human
You'll excuse me, Gammon, at length said he, with rather a disturbed air;
gpt
Nothing--nothing, I assure you,
human
Well, I should have _thought_ not. But, coming back to the main point, if one could but _touch_ some part of that same ten thousand pounds, I _should_ be a happy man!--Consider Gammon, what a draught there has been on my purse for this last sixteen months! Ecod!--the sleepless nights it has cost me!
gpt
Well, can you doubt being soon richly repaid, my dear sir? Only don't be too hasty.
human
I take it, Gammon, we've a lien on the rents now in the banker's hands, and to become due next quarter-day, and on the first instalment of the mesne profits, both for our bill of costs, and in respect of that same bond?
gpt
Mesne profits, Mr. Quirk? echoed Gammon, rather quickly;
human
Not got 'em--not got 'em? D--n him! then he must look sharp and _get_ 'em, that's all! You know we can't be trifled with; we must look after the interests of--Titmouse. And what's he to start with, if there's no mesne profits forthcoming? But, hang it! they must; I should say a gentle pressure, by-and-by, as soon as Aubrey's fairly got out of Yatton, must produce money, or _security_--he must know quantities of people of rank and substance that would rush forward, if they once heard him squeal
gpt
Ah, you're for putting the thumbscrews on at once--eh?
human
Ay--capital--that's _just_ what I meant!
gpt
Eugh! you heartless old reprobate! thought Gammon, nearly on the point of expressing as much; but his momentary excitement passed off unobserved by Mr. Quirk.
human
And, I must say, I agree with you, added Gammon, calmly,
gpt
Well, that's honorable, Gammon.--Oh, Gammon, how I _wish_ you would let me make a friend of you!
human
If you have one sincere, disinterested friend in the world, Mr. Quirk, I am he,