human
Not that, but you might easily have made a mistake; you are so careless about money matters.
gpt
Ah, that's it. I'm just careless, and so I come to grief. But I never mean to be careless any more. I'll be as precise as you. I'll balance my books every week--every day if you like--exactly as you do at that horrid shop, Aunt Hilary.
human
You see, this sum is more than we expected. How is it to be met? Think for yourself. You are a man now.
gpt
I know that, said Ascott, sullenly;
human
What idea?
gpt
I'll borrow the money from old Ascott.
human
That means, because he has already given, you would have him keep on giving--and you would take and take and take--Ascott, I'm ashamed of you.
gpt
Nonsence!--he has money and I have none; why shouldn't he give it me?
human
Why? --she repeated, her eyes flashing and her little feminine figure seeming to grow taller as she spoke--
gpt
I'll tell you, since you don't seem yourself to understand it. Because a young man, with health and strength in him, should blush to eat any bread but what he himself earns. Because he should work at any thing and every thing, stint himself of every luxury and pleasure, rather than ask or borrow, or, except under rare circumstances, rather than be indebted to any living soul for a single half-penny. I would not, if I were a young man.
human
What a nice young man you would make, Aunt Hilary!