human
interspersed with millinery discussions and shrewd female handling of current society events, made things more tolerable. Lady Richardson babbled herself in, with a box of chocolate from Sir Billy--a consolation not unpalatable to Leah, who liked Billy and loved sweets.
gpt
Both being acquired tastes,
human
So thoughtful of him, isn't it? chattered Lady Richardson, who was coloured in subdued tints, with a gown to match, for the visit.
gpt
The dear boy! He said to me that we must prevent you from breaking your heart.
human
And prescribes eating, said Leah, humorously.
gpt
I never knew Sir Billy was so young. Thank him for me, Fanny, and tell him that when I think of taking a second I'll give him a look in.
human
Oh, Billy has thought of that already--such a boy as he is. You're sure to have a badly spelt proposal from him, dear. But seriously speaking, will you,--oh, of course you will.
gpt
Why should I?--you have not.
human
My heart is buried in the grave of Billy's father,
gpt
Dig it up again.
human
Well, there's Reggy Lake, of course; but he's so poor.
gpt
All the more reason that he should propose. You have a good jointure.
human
Settled entirely on myself, said the little woman, shrewdly; then added romantically,
gpt
I must be loved for myself alone.
human
Oh! Lady Jim shrugged.
gpt
If you expect miracles!
human
Really, Leah!
gpt
I mean that men are selfish, dear. They always have their eye on the cash-box, you know.
human
I hope that won't be your fate, darling,
gpt
Oh, my face is my fortune, Fanny. Jim, poor dear spendthrift, has left me with only a few thousands, which won't last long.
human
I should think not, in your hands, dear. But there is Mr. Askew and Dr. Demetrius--both admire you.
gpt
Admiration does not necessarily mean marriage. And at present I think more of my loss than of a second husband.
human
So sweet of you, and so proper. But you might take a look at the market. Mr. Trent, now, the South African. He's a millionaire.
gpt
So I should think, from his manners.
human
Lord Canvey!
gpt
Would give me a grandmother-in-law of the worst.
human
Sir Jacob Machpelah!
gpt
The man who has taken his name from Abraham's cemetery? I suppose he thought it sounded Scotch. No, thanks. My name is Hebrew, but my tastes are Gentile.
human
Johnny Danesbury!
gpt
A penny doll with a squeak. I want a man.
human
Colonel Harrington!
gpt
He's a brute, without instinct. I begin to think you keep a matrimonial agency, Fanny.
human
It wouldn't pay, were you my only client, retorted Lady Richardson, still remembering the miracle dig.
gpt
No one seems to satisfy you. I believe you mean to marry Askew, after all. What of him?
human
He's a nice footman, and doesn't ask wages. Aren't these suggestions rather premature? My heart, like yours, may be in my husband's grave.
gpt
I didn't know he was buried yet, said the little woman, crossly.
human
How impossible you are, darling!
gpt
Always, when people get on my nerves, dear.
human
I believe you want some other woman's husband?
gpt
Oh dear no! I never covet my neighbour's ass.
human
So glad if I have cheered you up, dear [kiss]! Bear up and don't break your heart [kiss, kiss]! So sweet your sorrow, and so genuine [kiss, kiss, kiss]!
gpt
Cat!