human
I never had the least idea of this ten thousand guilders which you tell me you owe,
gpt
No? her husband rejoined, with easy assurance.
human
I surely wrote you about it; or could the trifle have slipped my memory? Yes, now I remember you were with the children at Johannisbad. Löwy came and pestered me with its being such a splendid chance,--told me I had no right to hold back; and so I bought a hundred shares of Schönfeld.' Good heavens! what do I understand of business?--how is such knowledge possible for a gentleman? In the army one never learns anything of the kind, and what can one do save follow advice? I trust others far too readily,--you have always told me so; it is the natural result of the magnanimity of my nature. I blame myself for it. I am an Egmont,--a perfect Egmont. Poor Egmont! There is nothing left for me but to sigh with him, 'Ah, Orange! Orange!'
gpt
I cannot understand you; you promised me so faithfully not to speculate in stocks again.
human
But, my dear Emma, the opportunity seemed to me so brilliant a one, that I should have thought myself a very scoundrel not to try at least----
gpt
And you see the result.
human
When a man acts conscientiously and with the best intentions, he should not be reproached, even although his efforts result in failure, he said, pompously.
gpt
No, my dear Emma, not a word; do not speak now: you will only be sorry for it by and by.
human
You have always acted with the 'best intentions'! she exclaimed, hoarse with agitation,
gpt
he said, with annihilating severity.
human
What indelicacy! Well, I shall steer my course accordingly. Do as you choose in future. I have nothing more to say.