human
Well, Jim, she said more graciously, for she was sufficiently a woman to be pleased with her husband's grudging compliments.
gpt
Now that you have finished saying sweet things, what next?
human
This business. We're on the----
gpt
Jim, if you say that again I'll leave you to get out of the trouble yourself. You're my husband. Think of something.
human
I can't--unless it's the insurance.
gpt
The insurance, said Leah, thoughtfully;
human
Old Jarvey Peel, my godfather, had my life insured when I was a child, and arranged that his heirs should pay up the money every year to keep it in force. Then there's accumulations of sorts. I don't understand these stale things myself, Leah, but I know that there's over twenty thousand.
gpt
Can't you raise money on it?
human
No; the old man arranged that I should lose it if I tried that game. Lord, said Jim, with disgust,
gpt
But how does it benefit you? asked his wife, curiously;
human
Oh no, you don't, snapped Jim, not at all pleased at this hint;
gpt
You're over thirty now, Jim.
human
Thirty-five, and you're only five years younger; so when we get the cash at sixty there won't be any enjoyment left for either of us.
gpt
Thirty-five from sixty, murmured Lady Jim.
human
Leaves how much, Jim?
gpt
Twenty-five, replied Kaimes, after wrinkling his brow and communing with his none too quick brain.
human
Beastly long time to wait.
gpt
There's no chance of your getting it sooner?
human
Not the slightest. I can't get a cent on it, and I can't sell it, and I can't use it in any way. Jarvey Peel was a silly old ass. Died worth no end of coin, and didn't leave me a penny.
gpt
But if you died, Jim?
human
Drop it,
gpt
Well, but supposing you did?
human
Then I 'spose the money would be paid to you, said Jim, kicking the hearth-rug with a gloomy face;
gpt
And what about me?
human
Oh, you must look after yourself, said Jim, heartlessly;
gpt
What's the use of talking rubbish? said Lady Jim, crossly;
human
Not to oblige you, my dear, so don't think it.
gpt
Then don't let us talk any more of the impossible.
human
Is it impossible?
gpt
What is it?
human
I might _pretend_ to die, you know, said Jim, looking at her very directly;
gpt
But it's ridiculous, cried Leah, raising her eyebrows;
human
Who cares? You know I never stop longer in England than I can help. As to my position, it's all debts and duns, and squabbling with you. Oh, I'd give up the whole thing for the money!
gpt
You never think of me.
human
Got enough to do to think of myself, grumbled Kaimes;
gpt
That's right, Jim, take the lion's share to yourself.
human
Well, shouldn't I be paying the largest price for getting the cash?
gpt
There would be very little sacrifice in it so far as you are concerned, she said.
human
You've been three times to South America since we were married, and I presume with this money you would go there again.
gpt
I'd go out of your life for ever.
human
Oh, well, she said coolly;
gpt
I could show my respect to your memory by wearing a widow's dress. I expect I should look rather nice in a cap.