human
I'm afraid Doubleday's put out, said he.
gpt
You know, he's a very good sort of fellow; but, between you and me, don't you think he's a trifle too unsteady?
human
He's very steady in business,
gpt
Yes; but at other times I'm afraid he's not, said Hawkesbury.
human
Not that I'm blaming him. But of course, when a fellow's extravagant, and all that, it _is_ a temptation, isn't it?
gpt
Do you mean a temptation to be dishonest?
human
Well, it's rather a strong way of putting it. I don't suppose for a moment Doubleday is not perfectly trustworthy; no more does my uncle.
gpt
I should think not,
human
Of course not, said he, sweetly;
gpt
But, observed I,
human
You forget, said he,
gpt
I live at home, and haven't the chance of following Doubleday's example, even if I wished to. In fact, I'm a domestic character.
human
I thought you lived at your uncle's?
gpt
Oh, no! My father's rectory is in Lambeth. But we're just going to move into the City. I don't enjoy the prospect, I can assure you! But I say, how are you and your friend Smith getting on now?
human
The same as usual,
gpt
That's a pity! He really seems very unreasonable, considering he has so little to be proud of.
human
It's I that have got little to be proud of,
gpt
Really, Batchelor, you are quite wrong there. I think it's very generous the way you have always stuck to him--with certainly not much encouragement.
human
Well, said I,
gpt
I shall have another attempt to make it up with him.
human
Of course, it's a very fine thing of you; but do you know, Batchelor, I'm not sure that you are wise in appearing to be in such a hurry?
gpt
What do you mean?
human
I mean, I shall be as glad as any one to see you two friends again: but if you seem too eager about it, I fancy you would only be demeaning yourself, and giving him a fresh chance of repulsing you. My advice as a friend is, wait a bit. As long as he sees you unhappy about it he will have a crow over you. Let him see you aren't so greatly afflicted, and then, take my word for it, he'll come a good deal more than half way to meet you.