human
And now I've an item of news to tell you which may, or may not, interest you. I am engaged to be married.
gpt
May I ask the lady's name?
human
Miss Hermia Rivers. I don't think you are acquainted with her, but you may, perhaps, have heard of her existence. She is niece to John Brancker, and lives with him at Nairn Cottage.
gpt
John Brancker's niece!
human
What is there to be surprised at, may I ask?
gpt
Has the young lady any dowry--any fortune of her own?
human
Not one penny,
gpt
Hum! That's rather a pity, is it not, when there are so many well-to-do young ladies in Ashdown--you know how scarce eligible men are in these small provincial towns--among whom, and I say it with no wish to flatter you, you might have your pick and choice.
human
That may or may not be the case, but seeing that there is not one among the young ladies in question whom I have any wish to make my wife, there is no need to drag them into the question.
gpt
I was not aware that you were in a position to marry, said Edward, coldly;
human
I simply said that I was engaged to be married, rejoined Clem equably.
gpt
I mentioned no date for the ceremony. In all probability it won't take place for a couple of years at the soonest, by which time I hope to be in a position which will render my marriage with a portionless girl not quite such an imprudence as you seem, and perhaps rightly, to think it would be now. Till that time comes, he added, smilingly,
human
I will refrain from asking you to congratulate me.