human
They say at the club that Melmotte has taken up old Longestaffe's affairs, and means to put them straight. There's an old property in Sussex as well as Caversham, and they say that Melmotte is to have that himself. There's some bother because Dolly, who would do anything for anybody else, won't join his father in selling. So the Melmottes are going to Caversham!
gpt
Madame Melmotte told me so.
human
And the Longestaffes are the proudest people in England.
gpt
Of course we ought to be at Carbury Manor while they are there. What can be more natural? Everybody goes out of town at Whitsuntide; and why shouldn't we run down to the family place?
human
All very natural if you can manage it, mother.
gpt
And you'll come?
human
If Marie Melmotte goes, I'll be there at any rate for one day and night,
gpt
You have only a life interest, Mr. Longestaffe.
human
No; only a life interest. That is customary with family estates in this country, Mr. Melmotte.
gpt
Just so. And therefore you can dispose of nothing else. Your son, of course, could join you, and then you could sell either one estate or the other.
human
There is no question of selling Caversham, sir. Lady Pomona and I reside there.
gpt
Your son will not join you in selling the other place?
human
I have not directly asked him; but he never does do anything that I wish. I suppose you would not take Pickering Park on a lease for my life.
gpt
I think not, Mr. Longestaffe. My wife would not like the uncertainty.
human
You have made Lord Alfred Grendall one! he had said in a complaining tone. Then Mr. Melmotte explained that Lord Alfred possessed peculiar aptitudes for the position.
gpt
I'm sure I could do anything that he does,