human
By-the-by, said Levy, one morning, as he was about to take leave of Audley and return to town--
gpt
Say Mrs. Bertram!
human
Ay; will she not be in want of some pecuniary supplies?
gpt
My wife!--not yet. I must first be wholly ruined before she can want; and if I were so, do you think I should not be by her side?
human
I beg pardon, my dear fellow; your pride of gentleman is so susceptible that it is hard for a lawyer not to wound it unawares. Your wife, then, does not know the exact state of your affairs?
gpt
Of course not. Who would confide to a woman things in which she could do nothing, except to tease one the more?
human
True, and a poetess, too! I have prevented your finishing your answer to Mrs. Bertram's last letter. Can I take it--it may save a day's delay--that is, if you do not object to my calling on her this evening.
gpt
Object! no!
human
Be quick, or I shall lose the coach.
gpt
There. And I should be obliged to you if you _would_ call; and without alarming her as to my circumstances, you can just say that you know I am much harassed about important affairs at present, and so soothe the effects of my very short answers--
human
To those doubly-crossed, very long, letters--I will.
gpt
Poor Nora, said Egerton, sighing,
human
You must have done so. I never thought it in you to sacrifice the world to a woman.
gpt
Nor I either; but, added the strong man, conscious of that power which rules the world infinitely more than knowledge--conscious of tranquil courage--
human
Well said! But in the mean while, for heaven's sake, don't attempt to go to London, nor to leave this place; for, in that case, I know you will be arrested, and then adieu to all hopes of Parliament--of a career.