human
I am really shocked beyond expression to hear all this, said he, after Aubrey had, at his earnest request, explained the position in which he was placed; the dreadful loss he had sustained, the still more dreadful liabilities to which he was subject.
gpt
Really, exclaimed his Lordship,
human
he continued earnestly,
gpt
Allow me a friend's freedom, Aubrey, and let me repeat my question; are your family provided for?
human
I will be frank, Lord C----, replied Mr. Aubrey, with a strong effort to preserve his composure.
gpt
The little provision which had been made for them, is lost, with Yatton; but for them--my wife, my children, my sister--I could have submitted to this misfortune with unshrinking fortitude; but they are, alas, involved in my ruin! My wife had nothing when I married her; and of course the settlements I made on her were out of the Yatton property; as also was the little income left my sister by my father. With Yatton all is gone--that is the plain fact; and there is no disguising it.
human
The Duke of ----, I, and two or three other of your friends, were talking about these matters last night; we wish we could serve you. What is the sort of foreign service you would prefer, Aubrey?
gpt
Yes; an entire change of scene would be highly serviceable in diverting your thoughts from the distressing subjects which here occupy them, and must continue to occupy them for some time to come. Can there be a doubt of it?
human
It is very kindly meant, Lord C----; but do you really think I can for a single moment entertain the idea of quitting the country to escape from pecuniary liability?
gpt
That's the point, exactly; I decidedly think you ought to do so; that you _must_,
human
Nothing upon earth shall induce me to do so, replied Mr. Aubrey, firmly.
gpt
The bare idea shocks me. It would be the meanest, most unprincipled conduct--it would reflect disgrace on the king's service.
human
Poh--this is mere eccentricity--knight-errantry; I'm sure that when you are in a calmer mood you will think differently. Upon my honor, I never heard of such absurdity as yours, in my life. Are you to stay at home, to have your hands tied behind your back, and be thrust into prison--to court destruction for yourself and your family?
gpt
I must plead in favor of Mrs. Aubrey--your children--your sweet lovely sister;--good God! it's quite shocking to think of what you are bringing them to.
human
You torture my feelings, Lord C----, said Mr. Aubrey, tremulously and very pale;
gpt
Good God! what an outrage on common sense!--But has anything been yet said on the subject of these liabilities--these _mesne_ profits, as I think you said they are called?
human
Nothing; but they follow as a matter of course.
gpt
How is it that you owe _only_ sixty thousand pounds, Aubrey?
human
At the rate of ten thousand a-year, you must have had at least a hundred thousand pounds of the money belonging to your successor
gpt
The statute of limitations prevents more than six years' arrears being recoverable.
human
But do you intend, Aubrey, to avail yourself of such a protection against the just claims of this poor, unfortunate, ill-used gentleman? Are not the remaining forty thousand pounds justly due--money of his which you have been making away with? Will you let a mere technical rule of law outweigh the dictates of honor and conscience?
gpt
I really don't exactly understand your drift, Lord C----,
human
Well--I will explain. Your sovereign has a right to command your services; and, by obeying him and serving your country, you are enabled to prevent a malignant opponent from ruining you and your family, by extorting a vast sum of money not equitably due: I protest I see no difference in principle, Aubrey, between availing yourself of the statute of limitations, and of the call of the king to foreign service;--but we must talk of this again. By the way, what is the name of your worthy opponent? Tittlemouse, or some such strange name?
gpt
Titmouse!--By the way, you lose a seat for Yatton,
human
Ay, ay! how's that?
gpt
The gentleman whom you have named professes, I understand, Liberal principles; probably he will sit for the borough himself; at all events, he will return the member.
human
He's a poor ignorant creature, isn't he? What has made him take up with Liberal principles? By taking a little notice of him early, one might--eh?--influence him;--but--of course you don't intend to vacate this session?
gpt
I intend this day to apply for the Chiltern Hundreds; and this evening, if you like, a new writ may be moved for the borough of Yatton.
human
You _must_ come down to-night, my dear Aubrey, you really must, said Lord C----, with undisguised anxiety--with more than he had shown during the interview.
gpt
The numbers will run very close; they are stirring heaven and earth!--Good heavens! my dear Aubrey, a vote's invaluable to-night;--gad, you _sha'n't_ have the Chiltern Hundreds;[9] you mustn't really apply for it--at all events, not till to-morrow.
human
I shall sit no more in the House of Commons, said Mr. Aubrey, with a sad determined air;
gpt
Not for worlds, my dear Aubrey,
human
Then I am to direct to Yatton, when I may have occasion to write to you?
gpt
For the next three weeks only--my movements after that period are not yet fixed.
human
Adieu, Aubrey; and I entreat of you to remember me most sincerely to Mrs. Aubrey and your sister; and when you look at them,--recollect--pray, recollect our conversation of to-day.