human
Luke, old chap, I've gone dead against your wishes, he jerked out.
gpt
And--for the first time in my life--I'm not sorry. She'll have me.
human
I thought she would, said Lucas. He grasped the boy's hand closely.
gpt
There are times when a man--if he is a man--must act for himself, eh, Bertie?
human
I don't believe it was against your wishes after all.
gpt
Well, p'r'aps not. There was a very kindly smile in the sunken eyes.
human
I guess you're a little older than I thought you were, and anyway, she won't marry you for the dollars.
gpt
She certainly won't, said Bertie warmly.
human
But she's horribly afraid of people saying so, since Nap--
gpt
Ah! Never mind Nap!
human
Well, it's made a difference, Bertie protested.
gpt
We are not going to marry for three years. And no one is to know we are engaged except you and her father.
human
She doesn't mind me then?
gpt
What are you grinning at? No, of course she doesn't mind you. But what's the joke?
human
Look where you're going, dear fellow. It would be a real pity to break your neck at this stage.
gpt
I have it! he exclaimed.
human
You artful old fox! I believe you had first word after all. I wondered that she gave in so easily. What did you say to her?
gpt
That, said Lucas gently,
human
Oh, king, live for ever--and then some! You're just the finest fellow in the world!
gpt
Open to question, I am afraid, said the millionaire with his quiet smile.
human
And as to living for ever--well, I guess it's a cute idea in the main, but under present conditions it's a notion that makes me tired.
gpt
Who said anything about present conditions? demanded Bertie, almost angrily; and then in an altered voice:
human
Old man, I didn't mean that, and you know it. I only meant that you will always be wanted wherever you are. God doesn't turn out a good thing like you every day.
gpt
Oh, shucks!