human
I feel, Mr. Aubrey, that I have broken my promise to the Attorney-General, who extracted from me a solemn pledge, to endeavor so to manage the matter as that you should never know it. What is it, after all--noble as it is--to the Attorney-General, with his £12,000 or £15,000 a-year?
gpt
Oh--do not talk _so_, Mr. Runnington; I am overpowered, oppressed. Never in all my life have I experienced feelings like those by which I am now agitated!
human
How much does that leave me your debtor?
gpt
Why--really it is hard to say, unprepared--I should imagine--if you will really force me to speak of such an unpleasant topic--that our account is reduced to some £1,500 or £1,600--about which
human
Then there is Mr. Parkinson's, said Aubrey, in a low tone, but with a desperate air; presently adding--
gpt
Here are some £6,000 or £7,000 to start with; and _then_ we come to the mesne profits--gracious, gracious God! he suddenly added with a visible shudder. He folded his arms convulsively, and gazed, for a second or two, at Mr. Runnington, with an eye, the expression of which was overpowering. In his face Mr. Runnington beheld no longer the melancholy mildness to which he had been accustomed, but a sternness and power were apparent in his features, which Mr. Runnington had not imagined them capable of exhibiting. They told of a strong soul thoroughly roused, and excited, and in agony. At that moment a knocking was heard at the door, as of very little fingers.
human
Come in! exclaimed Mr. Aubrey, with unusual quickness and sternness. He was obeyed--and Charles's little face peeped into the room timidly. He was evidently quite startled by the tone in which he had been addressed.
gpt
Come in, my child! said Mr. Aubrey, rather tremulously, when he saw that it was _his son_, and observed the apprehensiveness overspreading his little features. Charles immediately advanced, with a serious submissive air, saying--
human
This letter is just come--Mamma sent me with it, dear papa
gpt
Give it me, Charles, said Mr. Aubrey, extending his hand for it, while with the other he gently placed the child upon his lap, and kissed him.
human
I'm not angry with you, Charles,
gpt
I've not been naughty, you know, dear papa!
human
No, no, my little love. The ruined FATHER could say no more; but putting aside the child's flowing curly locks from his temples, as it were mechanically, he gazed on his little face for a moment, and then folded him in his arms with unspeakable tenderness. Mr. Runnington rose, and stood for some moments gazing through the window, unwilling that his own emotion should be observed. When Mr. Aubrey opened the letter, it proved to be from the publisher of the Review to which he had sent his article, enclosing a check for forty guineas, expressing an earnest desire that he would continue his contributions, and assuring him that the editor considered the article
gpt
As soon as he had glanced over the letter--
human
You little messenger of hope and mercy! he thought, again kissing his son, who sat passively gazing at the agitated countenance of his FATHER--
gpt
I cannot, I will not despair! You have brought me, as it were, a ray of light from heaven, piercing the fearful gloom of my situation; 'tis a token, surely, that I am not forgotten: I feel as though an angel, momentarily brightening the night of sorrow, had come and whispered in my ear--'COURAGE!' His features began to resume their natural serenity of expression.
human
Take it in to your mamma,