human
With regard to Peschiera, answered Harley,
gpt
I think we must have overrated the danger we apprehended, and that his wagers were but an idle boast. He has remained quiet enough, and seems devoted to play. His sister has shut her doors both on myself and my young associate during the last few days. I almost fear that, in spite of very sage warnings of mine, she must have turned his poet's head, and that either he has met with some scornful rebuff to incautious admiration, or that he himself has grown aware of peril, and declines to face it; for he is very much embarrassed when I speak to him respecting her. But if the Count is not formidable, why, his sister is not needed: and I hope yet to get justice for my Italian friend through the ordinary channels. I have secured an ally in a young Austrian prince, who is now in London, and who has promised to back, with all his influence, a memorial I shall transmit to Vienna. _Apropos_, my dear Audley, now that you have a little breathing-time, you must fix an hour for me to present to you my young poet, the son of _her_ sister. At moments the expression of his face is so like hers.
human
Ay, ay, answered Egerton, quickly,
gpt
I will see him as you wish, but later. I have not yet that breathing-time you speak of; but you say he has prospered; and, with your friendship, he is secure from fortune. I rejoice to think so.
human
And your own _protégé_, this Randal Leslie, whom you forbid me to dislike--hard task!--what has he decided?
gpt
To adhere to my fate. Harley, if it please heaven that I do not live to return to power, and provide adequately for that young man, do not forget that he clung to me in my fall.
human
If he still cling to you faithfully, I will never forget it. I will forget only all that now makes me doubt him. But you talk of not living, Audley! Pooh!--your frame is that of a pre-destined octogenarian.
gpt
Nay, answered Audley,
human
I was but uttering one of those vague generalities which are common upon all mortal lips. And now farewell--I must see this Baron.
gpt
Not yet, until you have promised to consent to my proposal, and be once more member for Lansmere. Tut! don't shake your head. I can not be denied. I claim your promise in right of our friendship, and shall be seriously hurt if you even pause to reflect on it.
human
Well, well, I know not how to refuse you, Harley; but you have not been to Lansmere yourself since--since that sad event. You must not revive the old wound--_you_ must not go; and--I own it, Harley; the remembrance of it pains even me. I would rather not go to Lansmere.
gpt
Ah! my friend; this is an excess of sympathy, and I can not listen to it. I begin even to blame my own weakness, and to feel that we have no right to make ourselves the soft slaves of the past.
human
You do appear to me of late to have changed, cried Egerton, suddenly, and with a brightening aspect.
gpt
Do tell me that you are happy in the contemplation of your new ties--that I shall live to see you once more restored to your former self.
human
All I can answer, Audley, said L'Estrange, with a thoughtful brow,