human
Here I am, you see, Mr. Emblem, he said;
gpt
I have told you already that I don't want to do anything to worry you. Let us be friends all round. This gentleman, your friend from India, will advise you, I am sure, for your own good, not to be obstinate. Lord! what is the amount, after all, to a substantial man like yourself? A substantial man, I say. He spoke confidently, but he glanced about the shop with doubtful eyes.
human
Granted that it was borrowed to get your grandson out of a scrape--supposing he promised to pay it back and hasn't done so; putting the case that it has grown and developed itself as bills will do, and can't help doing, and can't be stopped; it isn't the fault of the lawyers, but the very nature of a hill to go on growing--it's like a baby for growing. Why, after all, you were your grandson's security--you can't escape that. And when I would no longer renew, you gave of your own accord--come now, you can't deny that--a Bill of Sale on goods and furniture. Now, Mr. Emblem, didn't, you? Don't let us have any bitterness or quarreling. Let's be friends, and tell me I may send away the man.
gpt
A Bill of Sale it was, dated January the 25th, 1883, just before that cursed Act of Parliament granted the five days' notice. Here is the bailiff's man in possession. You can pay the amount, which is, with costs and Sheriff's Poundage, three hundred and fifty-one pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence, at once, or you may pay it five days hence. Otherwise the shop, and furniture, and all, will be sold off in seven days.
human
Oh, James gasped, listening with bewilderment,
gpt
Three hundred and fifty pounds! said Mr. Emblem.
human
My friend, let us rather speak of thousands. This is a truly happy day for all of us. Sit down, Mr. Chalker--my dear friend, sit down. Rejoice with us. A happy morning.
gpt
What the devil is the matter with him?
human
There was something, Mr. Chalker, Mr. Emblem went on cheerfully,
gpt
Oh, he's mad! growled James;
human
You don't seem quite yourself this morning, Mr. Emblem, said Mr. Chalker.
gpt
Perhaps this gentleman, your friend from India, will advise you when I am gone. You don't understand, Mister, he addressed Lala Roy,
human
This is the best day's work I ever did, Mr. Emblem went on.
gpt
To remember the letter, word for word, and everything! Mr. Arbuthnot has, very likely, finished the whole business by now. Thousands--thousands--and all for Iris!
human
Look here, Mr. Emblem, said the lawyer angrily.
gpt
You'll not only be a bankrupt if you go on like this, but you'll be a fraudulent bankrupt as well. Is it honest, I want to know, to refuse to pay your just debts when you've put by thousands, as you boast--you actually boast--for your granddaughter?
human
Yes, said the old man,
gpt
Iris will have thousands.
human
I think, sir, said Lala Roy,
gpt
Then why does he go on talking about thousands?
human
He has had a shock; he cannot quite understand what has happened. You had better leave him for the present.
gpt
Leave him! And nothing but these moldy old books! Here, you sir--you James--you shopman--come here! What is the stock worth?
human
It depends upon whether you are buying or selling, said James.
gpt
If you were to sell it under the hammer, in lots, it wouldn't fetch a hundred pounds.
human
There, you hear--you hear, all of you! Not a hundred pounds, and my Bill of Sale is three-fifty.
gpt
Pray, sir, said Lala Roy,
human
His grandson.
gpt
Then, sir perhaps it would be well to question the grandson further, he may know things of which we have heard nothing.