human
It is I who am to take the portrait, and it is I who will pay for it, said Vance.
gpt
I understand that you have a pressing occasion for
human
Three pounds! muttered Sophy, sturdily, through the tears which her grandfather's pathos had drawn forth from her downcast eyes,
gpt
Three pounds--three--three.
human
You shall have them. But listen: I meant only to take a sketch; I must now have a finished portrait. I cannot take this by candlelight. You must let me come here to-morrow; and yet to-morrow, I understand, you meant to leave?
gpt
If you will generously bestow on us the sum you say, we shall not leave the village till you have completed your picture. It is Mr. Rugge and his company we will leave.
human
And may I venture to ask what you propose to do, towards a new livelihood for yourself and your grandchild, by the help of a sum which is certainly much for me to pay,--enormous, I might say, /quoad/ me,--but small for a capital whereon to set up a business?
gpt
Excuse me if I do not answer that very natural question at present. Let me assure you that that precise sum is wanted for an investment which promises her and myself an easy existence. But to insure my scheme, I must keep it secret. Do you believe me?
human
I do!
gpt
There is your money, sir, beforehand,
human
And how do you know, said Waife, smiling,
gpt
Well applied, and well delivered, sir, said the Comedian,
human
Did I not put enough? I am sure I felt it strongly; no one can feel the do more!
gpt
No, sir, not a shilling till the picture is completed. Nay, to relieve your mind, I will own that, had I no scruple more delicate, I would rather receive nothing till Mr. Rugge is gone. True, he has no right to any share in it. But you see before you a man who, when it comes to arguing, could never take a wrangler's degree,--never get over the Asses' Bridge, sir. Plucked at it scores of times clean as a feather. But do not go yet. You came to give us money: give us what, were I rich, I should value more highly,--a little of your time. You, sir, are an artist; and you, young gentleman?
human
I--am nothing as yet.
gpt
You are fond of the drama, I presume, both of you? Apropos of John Kemble, you, sir, said that you have never heard him. Allow me, so far as this cracked voice can do it, to give you a faint idea of him.
human
I shall be delighted, said Vance, drawing nearer to the table, and feeling more at his ease.
gpt
But since I see you smoke, may I take the liberty to light my cigar?
human
Make yourself at home,