human
What a jolly life you lead, exclaimed the banker.
gpt
Tell me, you have had some good hauls lately? What?
human
The gentleman is a great joker.
gpt
Believe me, said Asabri,
human
Instead of which, he went on,
gpt
It was on the back of my neck,
human
I should have said banking, said he,
gpt
Two months ago, he said,
human
I was a rich man. To-day I have nothing. In a few days it will be known that I have nothing; and then, my friends--the deluge. Such is finance. From great beginnings, lame endings. And yet the converse may be true. I have seen great endings come of small beginnings. Even now there is a chance for a man with a little capital....
gpt
Oh, he cried,
human
How so, excellency?
gpt
Oh, said Asabri,
human
Of Wall Street?
gpt
Doubtless, said the banker,
human
Recent geographers, said Asabri,
gpt
To-morrow?
human
Two months ago, said Asabri,
gpt
I was perhaps the most envied man in Italy. To-morrow I shall be laughed at.
human
But if five thousand lire could be found?
gpt
In that case, said Asabri,
human
I should rehabilitate my fortune and that of the man, or men, who came to my assistance.
gpt
Suppose, said the sullen one,
human
My word,
gpt
Words, said this one, although his eyes fell before the steadiness of the banker's,
human
I am Asabri,
gpt
And _you_ have fallen upon evil days! I should have been less astonished if some one were to tell me that the late pope had received employment in hell.
human
Beppo, said the sullen brigand,
gpt
Will you count it, sir?