human
He says to tell you that it's not unmanly of him to hanker after you now, seeing that circumstances have thrown you together without any of his seeking, and it looks as if this thing was foreordained to be. I'm afraid you'll say you're not, but don't if there's the ghost of a chance when I ask you--are you open to offers?
gpt
What does all this mean? inquired Margaret, whose hands were being vehemently squeezed and patted by her Irish friend;
human
I have not even seen any gentleman since I came on board except my friend Mr. Davenport, and one occasion Colonel Calembours, who certainly did not appear to be reduced by any visible passion.
gpt
Pooh! little beast, he's gambling all the time. No, it's not he; it's a brother of mine--there I've let the cat out of the bag, and I wasn't to do it. We'll drop that and begin at the other end. I understand all about your position in the Brand will, and I know exactly that you want to do the thing that's generous, and I hear that you are on your way to lay the whole of the fortune that you've been named heir for at the feet of St. Udo Brand, and then you'll turn round and earn your bread. Now, I say that that isn't the fate for a woman like you, and I'm here to tell this message. Give every spick and span of the property to Colonel Brand and then put these two dear hands in the outstretched hands of this lover of yours, and say you will be his since he loves you still--that's the message.
human
Who is this generous man?
gpt
Wait until I set his excellencies fair and square before you. In the first place he's as steady a boy as ever put foot to ground, which nobody ever said of St. Udo Brand.
human
Why compare him with St. Udo Brand?
gpt
Sure and is it St. Udo Brand I would compare with the likes of him! exclaimed Lady Dora scornfully,
human
I don't expect to marry him,
gpt
He's not worthy of you, cried Lady Dora, holding her off at arm's length and looking at her with dubious eyes.
human
I'll grant that he was a gallant soldier and a handsome man but he's old in sin, and it's not for you, my white dove, to nestle in the vulture's nest, and you won't--you won't!
gpt
I will hear nothing against St. Udo Brand, said Margaret, withdrawing herself and standing erect so that the generous fire in her face and voice invested her splendid figure with a dignity most queen-like;
human
I cannot expect the world to believe in the true nobility of his character, but I know it. Desperate he may have been--reckless, scorning, but the crisis of his sinning has passed, and the man is noble still; and Heaven will bless immeasurably the woman who marries him.