human
What a pretty flower! Where did my darling get it?
gpt
At Silverbel, the beautiful, beautiful place that father is going to buy when he is rich. You can't think how good mother is growing, nursie; she is getting better and better every day.
human
H'm!
gpt
Why do you make those sort of noises when I speak of my mother? I don't like it, said the child.
human
But I must tell you about Silverbel. Mother says it is practicalically ours now. I don't quite know what she means by practicalically, but I suppose she means that it is almost our place. Anyhow, when my dearest rich father comes back it will be ours, and we are going to make poor Mr. Holman quite rich, and you, darling nursie, quite rich, and--and others quite rich. We are going to have a great big bazaar at Silverbel, and the _big-wigs_ are coming to it. Isn't it a funny word! perhaps you don't know what big-wigs are, but I do.
gpt
Eat your supper and go to bed, Miss Sibyl. You are staying up a great deal too late, and you are learning things you had better know nothing about.
human
I don't want to lose the place, she said.
gpt
My husband is safe to be satisfied with my decision.
human
If you have really made up your mind to pay twenty thousand pounds for the place, and I cannot say that I think it at all dear, replied the lawyer,
gpt
I have no objection to lending you a couple of thousand pounds to pay a deposit. You need not complete the purchase for at least three months, and I have not the slightest doubt I can further arrange that you may go into possession, say--well, any time you like after the deposit money is paid.
human
Can you really?
gpt
At the worst it could be taken off your hands, he answered;
human
--he paused and looked thoughtful.
gpt
I can lend you the money if you wish it,
human
The money to enable me to pay a deposit?
gpt
Yes; two thousand pounds; I believe the owners will take that on condition that the purchase is completed, say, in October.
human
My husband will be back by then. I have a great mind to agree,
gpt
I will accept your offer, Mr. Acland. I don't know where to go in August and September, and Silverbel will be the very place. Mr. Ogilvie will thank you most heartily for your generous trust in us both when he comes back.
human
I have plenty of funds to meet this loan, thought the lawyer.
gpt
I am safe so far. Aloud he said,
human
Then I will go and see the owners to-morrow.
gpt
This clinches the matter, said Mrs. Ogilvie,
human
I will begin ordering the furniture immediately.