human
What a beautifully organized country this is, Mr. Sheriff, where, on going and demanding the assistance of a public officer, instead of a long bill of costs, we get a good breakfast, a hearty welcome, a towel, and some cold water.
gpt
Oh, the bill will come by-and-by,
human
By way of desert? asked Mr. Wheatley.
gpt
Well, if it does, we must try to swallow and digest it.
human
But, if there be no secret, what is it all about, Mr. Wheatley?
gpt
Oh, no secret at all, replied my Norfolk friend.
human
One of those matters of business which occur every day--a gentleman, who owes to me and my Boston partners certain banks of ducats, as that funny old fellow, Shakspeare, would call them, which he neglected to pay; he promised them the day before yesterday morning, on the nail, in the city of Portsmouth, at the hour of the arrival of the stage; but neither he nor the dollars ever appeared. I had warned him that this was the last time--it was about the fiftieth--that he should break his promise, and I pointed out to him that though habits of intimacy and some kindness shown to me, a long time ago, when he was a man of about forty, and I a youth of twenty-two or twenty-three, had induced me to forbear, notwithstanding the after-conduct which had severed our friendship; yet, as there were other persons concerned, who had befriended him, at my request, I was now bound to see them paid.
gpt
But who is he--who is he?
human
Oh, your neighbour, Mr. William Thornton, replied Mr. Wheatley.
gpt
He told me he was to receive thirty thousand dollars this week, and would pay them over immediately; but he was like Hope, that told the flattering tale, which turned out untrue.
human
He has had his hands somewhat too full of business lately,
gpt
Yes, my dear sir, answered Mr. Wheatley.
human
I dare say there has been a little bustle in the country; but I cannot allow the sports and pastimes of a number of coloured gentlemen to interfere with regular commercial transactions.
gpt
You are not aware, my good friend, replied the sheriff,
human
Poor devil! he exclaimed.
gpt
Of his son I know nothing; but of himself I saw very much in my young days, when this Robert was a boy.
human
I trust, under the circumstances, Mr. Wheatley, said the sheriff,
gpt
I must see that the property is some way adequately secured, said Mr. Wheatley, gravely, after a moment's thought.
human
For myself, I should not care, sheriff. I could make up my mind to lose the fifteen thousand dollars, which is my share of the business; but there is another gentleman concerned, who never knew him, and is greatly irritated at his conduct.
gpt
He has been very unfortunate, you know,
human
Nay, sir, nay, replied Mr. Wheatley, drawing himself up with a sterner look than I ever thought his face could assume.
gpt
Unfortunate, truly, in being destitute alike of principle, and honour, and generosity; but in nothing else. The base and scandalous transaction which broke off my intimacy with him was the beginning of what you call his misfortunes.
human
I do not understand what you allude to, answered the sheriff.
gpt
What did he do?
human
No matter, no matter, answered Mr. Wheatley.
gpt
I cannot enter into particulars; but he grossly and grievously insulted an excellent lady, the wife of his dearest friend, while her husband was absent on a sporting trip. It was within my hearing, though he did not know I was near. That was enough to sicken me of him; but when I afterwards found that he contrived to slay Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Philistines, then Sir ----. But here come the ladies to announce breakfast, I do hope; for that is a much pleasanter thing to discuss than what we are discussing.--Miss Davenport, I kiss your shoe-strings.
human
Mr. Wheatley, I never wear shoe-strings,
gpt
Then may your shadow never be less!
human
God grant it! cried Bessy;