human
Ah, said Lumley, assuming a melancholy air,
gpt
I am glad that you are arrived; you will excuse my having written to you so unceremoniously. You received my note--sit down, pray--and how are you? you look delicate--can I offer you anything?
human
Wine, said Cesarini, laconically,
gpt
You have news to communicate--I see it in your brow. I am now ready to hear all.
human
Well, then listen to me; you were right in your suspicions; jealousy is ever a true diviner. I make no doubt Othello was quite right, and Desdemona was no better than she should be. Maltravers has proposed to my cousin; and been accepted.
gpt
Curse him! said he, at last, drawing a deep breath, and betwixt his grinded teeth--
human
And after such a letter to you!--do you remember it?--here it is. He warns you against Lady Florence, and then secures her to himself--is this treachery?
gpt
Treachery black as hell! I am an Italian, cried Cesarini, springing to his feet, and with all the passions of his climate in his face,
human
Will you call him out? asked Lumley, musingly and calmly.
gpt
Are you a dead shot? If so, it is worth thinking about; if not, it is a mockery--your shot misses, his goes in the air, seconds interpose, and you both walk away devilish glad to get off so well. Duels are humbug.
human
Mr. Ferrers, said Cesarini, fiercely,
gpt
I do not make it a jest; and what is more, Cesarini, said Ferrers, with a concentrated energy far more commanding than the Italian's fury,
human
You would be avenged, so would I. Now what shall be the means?
gpt
I will stab him to the heart--I will--
human
Cease these tragic flights. Nay, frown and stamp not; but sit down, and be reasonable, or leave me and act for yourself.
gpt
Sir, said Cesarini, with an eye that might have alarmed a man less resolute than Ferrers,
human
You are in distress, and you refuse relief; you are bankrupt in fortune, and you rave like a poet, when you should be devising and plotting for the attainment of boundless wealth. Revenge and ambition may both be yours; but they are prizes never won but by a cautious foot as well as a bold hand.
gpt
What would you have me do? and what but his life would content me?
human
Take his life if you can--I have no objection--go and take it; only just observe this, that if you miss your aim, or he, being the stronger man, strike you down, you will be locked up in a madhouse for the next year or two at least; and that is not the place in which I should like to pass the winter--but as you will.
gpt
You!--you!--But what are you to me? I will go. Good day, sir.
human
Stay a moment, said Ferrers, when he saw Cesarini about to leave the room;
gpt
Read that letter which Maltravers wrote to you. You have finished--well--now observe--if Florence sees that letter she will not and cannot marry the man who wrote it--you must show it to her.
human
Ah, my guardian angel, I see it all! Yes, there are words in this letter no woman so proud could ever pardon. Give me it again, I will go at once.
gpt
Pshaw! You are too quick; you have not remarked that this letter was written five months ago, before Maltravers knew much of Lady Florence. He himself has confessed to her that he did not then love her--so much the more would she value the conquest she has now achieved. Florence would smile at this letter, and say, 'Ah, he judges me differently now.'
human
Are you seeking to madden me? What do you mean? Did you not just now say that, did she see that letter, she would never marry the writer?
gpt
Yes, yes, but the letter must be altered. We must erase the date;--we must date it from to-day;--to-day--Maltravers returns to-day. We must suppose it written, not in answer to a letter from you, demanding his advice and opinion as to your marriage with Lady Florence, but in answer to a letter of yours in which you congratulate him on his approaching marriage to her. By the substitution of one pronoun for another, in two places, the letter will read as well one way as another. Read it again, and see; or stop, I will be the lecturer.
human
I will do all, fear me not. It may be villainous, it may be base; but I care not, Maltravers shall not rival, master, eclipse me in all things.
gpt
Where are you lodging?
human
Where?--out of town a little way.
gpt
Take up your home with me for a few days. I cannot trust you out of my sight. Send for your luggage; I have a room at your service.