human
To try me? You're beyond me altogether; Elaine, are you pulling my leg?
gpt
I have about two thousand pounds.
human
Two thousand pounds! Great Scott! where did you get it from? I didn't know there was so much money in all your family.
gpt
There, again, you were mistaken. I got it from an aunt who died--not long ago.
human
When did she die?
gpt
Oh, about six months ago.
human
What was her name?
gpt
The same as mine--Harding.
human
Was she an aunt by marriage?
gpt
She was my father's sister.
human
A spinster? But I thought you told me that none of your father's relatives had two pennies to rub together.
gpt
So I thought; but I was wrong. At any rate, when she died she left me about two thousand pounds.
human
You've kept it pretty dark.
gpt
I have; I've told nobody--not even Nora.
human
Doesn't Miss Lindsay know?
gpt
She doesn't. Nobody knows--except you; and I shall be obliged by your respecting my confidence.
human
I'll respect your confidence; but--of all the queer starts! What fibs you've told!
gpt
I know I've told some; in a position like mine, one had to. But I'd made up my mind that you shouldn't know I had money, and--you didn't know.
human
I certainly did not; I scarcely realize it now; I wonder if you're joking.
gpt
No, I'm not joking.
human
Can you touch the capital? Is it in the hands of trustees? Or do you only have the income?
gpt
It is not in the hands of trustees; it is entirely at my own disposal; I can get it when I want.
human
All of it?
gpt
All of it.
human
Can you--can you get two hundred pounds before next Tuesday?
gpt
I can, and I will--if you want it. You are sure you want it?
human
Elaine, if--if you will I'll--I'll never forget it.
gpt
You shall have it on Monday if you like. He covered his face with his hands, seeming to be shaken by the stress of a great emotion. She drew closer to him, as if frightened; her voice trembled.
human
Herbert, what--what is wrong?
gpt
Nothing now--nothing!--and there never shall be anything again!--thank-God. Thank God! Considering what sort of mess it was that I was in, I didn't dare to ask God to help me out of it; but He's done it without my asking Him. Elaine, upon my word I believe it's true that God moves in a mysterious way. Elaine, hiding her face against his shoulder, burst into tears, which surprised him more than anything which had gone before. She was not a girl who cries easily, yet now she was shaken by her sobs. Putting his arms about her, he strove to comfort her, showering on her endearing epithets.
human
My sweet, my dear, my darling, what troubles you? Don't you--don't you want me to have the money? You have only to say so; I shan't mind.
gpt
Of course I want you to have it! I only want it for you!--you know I only want it for you! Herbert, are you--are you sure you love me? Tell me--tell me quite truly.
human
I am as sure as that there is the moon above us; and now I dare to tell you so; no man ever loved a woman better than I love you. I know I am unworthy; I know how, in all essentials, you are infinitely above me----
gpt
I'm not--I'm not!
human
But it shall be my constant endeavour to raise myself to your level----
gpt
Don't!--you don't know what you're saying! Don't!
human
I do know what I'm saying, and I mean it; if God gives me strength I hope, before I've finished, to prove myself worthy of the wife I've won. You hear? Then make a note of it.
gpt
Herbert, I want you to go to Mr. Dawson tomorrow, and arrange about that partnership. I'll find the fifteen hundred pounds.
human
Sweetheart, you've turned all my sorrow into joy.
gpt
And--this, sir, is supposed to be spoken in the faintest whisper--I--I think I'd like to be married pretty soon.
human
As soon as it is legally possible, madam, you shall be married, if you choose to say the word.
gpt
I don't want it in quite such a hurry as that; but--you know what I mean!--I don't want to have to wait a horrid year. Presently she asked,
human
Do you know that Mr. Lindsay's very ill?
gpt
I heard it as I came along.
human
I think he's dying. I suppose Nora'll be very rich if he does.
gpt
Let's hope that he'll not die.
human
Not die?
gpt
Why, girlie, you don't want the father to die to make the daughter rich!
human
No; of course not.