human
What will you take yourself, miss? You'll take a morsel of something?
gpt
No, thank you,
human
Shan't I give you a piece of any thing at all, miss?
gpt
Nothing, thank you, said I.
human
I have only waited to see that you have every thing you want. Is there any thing I can order for you?
gpt
No, I am much obliged to you, miss, I'm sure. I've every thing I can require to make me comfortable--at least I--not comfortable--I'm never that:
human
I beg your pardon, miss? said Mr. Guppy, rising, when he saw me rise.
gpt
But would you allow me the favor of a minute's private conversation?
human
What follows is without prejudice, miss?
gpt
I don't understand what you mean,
human
It's one of our law terms, miss. You won't make any use of it to my detriment, at Kenge and Carboy's or elsewhere. If our conversation shouldn't lead to any thing, I am to be as I was, and am not to be prejudiced in my situation or worldly prospects. In short, it's in total confidence.
gpt
I am at a loss, sir, said I,
human
Thank you, miss. I'm sure of it--that's quite sufficient. All this time Mr. Guppy was either planing his forehead with his handkerchief, or tightly rubbing the palm of his left hand with the palm of his right
gpt
If you would excuse my taking another glass of wine, miss, I think it might assist me in getting on, without a continual choke that can not fail to be mutually unpleasant.
human
You wouldn't allow me to offer you one, would you, miss?
gpt
Not any,
human
Not half a glass? said Mr. Guppy;
gpt
Get up from that ridiculous position immediately, sir, or you will oblige me to break my implied promise and ring the bell!
human
Hear me out, miss!
gpt
I can not consent to hear another word, sir, I returned,
human
Yet what a mockery it is, miss, he said, with his hand upon his heart, and shaking his head at me in a melancholy manner over the tray,
gpt
I beg you to conclude, said I;
human
I will, miss, said Mr. Guppy.
gpt
As I love and honor, so likewise I obey. Would that I could make Thee the subject of that vow, before the shrine!
human
That is quite impossible, said I,
gpt
I am aware, said Mr. Guppy, leaning forward over the tray, and regarding me, as I again strangely felt, though my eyes were not directed to him, with his late intent look,
human
I am aware that in a worldly point of view, according to all appearances, my offer is a poor one. But, Miss Summerson! Angel!--No, don't ring!--I have been brought up in a sharp school, and am accustomed to a variety of general practice. Though a young man, I have ferreted out evidence, got up cases, and seen lots of life. Blest with your hand, what means might I not find of advancing your interests, and pushing your fortunes! What might I not get to know, nearly concerning you? I know nothing now, certainly; but what _might_ I not, if I had your confidence, and you set me on?