human
Thomas Rookwood.
gpt
Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Durham!
human
Hans! said Edith, a light flashing on her,
gpt
I was not sent,
human
Hans, thou admirable rascal! cried Temperance, laying her hands on his shoulders,
gpt
I do believe thou didst pay this money. If thou own not the truth, I'll shake thee in twenty bits.
human
Methinks, Mrs Temperance, you should shake yourself in forty ere you did it.
gpt
Answer me this minute, thou wicked knave! didst thou pay this money, or no?
human
I was there when it was paid.
gpt
I'll wager my best boots thou wert! Was any else there?
human
Certainly.
gpt
Who beside?
human
The cat, I believe.
gpt
Hans, tell me! said Lady Louvaine.
human
Is it possible these debts were paid with thy money? How shall I repay thee, my true and dear friend?
gpt
Nay, Madam! do you forget that you paid me first--that I owe unto you mine own self and my very life? From the time we came hither I have seen pretty clearly which way Aubrey was going; and having failed to stay him, methought my next duty was to save all I could, that you should not at some after-time be cumbered with his debts. Mr Rookwood's and Patrick's, whereof I knew, have I discharged; and the other, for which I have a sufficiency, will I deal withal to-morrow, so that you can tell Aubrey he is not a penny in debt--
human
Save to thee, my darling boy.
gpt
There are no debts between brothers, Madam, or should not be.
human
Hans, thou downright angel, do forgive me!
gpt
Dear Mrs Temperance, I should make a very poor angel; but I will forgive you with all mine heart when I know wherefore I should do it.
human
Why, lad, here have I been, like an old curmudgeon as I am, well-nigh setting thee down as a penny-father, because I knew not what thou didst with thy money. It was plain as a pikestaff what Aubrey did with his, for he set it all out on his back; but thy habit is alway plain and decent, and whither thy crowns went could I never tell. Eh, but I am sorry I misjudged thee thus! 'tis a lesson for me, and shall be my life long. I do believe thou art the best lad ever trod shoe-leather.
gpt
Well, 'tis a very proper deed, Hans, and I am glad to see in you so right a feeling,
human
The Lord bless thee, my boy! added Lady Louvaine, with emotion.
gpt
But how may I suffer thee to pay Aubrey's debts?
human
I scarce see how you shall set about to help it, Madam, said Hans with a little laugh of pleasure.
gpt
I thank God I have just enough to pay all.
human
And leave thyself bare, my boy?
gpt
Of what, Mrs Edith? asked Hans with a smile.