human
You have won! she cried.
gpt
Antony came down last night and brought us the news. Then Gertrude was over this morning and could talk of nothing else. She said you were splendid, and she got quite vexed when I told her she needn't speak as if she hadn't expected it.
human
After all, my position was a strong one, Andrew said.
gpt
It doesn't need much skill to win the game when you hold the best cards, and of course Dream Mine was the ace of trumps. Leonard could only throw down his hand when I brought it out.
human
Ah! but how did you get the ace? It wasn't by chance; you searched for it, starving, in the snow. But it's a silly metaphor--one isn't allowed to choose one's cards.
gpt
That's true, Andrew replied with a trace of gravity.
human
It was dealt to me--I think not by accident. Without it, I should not have won the game.
gpt
Well, she said, when he had helped her into the waiting trap,
human
I don't know. However, I suppose it will have to be done; though I might, perhaps, hire somebody to do the writing for me.
gpt
That would be better, Hilda laughed;
human
How so?
gpt
Can't you see it's the triumph of the foolish and looked-down-upon members of the family? You're a popular hero; Antony's a director; and I'm no longer a person who needn't be considered!
human
But what had you to do with it?
gpt
I believe I pulled some strings in a humble way. You know you're not really brilliant, Andrew, and I'm afraid you never will be. Perhaps that's why you can't see the large part we women had in your triumph. Of course, you can walk a long distance in snow-shoes and use a pickax; but who led you to think of putting the snow-shoes on?
human
Graham, I believe.
gpt
Try to use some imagination! Go back a little farther. Who made you see that Allinson's had a claim on you, encouraged you to go to Canada, and prompted you to right that horrid contractor? Can you deny that I, and Ethel, and the girl in Canada, now and then gave you the push you needed? Indeed, I think Miss Frobisher must have been very firm with you.
human
You're right, Andrew admitted.
gpt
Am I to understand that you propose to continue your supervision and assistance in my duties as the company's manager?
human
You might do worse than consult me sometimes; but you must get a good partner who knows the things you haven't learned, when Leonard leaves. Hilda looked up anxiously.
gpt
I suppose he is going to leave?
human
I'm inclined to think so, Andrew replied with some severity.
gpt
Still, I haven't seen him since the meeting. It's fortunate I know of a partner who'll make up for my deficiencies--I mean our old accountant, Sharpe.
human
But surely he has no money!
gpt
No. You may have heard that money can be valued too highly, and I believe it's true.