human
Well!
gpt
As regards the property you spoke of, answered Randal,
human
I am willing to purchase it on the terms you name. The only point that perplexes me is how to account to Audley Egerton, to my parents, to the world, for the power of purchasing it.
gpt
True, said the Baron, without even a smile at the ingenious and truly Greek manner in which Randal had contrived to denote his meaning, and conceal the ugliness of it--
human
Little chance of Egerton's dying.
gpt
Humph! said the Baron.
human
However, this is a mere detail, reserved for consideration. You can now tell us where the young lady is?
gpt
Certainly. I could not this morning--I can now. I will go with you to the Count. Meanwhile, I have seen Madame di Negra: she will accept Frank Hazeldean if he will but offer himself at once.
human
Will he not?
gpt
No! I have been to him. He is overjoyed at my representations, but considers it his duty to ask the consent of his parents. Of course they will not give it; and if there be delay, she will retract. She is under the influence of passions, on the duration of which there is no reliance.
human
What passions? Love?
gpt
Love; but not for Hazeldean. The passions that bring her to accept his hand are pique and jealousy. She believes, in a word, that one, who seems to have gained the mastery over her affections with a strange suddenness, is but blind to her charms, because dazzled by Violante's. She is prepared to aid in all that can give her rival to Peschiera; and yet, such is the inconsistency of woman (added the young philosopher, with a shrug of the shoulders),
human
Woman, indeed, all over! said the Baron, tapping the snuff-box (Louis Quinze), and regaling his nostrils with a scornful pinch.
gpt
But who is the man whom the fair Beatrice has thus honored? Superb creature! I had some idea of her myself when I bought up her debts; but it might have embarrassed me, on more general plans, as regards the Count. All for the best. Who's the man? Not Lord L'Estrange?
human
I do not think it is he; but I have not yet ascertained. I have told you all I know. I found her in a state so excited, so unlike herself, that I had no little difficulty in soothing her into confidence so far. I could not venture more.
gpt
And she will accept Frank?
human
Had he offered to-day she would have accepted him!
gpt
It may be a great help to your fortunes, _mon cher_, if Frank Hazeldean marry this lady without his father's consent. Perhaps he may be disinherited. You are next of kin.
human
How do you know that?
gpt
It is my business to know all about the chances and connections of any one with whom I do money matters. I do money matters with young Mr. Hazeldean; so I know that the Hazeldean property is not entailed; and, as the Squire's half-brother has no Hazeldean blood in him, you have excellent expectations.
human
Did Frank tell you I was next of kin?
gpt
I rather think so; but I am sure _you_ did.
human
I--when?
gpt
When you told me how important it was to you that Frank should marry Madame di Negra. _Peste! mon cher_, do you think I am a blockhead?
human
Well, Baron, Frank is of age, and can marry to please himself. You implied to me that you could help him in this.
gpt
I will try. See that he call at Madame di Negra's to-morrow, at two precisely.
human
I would rather keep clear of all apparent interference in this matter. Will you not arrange that he call on her?
gpt
I will. Any more wine? No;--then let us go to the Count's.