human
Glad to see you always, Mr. Cassilis. You came to speak about some money matters? I have an engagement in five minutes; but we shall have time, I dare say.
gpt
An engagement? Ah! a lady, perhaps.
human
A lady? Yes--yes, a lady.
gpt
Young men--young men---- said Gabriel Cassilis.
human
Well, I will not keep you. I came here to speak to you about--about my wife.
gpt
O Lord! cried Lawrence.
human
I beg your pardon--about Mrs. Cassilis?
gpt
Yes; it is a very stupid business. You have known her for a long time.
human
I have, Mr. Cassilis; for nearly eight years.
gpt
Ah, old friends; and once, I believe, people thought----
human
Once, Mr. Cassilis, I myself thought--I cannot tell you what I thought Victoria Pengelley might be to me. But that is over long since.
gpt
One for her,
human
Over long since, repeated Gabriel Cassilis.
gpt
There was nothing in it, then?
human
We were two persons entirely dissimilar in disposition, Mr. Cassilis, Lawrence replied evasively.
gpt
Perhaps I was not worthy of her--her calm, clear judgment.
human
Another for her,
gpt
Victoria is outwardly cold, yet capable of the deepest emotions. It is on her account, Colquhoun, that I come here. Foolish gossip has been at work, connecting your names. I think it the best thing, without saying anything to Victoria, who must never suspect----
human
Never suspect,
gpt
That I ever heard this absurdity. But we must guard her from calumny, Colquhoun. Cæsar's wife, you know; and--and--I think that, perhaps, if you were to be a little less frequent in your calls--and----
human
I quite understand, Mr. Cassilis; and I am not in the least offended. I assure you most sincerely--I wish Mrs. Cassilis were here to listen--that I am deeply sorry for having innocently put you to the pain of saying this. However, the world shall have no further cause of gossip.
gpt
Thank you, Colquhoun. It is good of you to take this most unusual request so kindly. With such a wife as mine jealousy would be absurd. But I have to keep her name from even a breath--even a breath.
human
Quite right, Mr. Cassilis.
gpt
Snug quarters for a bachelor--ah! I lived in lodgings always myself. I thought I heard a woman's voice as I came up-stairs.
human
From Sir Richard de Counterpane's rooms down stairs, perhaps. His nurses, I suppose. The poor old man is getting infirm.
gpt
Ay--ay; and your bedroom is there, I suppose?