human
Yes, you are quite right, she said;
gpt
You have heard the news, Kit?
human
Lots; but which?
gpt
Toby is engaged to Miss Murchison. The Croesum told me in the train this morning. She is coming to see you this afternoon.
human
Oh, how delightful! she cried.
gpt
Dear Toby! And Lily is most charming, and so pretty! Do you know her, Mr. Alington?
human
I have met her at your house, I think. And an heiress, is she not?
gpt
I believe she has a little money, said Kit.
human
One has heard people say so. But mere gossip, perhaps.
gpt
That will be so pleasant for Toby, he observed,
human
What a pity that it is not the custom for a bride to settle money on her husband's brother, Jack!
gpt
Yes, or give it in order to escape death duties. What opportunities for unusual kindness some people have!
human
Well, it is charming, anyhow, said Kit.
gpt
I noticed they went for a stroll in the punt yesterday afternoon, which I thought promising. A punt is so often a matrimonial agency. You aren't afraid of tipping it up like an ordinary boat. You proposed to me in a racing pair, or something skittish--do you remember, Jack?--and I said I'd do anything in the world if you would only row straight to shore. And you kept me to it. Hardly fair, was it, Mr. Alington?
human
I wonder the Matrimonial News doesn't keep a few punts for the use of clients, went on Kit, in nervous anxiety to get lunch over as quickly as possible. She had made up her mind about Alington in the last half-minute or so, and was desirous of getting a word with him, her intention being to deny his charge point-blank, and in turn accuse him.
gpt
Punts and evening hymns do wonders with people who can't quite make up their minds to propose.