human
I'll tell you one thing, Miss Cheffington, said Mr. Bragg, all at once.
gpt
What you told me has been a relief to my mind in one way.
human
Yes, it has been a relief to my mind, and I'm bound to acknowledge it. I was afraid at one time--indeed, I'd almost made up my mind, though terribly against the grain--that you was engaged to some one else.
gpt
Some one else! exclaimed May, opening great eyes of wonder, and speaking in a tone which conveyed her _naïf_ persuasion that, in that sense, there did not exist any one else.
human
Why, whom can you mean?
gpt
I'll tell you. Yes, I'll tell you, for he's tried to thrust it in people's faces as far as he dared. Mr. Theodore Bransby.
human
Ah, yes; you're wondering how I could be such a blockhead as to think that possible. But if it had been true, you'd ha' wondered how I could be such a blockhead as to think anything else possible, said Mr. Bragg. It was the sole touch of bitterness which escaped him throughout the interview. After a brief pause he went on,
gpt
Not, you understand, that I mean to deny Mr. Rivers is far superior to young Bransby--out of all comparison, superior to him. I may, perhaps, consider Mr. Rivers fort'nate beyond his merits. That's a question we won't enter into, because you and me can't help but look at it from different points of view. But I must bear testimony that he's always behaved like a real gentleman in his duties with me; and, so far as I know, he's thoroughly upright and honourable.
human
Well done, Joshua Bragg! That was spoken like a generous-minded man.