human
Oh, Felix, said the mother,
gpt
I can tell you I was terrified myself when I found that I had to come fifteen miles across the country with a pair of old jades who could hardly get up a trot.
human
But why didn't you come by the train you named?
gpt
I couldn't get out of the city,
human
I suppose you were at the Board? To this Felix made no direct answer. Roger knew that there had been no Board. Mr. Melmotte was in the country and there could be no Board, nor could Sir Felix have had business in the city. It was sheer impudence,--sheer indifference, and, into the bargain, a downright lie. The young man, who was of himself so unwelcome, who had come there on a project which he, Roger, utterly disapproved,--who had now knocked him and his household up at four o'clock in the morning,--had uttered no word of apology.
gpt
Miserable cub! Roger muttered between his teeth. Then he spoke aloud,
human
You had better not keep your mother standing here. I will show you your room.
gpt
All right, old fellow, said Sir Felix.
human
I'm awfully sorry to disturb you all in this way. I think I'll just take a drop of brandy and soda before I go to bed, though.
gpt
I doubt whether we have soda-water in the house, and if we have, I don't know where to get it. I can give you some brandy if you will come with me. He pronounced the word
human
in a tone which implied that it was a wicked, dissipated beverage. It was a wretched work to Roger. He was forced to go up-stairs and fetch a key in order that he might wait upon this cub,--this cur! He did it, however, and the cub drank his brandy-and-water, not in the least disturbed by his host's ill-humour. As he went to bed he suggested the probability of his not showing himself till lunch on the following day, and expressed a wish that he might have breakfast sent to him in bed.
gpt
He is born to be hung, said Roger to himself as he went to his room,--