Up to that time I thought there was a chance. Now the loss of this money doesn't really hurt. What good would a million dollars do me?