human
We are placing all our hopes, this year, upon the hops!
gpt
Ruined, sir!--Done for!--Lord love me! they ain't worth the trouble o? gatherin'--w'ot's left on 'em, Mr. Belloo sir.
human
So bad as that, Adam?
gpt
Bad!--ah, so bad as ever was, sir!
human
Has Miss Anthea seen,--does she know?
gpt
Ah! she were out at dawn, and Oh Lord, Mr. Belloo sir! I can't never forget her poor, stricken face,--so pale and sad it were. But she never said nothing, only: 'Oh, Adam!--my poor hops!' An' I see her lips all of a quiver while she spoke. An' so she turned away, an' came back to the 'ouse, sir. Poor lass! Oh poor lass! he exclaimed, his voice growing more husky.
human
She's made a brave fight for it, sir,--but it weren't no use, ye see,--it'll be 'Good-bye' for her to Dapplemere, arter all, that there mortgage can't never be paid now,--nohow.
gpt
When is it due?
human
Well, according to the bond, or the deed, or whatever they calls it,--it be doo--tonight, at nine o'clock, sir,--though Old Grimes,--as a special favour, an' arter much persuading,--'ad agreed to hold over till next Saturday,--on account o' the 'op-picking. But now--seeing as there ain't no 'ops to be picked,--why he'll fore-close to-night, an' glad enough to do it, you can lay your oath on that, Mr. Belloo sir.
gpt
To-night! said Bellew,
human
and he stood, for a while with bent head, as though lost in profound thought.
gpt
Adam, said he, suddenly,
human
What!--be you--goin' sir?
gpt
Yes;--hurry, man,--hurry!
human
D'ye mean as you're a-goin' to leave her--now, in the middle o' all this trouble?
gpt
Yes, Adam,--I must go to London--on business,--now hurry, like a good fellow.