human
It is no use, father, for I will never have him,
gpt
Is it about that other scamp?
human
If you mean Sir Felix Carbury, it is about him. He has been to you and told you, and therefore I don't know why I need hold my tongue.
gpt
You'll both starve, my lady; that's all. Marie however was not so wedded to the grandeur which she encountered in Grosvenor Square as to be afraid of the starvation which she thought she might have to suffer if married to Sir Felix Carbury. Melmotte had not time for any long discussion. As he left her he took hold of her and shook her.
human
By ----, he said,
gpt
Well, Miss Melmotte, he said;
human
Is yours stern, my lord?
gpt
What I mean is that sons and daughters have to obey them. I think you understand what I mean. I was awfully spoony on you that time before; I was indeed.
human
I hope it didn't hurt you much, Lord Nidderdale.
gpt
That's so like a woman; that is. You know well enough that you and I can't marry without leave from the governors.
human
Nor with it,
gpt
I don't know how that may be. There was some hitch somewhere,--I don't quite know where. --The hitch had been with himself, as he demanded ready money.
human
But it's all right now. The old fellows are agreed. Can't we make a match of it, Miss Melmotte?
gpt
No, Lord Nidderdale; I don't think we can.
human
Do you mean that?
gpt
I do mean it. When that was going on before I knew nothing about it. I have seen more of things since then.
human
And you've seen somebody you like better than me?
gpt
I say nothing about that, Lord Nidderdale. I don't think you ought to blame me, my lord.
human
Oh dear no.
gpt
There was something before, but it was you that was off first. Wasn't it now?
human
The governors were off, I think.
gpt
The governors have a right to be off, I suppose. But I don't think any governor has a right to make anybody marry any one.
human
I agree with you there;--I do indeed,
gpt
And no governor shall make me marry. I've thought a great deal about it since that other time, and that's what I've come to determine.
human
But I don't know why you shouldn't--just marry me--because you--like me.
gpt
Only,--just because I don't. Well; I do like you, Lord Nidderdale.
human
Thanks;--so much!
gpt
I like you ever so,--only marrying a person is different.
human
There's something in that to be sure.
gpt
And I don't mind telling you, said Marie with an almost solemn expression on her countenance,
human
I supposed that was it.
gpt
That is it.
human
It's a deuced pity. The governors had settled everything, and we should have been awfully jolly. I'd have gone in for all the things you go in for; and though your governor was screwing us up a bit, there would have been plenty of tin to go on with. You couldn't think of it again?
gpt
I tell you, my lord, I'm--in love.
human
Oh, ah;--yes. So you were saying. It's an awful bore. That's all. I shall come to the party all the same if you send me a ticket.