human
Gentlemen, he said,
gpt
No one said that he did not think so. The elder Longestaffe simply bowed very coldly. Mr. Bideawhile stood upright and thrust his thumbs into his waistcoat pockets. Dolly, who at first forgot to take his hat off, whistled a bar, and then turned a pirouette on his heel. That was his mode of expressing his thorough surprise at the appearance of his debtor.
human
I fear that you do think I am intruding, said Melmotte,
gpt
he said, turning to Mr. Longestaffe, and glancing at the still open drawer,
human
The drawer was locked when I left it, said Mr. Longestaffe.
gpt
I make no deductions and draw no conclusions, but the drawer was locked.
human
Then I should say it must have been locked when you returned to it.
gpt
No, sir, I found it open. I make no deductions and draw no conclusions,--but I left it locked and I found it open.
human
I should make a deduction and draw a conclusion, said Dolly;
gpt
This can answer no purpose at all,
human
It was but a chance remark, said Melmotte.
gpt
I did not come here out of the City at very great personal inconvenience to myself to squabble about the lock of the drawer. As I was informed that you three gentlemen would be here together, I thought the opportunity a suitable one for meeting you and making you an offer about this unfortunate business. He paused a moment; but neither of the three spoke. It did occur to Dolly to ask them to wait while he should fetch Squercum; but on second thoughts he reflected that a great deal of trouble would have to be taken, and probably for no good.
human
Mr. Bideawhile, I believe, suggested Melmotte; and the lawyer bowed his head.
gpt
If I remember rightly I wrote to you offering to pay the money due to your clients--
human
Squercum is my lawyer,
gpt
That will make no difference.
human
It makes a deal of difference,
gpt
I wrote, continued Melmotte,
human
They couldn't be accepted, Mr. Melmotte.
gpt
I would have allowed interest. I never have had my bills refused before.
human
You must be aware, Mr. Melmotte, said the lawyer,
gpt
Of course I have been short of money. I have had enemies whose business it has been for some time past to run down my credit, and, with my credit, has fallen the value of stocks in which it has been known that I have been largely interested. I tell you the truth openly. When I purchased Pickering I had no idea that the payment of such a sum of money could inconvenience me in the least. When the time came at which I should pay it, stocks were so depreciated that it was impossible to sell. Very hostile proceedings are threatened against me now. Accusations are made, false as hell, --Mr. Melmotte as he spoke raised his voice and looked round the room,--
human
I have taken no proceedings as yet,
gpt
It's Squercum,
human
Well, sir, continued Melmotte addressing Dolly,
gpt
I, on behalf of my client, said Mr. Bideawhile,
human
I presume, Adolphus, that you will say as much,
gpt
I'll ask Squercum, you know,
human
Of course Mr. Squercum will act as you instruct him,
gpt
I'll ask Squercum. I'll go to him at once. I can't do any more than that. And upon my word, Mr. Melmotte, you've given me a great deal of trouble.