human
He never said good-bye to me. Dr. Warrender said he was insensible for so long before death that it was useless my seeing him. He kept me out of the room, so I only saw him--afterwards. I'll never forgive the doctor for it. It was cruel!
gpt
Sophy, said Alan suddenly,
human
I don't know. I don't think so. Why should he? He was the kindest man in the world.
gpt
I am sure he was, replied the young man warmly;
human
He might have made enemies in Africa, she said gravely.
gpt
It was there he made his money, and I suppose there are people mean enough to hate a man who is successful, especially if his success results in a fortune of some two millions. Father used to say he despised most people. That was why he lived so quietly at the Moat House.
human
It was particularly quiet till you came, Sophy.
gpt
I'm sure it was, she replied, with the glimmer of a smile.
human
Still, although _he_ had not me, you had your profession.
gpt
Ah! my poor profession! I always regret having given it up.
human
Why did you?
gpt
You know, Sophy. I have told you a dozen times. I wanted to be a surgeon, but my father always objected to a Thorold being of service to his fellow-creatures. I could never understand why. The estate was not entailed, and by my father's will I was to lose it, or give up all hope of becoming a doctor. For my mother's sake I surrendered. But I would choose to be a struggling surgeon in London any day, if it were not for you, Sophy dear.
human
Horrid! ejaculated Miss Marlow, elevating her nose.
gpt
How can you enjoy cutting up people? But don't let us talk of these things; they remind me of poor dear father.
human
My dear, you really should not be so morbid. Death is only natural. It is not as though you had been with him all your life, instead of merely three years.
gpt
I know; but I loved him none the less for that. I often wonder why he was away so long.
human
He was making his fortune. He could not have taken you into the rough life he was leading in Africa. You were quite happy in your convent.
gpt
Quite, she agreed, with conviction.
human
I was sorry to leave it. The dear sisters were like mothers to me. I never knew my own mother. She died in Jamaica, father said, when I was only ten years old. He could not bear to remain in the West Indies after she died, so he brought me to England. While I was in the convent I saw him only now and again until I had finished my education. Then he took the Moat House--that was five years ago, and two years after that I came to live with him. That is all our history, Alan. But Joe Brill might know if he had any enemies.
gpt
Yes, he might. He lived thirty years with your father, didn't he? But he can keep his own counsel--no one better.
human
You are good at it too, Alan. Where were you last night? You did not come to see me.
gpt
I went for a long walk--to--to--to think out one or two things. When I got back it was too late to see you.
human
What troubled you, Alan? You have looked very worried lately. I am sure you are in some trouble. Tell me, dear; I must share all you troubles.
gpt
My dearest, I am in no trouble --he kissed her hand--
human
It's too much money, she said.
gpt
Let us dispose of some of it, then you need not be worried. Can I do what I like with it?
human
Most of it--there are certain legacies, will tell you about them later.
gpt
I am afraid the estate will be troublesome to us, Alan. It's strange we should have so much money when we don't care about it. Now, there is Dr. Warrender, working his life out for that silly extravagant wife of his!
human
He is very much in love with her, nevertheless.
gpt
I suppose that's why he works so hard. But she's a horrid woman, and cares not a snap of her fingers for him--not to speak of love! Love! why, she doesn't know the meaning of the word. We do!
human
Very well, Vicky, I dare say Alan would like you to give him a cup,
gpt
Frivolous as ever, Sophia! I give up a hope of forming your character--now!
human
Alan is doing that,